Uses
What is Ozempic used for?
Ozempic is commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic is used to lower the risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or death) in people who have type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Ozempic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Ozempic work (mechanism of action)?
Ozempic works to improve blood sugar in 3 different ways. Ozempic works to stimulate your pancreas to release more insulin after you eat, prevents your liver from releasing stored sugars, and slows down the movement of food through your body.
How is Ozempic supplied (dosage forms)?
Ozempic is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin.
- 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg solution for injection, pre-filled pens
- 1 mg solution for injection, pre-filled pens
- 2 mg solution for injection, pre-filled pens (not currently marketed)
How should I store Ozempic?
Before using Ozempic, store in the refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Unused Ozempic can be stored until the expiration date.
Once you start using Ozempic, store at room temperature between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight or in the refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) for up to 56 days. Keep the cap on the pen when you are not using Ozempic.
If you are storing Ozempic in the refrigerator, do not store the medicine next to the cooling element in the refrigerator. Do not use Ozempic if it has been frozen.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Ozempic?
The most common side effects of Ozempic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
There may be other side effects of Ozempic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Ozempic?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Ozempic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Ozempic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Ozempic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Pancreatitis. Ozempic may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop using Ozempic and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Ozempic may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), usually when used with a sulfonylurea (glimepiride, glyburide, glipizide) or insulin, which can be serious and may lead to death. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Stop using Ozempic and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness, or confusion, or drowsiness
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Weakness
Thyroid Tumors. Ozempic may cause thyroid tumors, including a type of cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Stop using Ozempic and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of medullary thyroid carcinoma including swelling or a lump in the neck, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or hoarseness.
Vision Changes. Ozempic may cause your vision to worsen when you start using the medicine or start a higher dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop new vision problems. If you have a condition called diabetic retinopathy, your vision may temporarily worsen when you start Ozempic or a higher dose. Make sure that you keep all appointments to have your vision checked.
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Ozempic, especially if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can cause dehydration. Try to drink water to avoid dehydration. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Gallbladder Problems. Using Ozempic can cause gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, which is also known as gallstones. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Fever
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
- Pain in your upper stomach area
- Stool (poop) that is clay-colored
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Ozempic?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Ozempic.
- Ozempic
- Semaglutide
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ozempic.
Thyroid Cancer or Endocrine Condition. Ozempic should not be used if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Talk to your healthcare provider about your current and past health conditions and your family medical history.
What should I know about Ozempic before using it?
Follow the Instructions for Use when using Ozempic for the first time or when you haven’t used it in a while.
Use Ozempic on the same day each week, at any time of the day.
If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, drink plenty of water, so that you do not get dehydrated.
Use a new needle for each injection.
Do not use Ozempic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Ozempic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you and even if the needle has been changed. It may harm them or you.
Keep Ozempic out of the reach of children. Since this medicine can be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Ozempic?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Ozempic is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pancreatitis. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had pancreatitis. Your healthcare provider may choose another medicine to treat your type 2 diabetes.
Kidney Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, including chronic kidney failure, as this may worsen while using Ozempic.
Vision Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have diabetic retinopathy or have had vision problems related to your diabetes. Your healthcare provider may check your vision while using Ozempic.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it. Tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you are taking for diabetes.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Ozempic may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Ozempic, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Ozempic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You should stop using Ozempic at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Ozempic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ozempic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Ozempic while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Ozempic?
For more information about Ozempic, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at https://www.ozempic.com/ or call them at 888-693-6742.
Interactions
Does Ozempic interact with foods or drinks?
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ozempic, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This may interfere with the effect of Ozempic. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Does Ozempic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using insulin or taking another type of medicine for diabetes called a sulfonylurea (glimepiride, glyburide, glipizide). These medicines may increase your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Ozempic works by slowing down the movement of food through your body. Because of this, Ozempic may affect the absorption of some other medicines that you take by mouth. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ozempic?
If you or someone else has used too much Ozempic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Ozempic?
If you miss a dose of Ozempic, use it as soon as possible, within 5 days of missing your dose. If more than 5 days pass, skip your missed dose and take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day.