Ozempic is a brand-name medication that needs to be stored properly before and after it’s used. It is sensitive to high and low temperatures.
This medication can only be kept out of the refrigerator for a short time after it’s used. Ideally, it should be refrigerated before and after each dose.
Storage
If you are going to travel, the best way to store your ozempic is in a medical-grade travel cooler. These are specially designed to make it easier for you to store temperature-sensitive medicines like insulin, liraglutide, and Ozempic.
During travel, always remember to keep your Ozempic pen out of the heat and direct sunlight. It is not safe to expose it to temperatures above 86degF (30degC).
Ozempic comes in 2 different pens: 0.5 mg/1.5 mL and 2 mg/3 mL. Your doctor may prescribe a different strength depending on your condition.
Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue medicine that helps to control blood glucose levels. It also suppresses the production of glucose in the liver, which can help you to lose weight.
Dosage
Ozempic comes in a variety of dose pens, including 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg. This medication should be used only for the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists). When these drugs are used to treat diabetes, they increase the amount of insulin your body makes when blood sugar levels are high.
They also reduce the amount of glucose your liver makes, which helps your blood sugar go down. They decrease your appetite and slow down the emptying of your stomach, so you feel full and eat less.
Unlike Wegovy, which is only approved for use in people with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is used to treat obesity and may be covered by insurance if prescribed off label. Medicare and some insurance plans cover Ozempic for people who have type 2 diabetes, but Wegovy is often not covered by them.
Precautions
If you have a new ozempic pen, it should be refrigerated at 36degF to 46degF (2degC to 8degC) until you use it. Then, it can be stored at room temperature (between 59degF to 86degF or 15degC to 30degC) for up to 56 days.
It should be stored away from light and heat. You should also replace the cap after each dose to protect the medicine from light damage.
Ozempic is used with diet and exercise to help improve blood sugar in people with diabetes or overweight who have type 2 diabetes. It can help you lower your blood sugar levels, but it won’t work if you don’t follow the diet and exercise guidelines recommended by your doctor.
Some people who take ozempic may experience symptoms like nausea, bloating and gas. If you have these symptoms, stop using ozempic and tell your doctor right away. These symptoms may be serious and require medical treatment. Greasy foods can also increase your risk of these symptoms, so you should avoid them while you’re taking ozempic.
Contraindications
Ozempic is a type of medication that needs to be refrigerated. This helps it maintain its effectiveness and avoids any deterioration.
It should not be frozen, as it degrades quickly when left at this temperature. Instead, it should be stored in the refrigerator between 36degF to 46degF (2degC – 8degC).
If you are traveling with Ozempic, use a small cooler bag with ice packs and declare it to the T.S.A if traveling by air.
During your treatment with Ozempic, you may experience nausea and vomiting. These symptoms usually go away on their own as your body adjusts to the medication.
Your prescriber will be able to recommend over-the-counter medicines to help with these side effects.
You should also let your doctor know if you have or have had diabetic retinopathy, gallbladder problems, or an allergy to the drug. These conditions may increase your risk of developing serious side effects.