MEDICATION DESCRIPTION
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription drug that is given to patients as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
OZEMPIC is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 agonist). GLP-1 is a hormone that helps stimulate insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion. This will help your body lower its glucose levels because insulin helps the cells absorb your glucose, reducing the sugar in your blood and providing the cells with glucose for energy. Contrasting, glucagon tells the body to store the glucose making your blood sugar rise. Lowering glucagon function will decrease the sugar in your blood.
OZEMPIC is available for purchase through our online pharmacy as a single patient use pen that delivers 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg per injection, or single patient use pen that delivers 1 mg per injection. (2 mg/1.5 mL). A prescription is required when you buy OZEMPIC from Canada. We offer the same quality for less than pharmacies in the United States and it is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. The active ingredient in OZEMPIC is semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. We also offer coupons when you join our referral program that can give you an additional $20 savings.
USES
Your healthcare provider may prescribe OZEMPIC as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve your blood sugar control. People with type 2 diabetes have high levels of glucose in their blood. Their glucose is high because they do not produce enough insulin, or the insulin they produce is not effective. High blood sugar can lead to long-term complications like vision damage, kidney damage, and damage to the peripheral nerves. It can also cause other vascular problems like the narrowing of important blood vessels. It is important that your doctor discusses the limitations of OZEMPIC. OZEMPIC cannot be used when diet and exercise are not adequately controlled. It also cannot be used in patients with a history of pancreatitis. There is also an FDA mandated Black Box Warning of a risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors.
DOSAGE
Your physician should initiate a starting dose of OZEMPIC at 0.25 mg once weekly. After 4 weeks, increase the dose to 0.5 mg once weekly. If after at least 4 weeks additional glycemic control is needed, increase to 1 mg once weekly. OZEMPIC may be administered at any time of day, without regard to the timing of meals. OZEMPIC should be administered subcutaneously in the abdominal wall, thigh, or upper arm.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Do not use OZEMPIC if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Do not use OZEMPIC if you are allergic to semaglutide or any of its excipients.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
OZEMPIC may cause serious side effects that can lead to death including Pancreatitis, Diabetic Retinopathy Complications, Low blood sugar, Acute Kidney Injury, and Allergic Reactions. It is important to discontinue OZEMPIC in women at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
SIDE EFFECTS
Common side effects of OZEMPIC include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.
INTERACTIONS
OZEMPIC delays gastric emptying. It may interact with drugs that are administered orally.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medications before starting OZEMPIC.
STORAGE
Keep your OZEMPIC in cool storage (36°F-46°F [2°C-8°C]) until first use. Once OZEMPIC is in-use or opened, you can use it for up to 56 days. (see below for more information) OZEMPIC should not be stored in the freezer and should not be allowed to freeze. Discard OZEMPIC if it has been frozen. You should also protect OZEMPIC from direct heat and light.
PHARMACIST TIPS
- Before starting OZEMPIC, please read the FDA approved patient information guide
- It is important to never share a OZEMPIC prefilled pen with other patients, even if the needle is changed
- Always check the insulin label before each injection to prevent medication errors
- One of the most common side effects is hypoglycemia. Be aware of any acute changes of confusion, anxiety, heart palpitations, sweating or shakiness. This can be life threatening. Please monitor your blood sugar regularly and especially when your lifestyle has changed. For instance, changes in glucose lowering medications, meal patterns, physical activity, and in patients with renal or hepatic impairment can increase your likelihood of developing hypoglycemia.
- Follow the instructions completely each time using the patient leaflet to ensure that you get an accurate dose.
OZEMPIC FAQs
What color should OZEMPIC be?
The solution is clear and colorless with no visible particles. If this is not the case, please do not use OZEMPIC and contact your healthcare provider for additional help.
How should I dispose of used needles and syringes?
Put your used needles and syringes in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right after use. Do not throw away loose needles and syringes in your household trash.
What type of needles are compatible with OZEMPIC?
NovoFine® Plus or NovoFine® needles (up to 8 mm) are compatible with OZEMPIC. These are sold separately. Contact your health care provider or pharmacist for additional questions
What if my vial still contains OZEMPIC after 56 days?
Please discard the vial even if it still contains OZEMPIC.
What happens if I miss my usual weekly dose?
If a dose is missed, administer within 5 days of missed dose.
REFERENCES
- Ozempic [package insert]. Bagsvaerd, Denmark: NovoNordisk;2017
