Ozempic Unleashed: A Game Changer for Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Loss

By Type2 Advice David

May 9, 2023

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription medication for adults with type 2 diabetes that can improve blood glucose control and also help with weight loss. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. Ozempic is approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of heart problems among type 2 diabetes patients. However, it is not approved for weight loss alone. For people without diabetes who want to lose weight, the FDA approved Wegovy, a similar medication that contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but in different doses and injector pens. Wegovy can help people lose about 15% of their initial body weight¹.

How does Ozempic work?

Ozempic works by activating GLP-1 receptors throughout the body and enhancing the effects of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1. GLP-1 serves multiple key functions in the body, such as:

Boosting the release of insulin by the pancreas in response to food intake, which helps to control blood sugar
Reducing the release of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood glucose, thereby also helping to control blood sugar
Slowing down the movement of food in the gut, which makes you feel full longer and reduces your appetite
Increasing the metabolism of fat and reducing the storage of fat in the body²

By doing these things, Ozempic can lower your blood sugar levels, lower your hemoglobin A1c (a measure of blood glucose over time), lower your risk of cardiovascular events (such as stroke or heart attack), and help you lose weight.

How effective is Ozempic for diabetes and weight loss?

According to clinical trials, Ozempic can significantly improve blood glucose control and reduce cardiovascular risk among people with type 2 diabetes. For example, one study showed that Ozempic reduced hemoglobin A1c by 1.6% compared to 0.7% with placebo after 56 weeks of treatment³. Another study showed that Ozempic reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 26% compared to placebo after a median follow-up of 2.1 years⁴.

As for weight loss, Ozempic can also help people with type 2 diabetes lose modest amounts of weight while on the medication. For example, one study showed that Ozempic reduced body weight by 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs) compared to 2.3 kg (5 lbs) with placebo after 56 weeks of treatment³. Another study showed that Ozempic reduced body weight by 6.4 kg (14 lbs) compared to 3.8 kg (8.4 lbs) with placebo after 30 weeks of treatment⁵.

However, it is important to note that Ozempic is not a magic pill that will make you lose weight without any effort. You still need to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to achieve optimal results. Ozempic is meant to be used as an adjunct to lifestyle changes, not as a substitute for them.

What are the side effects of Ozempic?

Like any medication, Ozempic can have side effects, some of which can be serious. The most common side effects of Ozempic are:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Headache
Fatigue

These side effects are usually mild and tend to go away over time as your body gets used to the medication. However, if they persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor. There is some evidence of other risks but the evidence is weak and your Dr will be well aware of these before recomending Ozempic.

Ozempic may also interact with other medications or supplements that you take, so you should inform your doctor about all the products that you use before starting Ozempic.

Who should use Ozempic?

Ozempic is only indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes who need additional help to control their blood sugar levels and reduce their cardiovascular risk. It is not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition where the body produces too much acid from breaking down fat). It is also not approved for people without diabetes who want to lose weight.

If you have type 2 diabetes and are interested in using Ozempic, you should talk to your doctor about whether it is suitable for you based on your medical history, current medications, and personal preferences. Your doctor will also determine the appropriate dose and frequency of injection for you.

You should not use Ozempic if you are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Ozempic; if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a rare type of thyroid cancer); or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a genetic disorder that causes tumors in various glands).

How do I use Ozempic?

Ozempic comes in a prefilled pen that delivers a fixed dose of semaglutide per injection. You will need a new pen every month.

You should inject Ozempic under the skin (subcutaneously) once a week on the same day each week at any time of day with or without food. You can choose any injection site on your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm.

You should start with a low dose of 0.25 mg per week for four weeks, then increase it to 0.5 mg per week for four weeks, then increase it again to 1 mg per week if needed and tolerated.

You should follow the instructions on how to use the pen correctly and safely. You should also dispose of used needles properly in a puncture-proof container.

You should store unused pens in the refrigerator until their expiration date or up to six months after first use (whichever comes first). Do not freeze them or expose them to heat or sunlight.

You should keep track of when you inject Ozempic and how much you use each time. You should also monitor your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor.

## What are some tips for using Ozempic?

Here are some tips for using Ozempic effectively and safely:

Do not skip doses or stop taking Ozempic without consulting your doctor.
Do not share your pen or needles with anyone else.
Do not inject more than one dose per week or more than one dose at a time.
Do not inject into areas where the skin is thickened, bruised, tender, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
Rotate injection sites within each area each week.
Check the expiration date on the pen before each use.
Check the appearance of the solution before each use; it should be clear and colorless.
Do not use if it looks cloudy, discolored, thickened, or contains particles.
Do not mix Ozempic with other medications in the same syringe.
Do not reuse needles; always use a new needle for each injection.
Do not try to refill or repair the pen; it is disposable and cannot be reused.
Do not remove the needle cover until you are ready to inject.
Do not recap needles; this can cause injury or infection.
Do not throw away used needles in household trash; dispose of them properly in a puncture-proof container.

What are some benefits of using Ozempic?

people with type 2 diabetes, such as:

Improving your blood sugar levels and lowering your hemoglobin A1c, which can reduce your risk of diabetes complications
Reducing your risk of heart problems, such as heart attack or stroke, which are more common among people with diabetes
Helping you lose weight, which can improve your health and quality of life
Reducing your appetite and cravings, which can make it easier to follow a healthy diet
Simplifying your treatment regimen, as you only need to inject Ozempic once a week

Of course, these benefits may vary from person to person depending on your individual response to the medication, your lifestyle factors, and your other medical conditions. You should always consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

What are some drawbacks of using Ozempic?

Using Ozempic may also have some drawbacks or challenges for some people, such as:

Cost: Ozempic is a brand-name medication that can be very expensive without insurance. The list price (cash price without insurance) for Ozempic 0.25 or 0.5 mg (1 x 1.5-mL pen) and 1 mg (1 x 3-mL pen) is $851.60 per month. That works out to around $213 per week depending on the prescribed dose. Many health insurance plans may cover some of the cost of Ozempic, but the copay will vary by plan. You may also need to pay for pen needles separately. Ozempic has a savings card available for people with commercial insurance that can lower the copay to as little as $25 per month for up to 24 months. However, this program is not available for people with Medicare, Medicaid, or no insurance. You can also check other websites that provide information about drug assistance programs and ways to save money on prescriptions. Of course most health care systems in Europe will meet this cost for you but there are exceptions so getting Ozempic free is not always automatic.
Injection: Ozempic is an injectable medication that requires you to use a pen and a needle to administer it under your skin once a week. Some people may find this inconvenient, uncomfortable, or intimidating. You will need to learn how to use the pen correctly and safely, how to store and dispose of it properly, and how to rotate injection sites to avoid skin problems. You will also need to have access to a refrigerator to store unused pens and a puncture-proof container to dispose of used needles.
Side effects: Ozempic can cause side effects that may affect your quality of life or require medical attention. Some of the most common side effects are gastrointestinal, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These side effects may be more severe when you start taking Ozempic or when you increase your dose. They may also interfere with your appetite and food intake, which can affect your blood sugar levels and nutrition status. Some of the less common but more serious side effects are low blood sugar (especially if you take other medications that lower blood sugar), kidney problems, pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and diabetic retinopathy (eye disease). You should monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and report any unusual symptoms or changes in your health to your doctor.
Limitations: Ozempic is not a cure for diabetes or a substitute for lifestyle changes. You still need to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to achieve optimal results with Ozempic. You also need to continue taking any other medications that your doctor has prescribed for you unless they tell you otherwise. Ozempic is not indicated for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition where the body produces too much acid from breaking down fat). It is also not approved for people without diabetes who want to lose weight.

Conclusion

Ozempic is a game-changing diabetes and weight loss breakthrough that can help people with type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control, reduce their cardiovascular risk, and lose weight. However, it is not a magic pill that will work for everyone or without any effort. You still need to follow a healthy lifestyle and consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

If you have type 2 diabetes and are interested in trying Ozempic, talk to your doctor about whether it is suitable for you based on your medical history, current medications, and personal preferences. Your doctor will also determine the appropriate dose and frequency of injection for you.

If you are already using Ozempic, make sure you use it correctly and safely according to the instructions on the label and from your doctor. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and report any side effects or changes in your health to your doctor.

If you are looking for ways to save money on Ozempic, check if you are eligible for the savings card program or other assistance programs that may help lower the cost of the medication.

Ozempic can be a game-changer for many people with type 2 diabetes who want to improve their health and quality of life. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution that will work for everyone or without any challenges. You should always weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using Ozempic and make an informed decision with your doctor.

References and further reading

(1) How Much Will Ozempic Cost Monthly? | PharmaServe. https://pharmaserve.com/how-much-will-ozempic-cost-monthly/. (2) Ozempic and cost: Reducing long-term drug costs and more. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-ozempic-cost. (3) How much does Ozempic cost with insurance? - NiceRx. https://www.nicerx.com/blog/ozempic-cost-with-insurance/. (4) How much is Ozempic without insurance? - NiceRx. https://www.nicerx.com/blog/how-much-is-ozempic-without-insurance/.