Ozempic (Semaglutide) Information Sheet

Dosage and Administration of Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Starting Dose:

• Begin with 0.25 mg injected once weekly for the first 4 weeks. This initial dose helps the body adjust to the medication and reduces side effects like nausea. However, this dose does not significantly lower blood sugar levels.

Maintenance Dose:

• After 4 weeks, the dose should be increased to 0.5 mg once weekly.
• If further glycemic control is needed, the dose can be increased to 1 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on 0.5 mg.

Administration Instructions:

• Ozempic is injected under the skin (subcutaneous) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Patients should rotate injection sites each week to minimize irritation.
• The injection can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.
• Inspect the solution before use to ensure it is clear and colorless. If it appears cloudy or contains particles, do not use it.
• If used alongside insulin, administer Ozempic and insulin separately, ensuring injections are not adjacent to one another.

Missed Dose:

• If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible within 5 days. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule.

Storage and Stability of Semaglutide

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the efficacy of Ozempic:

• Refrigerated Storage: Store at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
• Room Temperature Storage: Once opened, Ozempic can be stored at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F) for up to 56 days.
• Protect the medication from direct sunlight and do not freeze it. Discard the pen if it has been frozen.

Contraindications

Ozempic is not suitable for patients with:

• A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any other components of the medication.

Mechanism of Action of Ozempic

Ozempic works by mimicking the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. Its primary actions include:

• Stimulating Insulin Secretion: Encourages the pancreas to release insulin in response to elevated blood sugar levels.
• Suppressing Glucagon Production: Reduces the release of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar levels.
• Slowing Gastric Emptying: Delays the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine, leading to better blood sugar control after meals.

This mechanism helps patients achieve better glycemic control and supports weight management.

Warnings and Precautions

1. Thyroid C-cell Tumors: Animal studies have shown an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors with semaglutide. Although the relevance to humans is unclear, patients should report any symptoms such as neck lumps, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness.

2. Pancreatitis: Patients should be monitored for signs of pancreatitis, such as persistent severe abdominal pain. If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue Ozempic immediately.

3. Diabetic Retinopathy: Ozempic may worsen existing diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye examinations are recommended for patients with a history of this condition.

4. Kidney Function: Severe dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., vomiting or diarrhea) can lead to kidney damage. Patients with existing kidney impairment should be closely monitored.

5. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Ozempic is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Women planning to become pregnant should stop using the medication at least 2 months in advance.

Adverse Reactions

Common Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.
• Other: Fatigue, dizziness, and altered taste (dysgeusia).

Serious Side Effects:

• Acute pancreatitis.
• Severe hypoglycemia, especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Potential thyroid C-cell tumors.

Clinical Efficacy of Ozempic

Ozempic has been shown to provide significant benefits for patients with Type 2 diabetes:

• HbA1c Reduction: In clinical trials, patients experienced up to a 1.4% reduction in HbA1c levels when using the 1 mg dose over 30 weeks.
• Weight Loss: Patients lost an average of 4-5 kg during clinical trials, with the most weight loss observed at higher doses.

These benefits demonstrate its dual impact on glycemic control and weight management.

Comparison to Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

While Ozempic and Mounjaro are both injectable treatments for Type 2 diabetes, there are key differences:

• Mechanism of Action: Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Mounjaro targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, potentially enhancing its effects on blood sugar and weight loss.
• Efficacy: Mounjaro has shown slightly greater reductions in HbA1c and weight loss compared to Ozempic in clinical trials.
• Dosing: Ozempic offers a maximum dose of 1 mg per week, whereas Mounjaro doses can go up to 15 mg per week, providing more options for glycemic control.