Ozempic (Semaglutide injection)

Ozempic is an effective medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient, Semaglutide, is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).

Although Ozempic isn’t licensed as a weight loss treatment in the US, doctors prescribe Ozempic for weight loss as it is very effective in doing so.

Ozempic mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone and functions as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 is naturally released by the stomach when you eat food.

It slows down gastric emptying and can help regulate your appetite, keeping you feeling fuller for longer and reducing cravings.

This helps to lose weight when used together with a healthy diet and exercise regime.

One study looked at the effects of Semaglutide in adults who were overweight or obese over 68 weeks. In this study, patients were given a once-weekly injection of either a placebo (inactive drug) or Semaglutide (at a dose of 2.4 mg) and the results were measured.

The results showed that those who took Semaglutide had a 14.9% loss in body weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. In contrast, those who took the placebo lost only 2.4% of their body weight. This demonstrated the success of Semaglutide in weight loss.

Ozempic pens are available in 4 different dosages: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg and 2mg.

Each dose is easily identifiable by the distinctively colored label on each pen.

The starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week for the first 4 weeks. This helps your body adjust to the medicine. Once you are stable on that dose, it can be increased to 0.5 mg once a week. Both these doses are injected by one pen that can deliver both strengths.

After this, your doctor may prescribe the 1mg dose followed by the 2mg dose at intervals of 4 weeks. The maximum dose of Ozempic is 2mg once a week, your maintenance dose may be lower, depending on your individual treatment plan.

Inject Semaglutide once weekly, preferably on the same day each week. However, if you need to change the day you take it, you can do this as long as your last dose was taken at least 2 or more days before.

You can inject it at any time of day, regardless of food.

Where to inject Ozempic

This medicine should be injected into the thighs, lower belly, or upper arm. It is recommended that you rotate your injection site each time you inject. Avoid injecting it into damaged, swollen, or scarred areas of your skin.

How to inject an Ozempic pen

Here is a quick guide on how to inject Ozempic:

	1. Prepare the pen and needle wash your hands check the name and label of your pen check that the color of the solution is clear, not cloudy
	2. Attach the new needle to the pen take a new needle tear off the paper tab twist the needle onto the pen until it is tight remove the outer cap and keep it aside remove the inner needle cap and throw this away *always use a new needle for each injection
	3. Check the flow for each new pen If your Ozempic pen is already in use, skip to step 4 ‘Select the dose’. If this is a new pen, follow the steps below: turn the dose selector until the dose counter shows the flow check symbol. hold the pen with the needle facing up, and press and hold the dose button until the dose counter returns to 0 a drop of solution should appear at the needle tip.
	4. Select the dose turn the dose selector until the dose counter stops and shows the dose you need to inject
	5. Inject the dose wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab and let this dry insert the needle into your skin and press and hold down the dose button until it shows 0 you may hear or feel a click. Keep the needle in your skin, slowly count to 6 so that you inject the full dose after this, remove the needle from your skin remove the needle from the pen and place it in a sharps container. Put the pen cap back on the pen.

If you have any questions or are unsure about how to inject this medicine, please ask a healthcare professional or refer to the patient information leaflet included in your order. This provides a thorough guide with instructions and diagrams.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Ozempic, take the missed dose as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If it has been 5 days or more, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day.

After this, you can go back to your regular once-weekly dosing schedule.

Store unopened Ozempic pens in the refrigerator between 36ºF to 46ºF (2°C - 8°C). Do not freeze the pens or use them if they have been frozen.

Once opened, you can choose to keep the pen in the refrigerator or store it at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for 8 weeks (56 days). Make sure to write the disposal date on your calendar so you can remember.

Keep your pens away from direct heat and light, and keep the pen cap on the pen when it is not in use.

The Ozempic pen you are using should be discarded after 56 days, even if it still has some medicine left in it. Needles must be thrown away into the sharps bin straight after use.

Do not throw any needles or medication with your household waste.

As with most prescription medications, Ozempic can cause some side effects. However, the most common side effects are mild and temporary.

Ozempic’s side effects include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• indigestion
• acid reflux and heartburn
• stomach pain
• tiredness
• dizziness
• loss of appetite

As Ozempic is used to treat T2DM, it can affect your blood sugar levels and may make them drop too low. However, this is more likely to occur if you take Ozempic together with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as sulfonylurea or insulin.

Some symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• sweating
• feeling anxious or confused
• feeling sleepy or weak
• dizziness or light-headedness
• blurred vision
• headache
• fast heartbeat
• feeling shaky or jittery

For a full list of side effects, please consult the patient information leaflet included with your order.

Is Ozempic safe?

If you use Ozempic exactly as prescribed by your doctor, it is a safe and effective medication. it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any unusual symptoms or side effects to them promptly.

Patients also need regular follow-up appointments to monitor the medication's effectiveness and any potential side effects.

Ozempic is an effective medication however, it may not be suitable for everyone. You must speak to your doctor to determine if it is recommended for you.

This medication is not suitable for:

• women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• those with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
• those who are allergic to Semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in this medicine
• patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Other groups of people who may require additional monitoring while using this medication, include those who:

• have a history of diabetic retinopathy
• have a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• have or have had severe congestive heart failure
• have problems with their liver or kidneys

Are there any medicine interactions?

Ozempic slows gastric emptying, which can impact how quickly oral medications are absorbed. This is important for medications like birth control pills or antibiotics, where timing and blood levels are crucial.

You should inform your doctor about all the medicines you take including over-the-counter medicines and natural supplements as you might need to adjust the timing of these other medications.

Some medicines that may interact with Ozempic include:

• warfarin and other blood thinners
• insulin and other medicines used to treat diabetes
• sulphonylureas

Wegovy vs Ozempic

A medicine called Wegovy is also available and approved to help adults and children aged 12 years and older lose weight.

Wegovy contains the same ingredient, Semaglutide, but doctors specifically use it to treat weight loss, not diabetes.

Zepbound vs Ozempic

Zepbound contains the active ingredient Tirzepatide and is approved for weight loss in the US. Unlike Ozempic, Zepbound is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Studies show that Zepbound is effective for weight loss.

Rybelsus vs Ozempic

Semaglutide is also available as a tablet under the brand name Rybelsus. Rybelsus is also a prescription medicine used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with T2DM.

Rybelsus tablets work like Ozempic injections and can be a good choice for people who prefer not to use injections. The tablets offer a convenient dosing regime and are easy to store.

You can purchase Ozempic (Semaglutide) online here at SpeedyHealth.

First, you will be required to complete an online medical consultation which will be reviewed by one of our registered doctors. This is to review your medical conditions to ensure that this medication is right for you.

If this is not suitable for you, our doctors will provide a valid reason and may suggest alternative weight loss medications if applicable.

If approved, the medication will be sent to your chosen address. Your pen will be delivered in insulated packaging to ensure it stays cold.