Treatment for type 2 diabetes includes different types of medications such as Metformin, Sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, Thiazolidinediones and insulin. Ozempic brand name of semaglutide belongs to the category of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The drug is typically prescribed along with changes in diet and regular exercise to lower blood sugar levels in adults. The drug works by stimulating the release of insulin and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver, apart from slowing down the emptying of the stomach, resulting in improved blood sugar control and weight loss. Following sub sections offer detailed information about the drug, and also answers a common question among users regarding its use – does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
Different forms of Ozempic
It is important to understand the form in which Ozempic is available to be able to understand it better. Ozempic is available as a subcutaneous injection in a pre-filled pen device, in two doses: 0.5 mg and 1 mg. It is administered once weekly by injection subcutaneously in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Ozempic is not to be taken orally, as it would not be effective and may also cause potential harm. The drug is also not to be mixed with insulin or other medications in the same syringe.
What is the ideal dosage of Ozempic?
The ideal dosage of Ozempic depends on various factors, including medical history, current blood sugar levels, and the patient’s response to the medication. The starting dose of Ozempic is typically 0.25 mg once a week for four weeks, followed by an increase to 0.5 mg once a week. After at least four weeks of treatment with the 0.5 mg dose, healthcare providers usually increase the dose to 1 mg once a week, depending on blood sugar levels and other factors. The above information is only to serve as a broad reference and will not replace a physician’s advice or recommendations.
Mechanism of Ozempic
Ozempic binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, found in various tissues throughout the body. Upon activation, the GLP-1 receptor stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas and reduces the production of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. In addition to effects on insulin and glucagon, Ozempic also slows down the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach and increases feelings of fullness. This leads to a decrease in food intake, contributing to weight loss in some patients. Overall, the activation of the GLP-1 receptor by Ozempic leads to a reduction in blood sugar levels and improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
How to take Ozempic?
The medication is administered by subcutaneous injection – injected under the skin, with general guidelines for administration.
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling the Ozempic pen.
- Select the injection site – stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely.
- Remove the cap from the Ozempic pen and attach a new needle.
- Dial the prescribed dose of Ozempic. Ensure the dose counter shows the correct number of units.
- Pinch the skin at the injection site and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
- Press the injection button to deliver the medication. Hold the button down for at least 5 seconds to ensure that the full dose is administered.
- Remove the needle and dispose of it safely.
- Replace the cap on the Ozempic pen and store it at room temperature until next dose.
Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
It is now time to answer the above question. Before its first use, Ozempic should be refrigerated between 2-8°C (36-46°F). However, after the first use, the pen can be stored at room temperature below 30°C (86°F) for up to 56 days. In other words, an unopened Ozempic should be kept in the refrigerator until first time use. After the pen has been opened, it can be store at room temperature, but it is not to be used beyond the expiration date or beyond 56 days after the first use, whichever is earlier.
Side effects of Ozempic
Al medications come with the possibility of undesirable outcomes and Ozempic is no exception. Here are some of the commonly reported undesirable outcomes of the drug. It is necessary to add here that all users of the medication are not likely to experience side effects and only a small section will have to dela with certain effects.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
In addition to the above, there is also the possibility of users experiencing stronger or adverse effects, as listed below.
- Acute pancreatitis
- Hypoglycemia
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
- Retinal disorders, including diabetic retinopathy
Drug interactions of Ozempic
Ozempic is also known to interact with other medications, and patients are to inform treating specialists about all medication in use. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Categories of medications that can interact with Ozempic include the following:
- Ozempic when used in combination with other medications such as insulin that lower blood sugar can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
- When Ozempic is used with medications that have a similar mechanism of slowing down the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach can further delay stomach emptying and increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
- Ozempic is known to reduce the absorption of oral medications for contraception. Consequently, the efficacy of the medication may be affected, and it is therefore necessary to use alternative methods of birth control while on the diabetes medication.
- Ozempic is also known to impact the effects of blood thinners such as Warfarin, and this may result in a possible increase in risk of bleeding.
The above information is intended for the purpose of reference only and is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. Patients are to seek medical advice regarding use of Ozempic along with other medications. It may at times, also be necessary to modify dosages or alter intake schedules of drugs to minimize or mitigate the possibility of undesirable effects.
Education: Bachelor’s in Journalism with a minor in Nutrition from Northwestern University. Experience: 15 years as a health journalist, writing for major publications like The New York Times and TIME, with a focus on diet, exercise, and chronic disease management.
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