Ozempic® is GLP-1 medication, which mimics naturally occuring glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. It helps with appetite regulation, causing you to feel fuller faster.
It can help you feel fuller and helps to lower blood sugar levels. It can help with cravings and appetite and have been found to be very effective for weight loss.
Note: Ozempic® is FDA-approved for the treatment of type II diabetes. It is used off label for weight loss.
How it is taken:
Ozempic® comes in an injection given at doses which start at 0.25 mg once weekly.
Most common side effects:
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Other possible side effects:
It is important to stay well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids while on this medication
BLACK BOX WARNING:
GLP-1s are contraindicated in individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a family history of such, or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Do not take them if you have ever had thyroid cancer.
In studies with rodents, GLP-1s caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer; it is not known if they will cause thyroid tumors or cancer in humans.
Please notify your doctor right away if you develop the following warning signs:
Other warnings:
WARNING
Please contact your provider right away and go the hospital if severe side effect occur, including, but limited to:
Drug interactions
Ozempic can interact with alcohol and certain prescription and non-prescription medications and herbal products. The risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is higher when you also take insulin or insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas. Ozempic delays gastric emptying and may impact the absorption of oral medications. If you are on thyroid hormone medication, prior to starting Ozempic, please review the timing of taking your thyroid hormone medication with the doctor who prescribes it as it may need to be adjusted. The drug levels of medications which have narrow therapeutic windows (ie warfarin) should be monitored closely while on Ozempic.
Please consult the pharmaceutical packaging for a full list of side effects, warnings, interactions and additional information.
To report suspected adverse reactions to Ozempic contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In case of emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
It can help you feel fuller and helps to lower blood sugar levels. It can help with cravings and appetite and have been found to be very effective for weight loss.
Note: Ozempic® is FDA-approved for the treatment of type II diabetes. It is used off label for weight loss.
How it is taken:
Ozempic® comes in an injection given at doses which start at 0.25 mg once weekly.
Most common side effects:
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Other possible side effects:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Injection site reactions
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Increased Lipase or Amylase
- Altered taste
- Nasopharyngitis (common cold)
- Passing Gas
- Bloating
- Belching
- Gastroenteritis
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in those with type II diabetes
- Upset stomach
It is important to stay well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids while on this medication
BLACK BOX WARNING:
GLP-1s are contraindicated in individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a family history of such, or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Do not take them if you have ever had thyroid cancer.
In studies with rodents, GLP-1s caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer; it is not known if they will cause thyroid tumors or cancer in humans.
Please notify your doctor right away if you develop the following warning signs:
- rouble swallowing,
- hoarseness,
- a lump or swelling in your neck, or
- shortness of breath.
Other warnings:
- Do not use alcohol while taking this medication.
- Use adequate contraception while taking this medication.
- Do not take this medication if pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. If you plan to become pregnant, this medication needs to be stopped at least 2 months before trying. This medication may cause fetal harm.
- Notify your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or pancreas problems.
- May cause pancreatitis. Signs of pancreatitis are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting. Stop using Ozempic and call your healthcare provider immediately if you have severe stomach or abdomen pain that will not go away, with or without vomiting.
- Stop using Ozempic and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.
- Serious allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis and angioedema) have been reported. Go to emerghency room or call 911 if this occurs.
WARNING
Please contact your provider right away and go the hospital if severe side effect occur, including, but limited to:
- Severe nausea and/or vomiting - that may result in dehydration
- Kidney problems/kidney failure - vomiting, nausea, diarrhea can cause dehydration and kidney issues and make kidney problems worse in individuals who have pre-existing kidney conditions; may sometimes lead to the need for hemodialysis
- Thyroid C-Cell Tumor: Trouble swallowing, hoarseness, a lump or swelling in your neck, or shortness of breath (see black box warning below)
- Pancreatitis: Signs are severe pain in your abdomen, nausea, vomiting or back that will not go away
- Acute gallbladder disease - Pain in the middle or right upper stomach, fever, white parts of your eyes turn yellow or skin turns yellow, nausea/vomiting. if gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder is suspected further studies are needed.
- Hepatitis/Elevated liver enzymes/Jaundice
- Diabetic retinopathy problems: Changes in vision in those with type II diabetes, particularly vision problems may worsen in those with a history of diabetic retinopathy
- Severe gastrointestinal disease - may cause gastrointestinal disease; do not use if you have a history of severe gastrointestinal disease
- Signs of low blood sugar (for example, dizziness, weakness, shakiness, jitteriness, headache, anxiety/mood changes, rapid heartbeat, confusion, slurred speech, sweating, or lightheadedness). While this is rare with GLP-1s, if it occurs, please seek in-person care immediately. If you have these symptoms, try having liquid or food containing sugar (around 15-20 grams) —drinking juice, having regular soda, or eating some hard candies right away, as this will help raise your blood sugar quickly. If taken with insulin or an insulin secretagogue (ie sulfonylurea) it is best to talk to your healthcare provider about possibly lowering the dose of these medications to lower the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Increasing heart rate
- Suicidal thoughts, or thoughts about hurting yourself or others
Drug interactions
Ozempic can interact with alcohol and certain prescription and non-prescription medications and herbal products. The risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is higher when you also take insulin or insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas. Ozempic delays gastric emptying and may impact the absorption of oral medications. If you are on thyroid hormone medication, prior to starting Ozempic, please review the timing of taking your thyroid hormone medication with the doctor who prescribes it as it may need to be adjusted. The drug levels of medications which have narrow therapeutic windows (ie warfarin) should be monitored closely while on Ozempic.
Please consult the pharmaceutical packaging for a full list of side effects, warnings, interactions and additional information.
To report suspected adverse reactions to Ozempic contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In case of emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.