Understanding Ozempic: Uses, Dosage, Cost, Side Effects, and Weight Loss Benefits

Understanding Ozempic: Uses, Dosage, Cost, Side Effects, and Weight Loss Benefits

Table of Contents

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I. What is Ozempic?

II. How Does Ozempic Work?

III. How to Get Generic Ozempic

IV. How Much is Ozempic?

V. Ozempic Dosages

VI. Ozempic Side Effects

VII. Ozempic for Weight Loss

VIII. FAQs

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For individuals living with type 2 diabetes, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is essential, but it's not the only concern. People with diabetes typically develop heart disease earlier than those without diabetes. ¹ Fortunately, there is now a medication that helps address both challenges: Ozempic.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of Ozempic. We'll explain how it works, typical dosages, potential side effects to watch out for, and the promising research around Ozempic and weight loss.

What is Ozempic?

In 2017, Ozempic received FDA approval for the following conditions:

• Improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

• Lower the risk of cardiovascular issues in adults with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. ¹

The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide , ¹ which is also found in the injectable medication Wegovy and the oral tablet Rybelsus. All three forms of semaglutide require a prescription.

Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone our bodies naturally produce that helps control blood sugar levels. By acting like natural GLP-1, Ozempic provides several benefits:

• Increases insulin production and secretion so more sugar can be removed from the bloodstream. This lowers blood glucose levels.

• Reduces the release of glucagon, which is a hormone that triggers the liver to produce and release more sugar into the blood.

• Slows down stomach emptying so food stays in the stomach longer. This promotes a feeling of fullness and can curb appetite. ¹

Together, these effects improve overall blood sugar control for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Research shows that semaglutide provides meaningful health improvements:

• When combined with metformin, semaglutide can lower HbA1c levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) by 1.5% to 1.8%, depending on the dosage.

• Patients taking semaglutide for a year lost an average of 8.4 to 10.4 pounds in clinical trials.

• For those with heart disease, adding semaglutide to standard treatment reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular causes by 2.3%. ²

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Wegovy and Rybelsus. Semaglutide is a synthetic version of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone released naturally in the body after eating. The key difference is that semaglutide has been engineered to last longer than GLP-1. ¹

In the normal digestive system, GLP-1 plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels in the following ways:

• GLP-1 stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin when blood sugar is elevated so that cells can absorb excess glucose from the blood.

• GLP-1 decreases glucose production by the liver between meals.

• GLP-1 promotes satiety and slows down stomach emptying, assisting in portion control and preventing post-meal blood sugar spikes. ¹

How to Get Generic Ozempic

Unfortunately, a generic version of Ozempic is not yet available and likely won't be for several more years.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, currently holds the patent for semaglutide, the active ingredient in these medications. This patent protection gives Novo Nordisk exclusive rights to produce and market semaglutide until 2031. ³

Patent protection grants the original manufacturer exclusive rights to produce and market the drug for a specific period of time. In the United States, new drugs typically receive 20 years of patent protection from the date the patent application was filed. During this time, no other pharmaceutical companies are legally permitted to develop and market generic semaglutide. ⁴

As of now, there are only three versions of semaglutide that have been approved by the FDA. All three of these options require a prescription:

• Ozempic : This is an injection containing semaglutide and is approved for lowering blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. Additionally, Ozempic has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

• Rybelsus : This is a tablet containing semaglutide and, like Ozempic, is approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also used alongside diet and exercise.

• Wegovy : This is an injection containing semaglutide, which is approved to aid weight loss in adults and children aged 12 and above who have obesity or in adults who are overweight with weight-related health problems. ⁵

How Much is Ozempic?

The financial burden of Ozempic can be overwhelming for many patients. A single month's supply of Ozempic 2 mg costs a staggering $756 at a typical U.S. retail pharmacy like Rite Aid (based on Rite Aid Pharmacy 05423). That quickly adds up to thousands of dollars over the course of treatment. For individuals relying on this medication, these out-of-pocket costs can be frustrating.

There is a more affordable option, however. Getting Ozempic through a reputable online pharmacy like ScriptsMD reduces the monthly cost to $289. That's a significant savings compared to retail pharmacies. Patients can save over $400 per month by going through ScriptsMD.

Even compared to Hims & Hers, a company that made headlines for its low prices, you can still save significantly with ScriptsMD. 

Ozempic Dosages

  

Ozempic is a convenient pre-filled injectable pen that comes in four different dosages: 

• 25 mg
• 5 mg
• 1 mg
• 2 mg ¹

Ozempic is injected once per week, right under the skin in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It can be taken any time of day, with or without food. ¹

When beginning Ozempic, your doctor will have you start at a low dose and gradually increase it over the first few months. This helps your body adjust to the medication. Here's what the schedule typically looks like:

• Month 1: You'll inject 0.25 mg of Ozempic once weekly for the first four weeks. This low introductory dose allows your body to get used to Ozempic.

• Month 2: Your doctor will increase your dosage to 0.5 mg injected once per week for the next four weeks.

• Month 3: If your blood sugar levels are still too high on the 0.5 mg dose, your doctor may increase your Ozempic to 1 mg injected once weekly.

• Month 4: If your blood sugar is still not well controlled with 1 mg of Ozempic, your doctor may decide to increase your dosage to the maximum of 2 mg injected once per week. ⁶

Ozempic Side Effects

While Ozempic is generally well-tolerated, some side effects may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. The most common side effects are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation ¹

These symptoms typically diminish over time as your body gets used to Ozempic. However, if they persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider for guidance. ¹

In rare instances, more serious side effects may occur. These include:

• Pancreatitis
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Hypoglycemia
• Acute Kidney Injury
• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema ¹

It's important to monitor yourself and contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any persistent or concerning symptoms. They can help determine if your symptoms may be medication-related and make adjustments as needed.

Ozempic for Weight Loss

  

While Ozempic is not FDA-approved as a weight loss drug, studies suggest that people who take semaglutide, the active compound in Ozempic, may experience weight loss as a side effect. In fact, the FDA has recently approved semaglutide as a weight loss treatment under the brand name Wegovy. ⁷

The key difference is that Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg) ⁷ compared to the doses available in Ozempic (0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg). ¹ The 2.4 mg dose was shown to be effective for weight loss in a large clinical trial sponsored by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of both medications. ⁸

In this 68-week study of nearly 2,000 adults who were overweight or had obesity but did not have diabetes, those who received the 2.4 mg semaglutide dose lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group. Both groups also received lifestyle counseling on diet and exercise. ⁸

While the 2.4 mg dose clearly showed significant weight loss benefits, it's possible that Ozempic's lower doses may still promote modest weight loss for some individuals. However, the extent and consistency of weight loss may not be as substantial compared to the higher Wegovy dose that was specifically studied and approved for weight management.

FAQs

How long does it take for Ozempic to start working?

It takes approximately four to five weeks of weekly Ozempic injections to achieve steady state, which means the amount of the drug in your body remains stable and consistent. At this point, the rate at which Ozempic is absorbed into your body matches the rate at which it is eliminated. ⁹

However, the timeline for Ozempic to start working can vary from person to person based on factors such as your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other medications you're taking, and your overall health. ⁹

Is Ozempic safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is limited data available regarding the safety of Ozempic during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is critical to speak with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of using Ozempic. ¹

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels during pregnancy is vital for the health of both you and your baby. Uncontrolled blood sugar during pregnancy can be harmful. Therefore, your doctor will likely recommend a treatment option other than Ozempic to manage your blood sugar. ¹

Can I use Ozempic if I have a history of pancreatitis?

If you have a history of pancreatitis, unfortunately Ozempic may not be the best treatment option for you. Ozempic belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have been linked to pancreatitis in some cases. Due to this risk, Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs are not recommended for use in people with a history of pancreatitis. ¹

Can Ozempic help me lose weight?

While Ozempic is only FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, Novo Nordisk's studies indicate semaglutide may also help with weight loss. The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which Novo Nordisk has developed into a higher-dose medication called Wegovy that is specifically FDA-approved for weight management. ⁷

Is there a generic version of Ozempic available?

Unfortunately, there is currently no generic version of Ozempic available on the market. Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic, holds the patent for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, until 2031. ³ During this patent period, generic drug manufacturers are prohibited from producing and selling generic forms of Ozempic. ⁴