Ozempic is FDA-approved for the treatment of diabetes and its sister drug Wegovy was approved for weight loss in 2021. Both medications come in a pen that patients can self-inject.
But using GLP-1s off-label for weight loss is not a good idea, says Fred Hutch registered dietitian Raymond Pouncey. He worries people will regain the weight they lose and that it may also impact their health.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is an injectable drug that can help people manage their weight. It works by slowing the stomach’s emptying, which can help you feel full longer. It also decreases the amount of sugar absorbed from food. This helps lower blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of serious diabetes-related health problems.
During clinical trials, people who took the drug and made healthy lifestyle changes lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight. This is significantly more than the 2.4% average weight loss seen in placebo-treated patients in the same study.
In addition to helping with weight loss, Ozempic may lower blood sugar and triglyceride levels in people with diabetes. It has also bee shown to lower blood pressure, which can help protect your heart.
The active ingredient in Ozempic for Weight Loss is called semaglutide. It’s also the active ingredient in a similar drug called Wegovy, which is FDA approved for weight management. Your doctor might prescribe Wegovy instead of Ozempic if they believe it’s appropriate for your situation, but you should ask them for details.
Side effects from Ozempic are typically mild and go away in a few days or weeks. However, some may be severe and should be reported to your doctor right away. Some of the most common side effects include nausea and vomiting. If these side effects are severe, you might need to stop using the medication.
Other common side effects of Ozempic include diarrhea and abdominal pain. You might be able to reduce the frequency of these side effects by taking the medicine with meals or at least several hours after eating. You might be able to take over-the-counter or prescription medications to help with these side effects.
One rare side effect of Ozempic is pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. Your doctor might not prescribe the drug if you have a history of pancreatitis.
Your doctor will give you instructions on how to administer the injections. You’ll probably inject them into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. You’ll need to change the injection site each time, and you should use a new needle each time.
How does Ozempic work?
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, is a long-lasting and effective glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). This medication works by binding to GLP-1 receptors, which results in lower blood sugar levels and helps people feel full so they consume less. In addition to helping with weight loss, the drug also helps manage type 2 diabetes by ensuring that the pancreas releases enough insulin when blood glucose is high.
Ozempic is administered by injection under the skin. The dosage is prescribed by a doctor and can vary depending on the patient’s weight. Patients can take the injection any time of day, at any time of the week. When preparing the injection, it is important to use a clean needle and to follow instructions for proper storage and handling. It is also recommended that you drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Common side effects from taking Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. These side effects are typically mild and should clear up within a few weeks of starting treatment. Some patients experience a more severe reaction to the drug, and these symptoms should be report to your doctor immediately.
The drug is expensive, and it may not be coverer by your insurance plan. However, there are services that can help you afford Ozempic and other medications that may be necessary for managing your condition. These services can provide you with a free health evaluation and an electronic prescription that can be used to get your medication from a pharmacy. These services can also provide coaching and other support to help you succeed with your treatment.
Getting a prescription for Ozempic is not as difficult as it might seem, and it’s worth trying if you’re struggling with your weight. You can visit Optum Perks to see price estimates for your specific medication, and you can also find coupons that can reduce the cost of your treatment. You should always talk to your doctor before using any new medications, including natural supplements, to make sure they are safe for you. The doctor will also be able to tell you if the medicine will interact with anything else in your body.
Does Ozempic work for me?
The answer to this depends on many factors, including your diet, exercise, and overall health. Studies show that when used alongside healthy lifestyle changes, Ozempic is an effective treatment for losing weight and maintaining it over the long term.
The medication works by mimicking a hormone in your body that increases feelings of fullness and suppresses appetite. It also slows down how quickly your stomach empties after eating, which can help you feel fuller longer.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when taking Ozempic is that the results aren’t immediate. It can take a few weeks for the medicine to start working. During this time, it’s crucial to stick with your diet and exercise routine as much as possible. This will ensure that you get the most out of your treatment.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Ozempic can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. If these side effects are severe, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist right away. However, these side effects are rare and typically don’t last very long.
In addition, if you’re taking other medications or supplements, it’s important to let your doctor know about them. These can affect how well the drug works or cause harmful reactions.
You’ll inject Ozempic into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm with a pre-filled pen. It’s recommend that you inject the medication on the same day each week, but you can change the injection day if needed. The injection site should be clean before each use. You should also be careful not to inject yourself with a syringe or other sharp object. This can increase your risk of infection. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking the medication.
Is Ozempic safe?
When it comes to taking Ozempic, you can rely on the FDA-approved drug to help control blood sugar and keep your Weight Loss in a healthy range. The medication works by decreasing the amount of glucose your liver makes, causing food to move out of your stomach more slowly, and blocking your body’s absorption of glucose. Your doctor may also recommend dietary changes and exercise to support your weight loss efforts.
Some people who take Ozempic for weight loss experience side effects, including nausea. However, this symptom is generally mild and goes away over time, so it’s not cause for concern unless it persists or becomes severe. Nausea can be a symptom of pancreatitis, so doctors typically won’t prescribe this medication to people who have had pancreatitis in the past.
The FDA only requires a doctor to report serious side effects of Ozempic. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away. They will be able to give you advice on how to manage your symptoms or refer you to a specialist if necessary.
It’s important to stay on schedule with your Ozempic injections. It takes several weeks for the full effect of the medication to build up. Using an app like Medisafe to remind you of your weekly injections can be helpful in keeping you on track. If you miss a dose, it’s safe to take the next scheduled dose, as long as it is within five days of your missed injection. Taking two doses too close together can cause low blood sugar levels, which is dangerous.
If you have health insurance, your cost for Ozempic may be coverer by your plan or a pharmacy savings program, such as Optum Perks*. If you do not have insurance coverage, the price of Ozempic varies by pharmacy. You can use a pricing tool at Optum Perks to get estimates of how much you’ll pay for the medication, and then use coupons to reduce your prescription costs.
The Ro-affiliated providers at UCSF Health can help you determine whether Ozempic is right for you. We’ll work with you to determine if you’re a candidate for the medication, explain how it works, and help you with dosing Read More.
