Ozempic is currently out of stock due to a global shortage
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (generic name: semaglutide) is a prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, which means it works by increasing the release of insulin in the body and decreasing the production of glucose in the liver. This helps to lower blood sugar levels and improve overall glucose control.
Ozempic is available in the form of an injection that is given once a week. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications for diabetes, such as metformin or insulin.
It is generally recommended for use in people who have not been able to achieve adequate blood sugar control with other medications or lifestyle changes alone.
Benefits of Ozempic
There are several potential benefits of using Ozempic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
In clinical trials, it has been shown to lower A1C levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) by up to 1.5%, as well as reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. It may also help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of kidney disease in people with diabetes.
In addition to its effects on blood sugar control, Ozempic may also cause weight loss.
In clinical trials, people taking the medication lost an average of 5-10% of their body weight. This can be an important benefit for people with type 2 diabetes, as excess weight is a major risk factor for the development of the disease and can also worsen its complications.
How does Ozempic help weight loss?
Ozempic promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing the emptying of the stomach.
It is approved for use as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but it can also help with weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese.
When used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Ozempic can help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight and improve their blood sugar control.
In Clinical trials, those taking Ozempic lost an average of 8-10% of their body weight. This weight loss observed is clinically significant and it was also observed that Ozempic improves the lipid profiles, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular health.
It's worth noting that Ozempic is not approved as a weight loss drug in Singapore and is not intended for use in people who do not have diabetes.
As such, it is important to consult with a doctor to see if Ozempic is right for you.
Differences between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Wegovy and Ozempic are both brand names for different formulations of a medication called semaglutide. The main difference is that Ozempic is used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes, while Wegovy is used for chronic weight management.
Ozempic: It is an injectable prescription medicine that may improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes, and should be used along with diet and exercise. The active ingredient is semaglutide. In addition to helping control blood sugar, medications like Ozempic may also keep the heart healthy and contribute to weight loss. However, it's important to note that it is not approved for weight loss or to be used in type 1 diabetes
Wegovy: In contrast, Wegovy is approved by HSA Singapore for use in chronic weight management for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related health issue (like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol), and it's intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It contains a higher dose of semaglutide compared to Ozempic. Wegovy can be used whether or not the person has diabetes.
How is Ozempic Injected?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is injected subcutaneously, which means it's injected under the skin. The medication is available in a pre-filled pen, which makes it easy to administer the injection at home.
Here is a general outline of the process for injecting Ozempic:
- Before you begin, make sure that you have everything you need, including the Ozempic pen, a new needle, and alcohol wipes.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe and let it dry.
- Remove the needle cap from the pen and attach a new needle.
- Hold the pen with the needle pointing up and gently tap the sides of the pen to move any air bubbles to the top of the pen.
- Push the plunger until a drop of liquid appears at the end of the needle. This is called "priming" the pen and ensures that the needle is filled with the correct dose of medication.
- Choose the injection site on your stomach, thigh or upper arm. Pinch an area of skin and inject the needle at a 90-degree angle to the skin. Press the plunger all the way down to inject the medication.
- Remove the needle and press the injection site lightly with a sterile cotton ball or an alcohol swab to stop any bleeding.
It's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for how and when to inject Ozempic. It's also important to rotate the injection sites to prevent discomfort or complications.
It is good to keep track of each dose and timing of the injection and to contact your doctor if there is any unusual symptoms after the injection.
What are the side effects of Ozempic?
There are a few potential side effects associated with the use of Ozempic.
The most common side effects are mild to moderate and may include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Some people may also experience dizziness or a feeling of weakness.
Reports also mention experience mild itching, redness, or swelling at the injection site. These side effects are generally temporary and resolve on their own over time.
It is important to note that Ozempic is not recommended for use in people with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. It should also be used with caution in people with a history of pancreatitis or who are at risk for the condition.
Summary
Overall, Ozempic is a promising treatment option for adults with type 2 diabetes who have not been able to achieve adequate blood sugar control with other medications or lifestyle changes alone.
Its ability to lower A1C levels and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, as well as cause weight loss, make it a valuable addition to the treatment arsenal for diabetes.
