Indications / Uses
Ozempic Semaglutide 0.25mg is a prescription medication approved by the FDA used for two main uses:
- Type 2 diabetes:Â Ozempic helps manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise . It works by increasing insulin production, reducing sugar production in the liver, and slowing down the absorption of sugar in the gut.
- Heart disease in certain high-risk patients:Â Ozempic can also help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (such as heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) in adults with type 2 diabetes who already have established heart disease .
Side-effects
Ozempic Semaglutide 0.25mg can cause serious side effects, but it’s important to know these are uncommon. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
Here’s a breakdown of the key side effects to watch for:
- Pancreatitis:Â This is inflammation of your pancreas and can cause severe stomach pain (often radiating to your back) and vomiting. If you experience this, stop using Ozempic and call your doctor right away.
- Vision Changes: Tell your doctor if you experience any changes in your vision while taking Ozempic®.
- Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Ozempic can increase your risk of low blood sugar, especially if you take other medications that lower blood sugar. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, sweating, shakiness, and confusion. If you experience these, talk to your doctor.
- Kidney Problems: If you have existing kidney problems, Ozempic® may worsen them due to dehydration caused by side effects like diarrhea and vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Serious Allergic Reactions:Â Stop taking Ozempic and seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms like facial swelling, trouble breathing, severe rash, or dizziness.
- Gallbladder Problems:Â In rare cases, Ozempic has been linked to gallbladder problems. Symptoms include upper stomach pain, fever, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), and clay-colored stools. Tell your doctor right away if you experience these.
Common Side Effects of Ozempic Semaglutide 0.25mg: Ozempic can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. These are usually temporary and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
Dosage / Direction
Starting dose:Â 0.25 mg semaglutide once weekly.
Increase to 0.5 mg after 4 weeks.
Maximum dose:Â 1 mg once weekly.
Increase to 0.5 mg after 4 weeks.
Maximum dose:Â 1 mg once weekly.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in Description.
Special Precautions
Not for everyone:
- Type 1 diabetes:Â Ozempic isn’t suitable for managing Type 1 diabetes.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis:Â Don’t use Ozempic to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. It’s not a substitute for insulin.
- Severe heart failure:Â Ozempic safety in patients with severe heart failure (NYHA class IV) is unknown. It’s best to avoid it in these cases.
Be aware of these potential side effects:
- Dehydration:Â Ozempic may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, leading to dehydration. This can worsen kidney problems. Stay hydrated!
- Pancreatitis:Â Be aware of symptoms like severe stomach pain and vomiting. Stop Ozempic and see your doctor immediately if you suspect pancreatitis.
Taking Ozempic with other medications:
- Increased low blood sugar risk:Â Ozempic can increase your risk of low blood sugar, especially with insulin or sulfonylurea medications. Monitor blood sugar closely and adjust medication doses with your doctor.
- Diabetic retinopathy:Â If you have diabetic retinopathy and take insulin with Ozempic, your condition may worsen. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor and be closely monitored.
Other important information:
- Driving and machinery:Â Ozempic typically doesn’t affect driving or operating machinery.
- Sodium-free:Â Good news for those watching sodium intake!
- Track your medication:Â Keep a record of the Ozempic batch number for better traceability.
- Caution while driving:Â If you take Ozempic with medications that cause low blood sugar, be extra cautious while driving to avoid accidents.
Is it safe to take it with other drugs?
Ozempic (semaglutide) can slow down the emptying of your stomach, which may impact how quickly other medications you take by mouth get absorbed into your body.
Here’s a breakdown of how Ozempic interacts with some common medications:
Paracetamol:Â Ozempic may slightly delay the absorption of paracetamol, but the overall amount absorbed remains the same. No dosage adjustment is needed for paracetamol when taken with Ozempic.
Birth control pills:Â Ozempic shouldn’t affect the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Studies haven’t shown any significant changes in hormone levels when taking both medications together.
Atorvastatin (cholesterol medication):Â Ozempic may slightly delay the absorption of atorvastatin, but the overall amount absorbed remains sufficient.
Digoxin (heart medication):Â Ozempic doesn’t affect the absorption or peak levels of digoxin in your body.
Metformin (diabetes medication):Â Ozempic doesn’t affect the absorption or peak levels of metformin in your body.
Warfarin (blood thinner):Â Ozempic doesn’t directly affect warfarin, but it’s recommended to monitor your blood clotting levels (INR) more frequently when starting Ozempic while taking warfarin or similar blood thinners.
How should I store it?
Before you use Ozempic for the first time:
- Keep it in the refrigerator, between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F).
- Make sure it’s not touching the cooling element.
- Never freeze Ozempic! Frozen Ozempic should not be used.
Once you’ve started using Ozempic:
- You can store it for up to 6 weeks after the first injection.
- Choose one of these storage options:
- Below 30°C (86°F) or In the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C)
- Freezing is still a no-go! Dispose of any Ozempic that’s been frozen.
Here are some additional storage tips:
- Keep the pen cap on whenever the pen isn’t in use to protect it from light.
- Always remove and dispose of the injection needle after each use.
- Store the pen without a needle attached. This helps prevent:
- Blocked needles
- Contamination
- Infection
- Leaking medication
- Inaccurate dosing
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