If you have Type 2 Diabetes, your doctor has probably told you about a medication called Ozempic. Or you may have heard about it somewhere because it's been talked about everywhere. Since it's a relatively new medication, many people have questions and even a little fear. You may be wondering things like, "What will happen with this?", "Is it safe?", "How do I use it?" So today, let's talk briefly and honestly about what Ozempic is, what it does to our bodies, what are its benefits, and what are the things to be aware of.
What is Ozempic? How does it actually work?
Simply put, Ozempic is a medication that helps control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is usually prescribed along with a proper diet and exercise. It is also used to reduce the risk of major events such as heart attack or stroke in people with diabetes who have heart disease.
The active ingredient in this medicine is `semaglutide`. Now, let's see how it works. This medicine works like a hormone called `GLP-1` that is naturally produced in our body. That is:
- Stimulates insulin production: After we eat, this signals the pancreas to produce more insulin, which is what moves sugar from the blood into the cells.
- Stops the release of sugar from the liver: This controls the unnecessary release of sugar (glucose) stored in our liver into the blood.
- Slows down the movement of food: This slows down the speed at which the food we eat moves from the stomach to the intestines. This helps control the sudden spike in blood sugar levels after eating. It also helps you feel full for longer, which can help control how much you eat.
The most important thing is that if you are taking Ozempic, do not take any other medicine containing `semaglutide` (which comes under other names) at the same time. It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.
Benefits of Ozempic and what has been proven in trials
Before this drug came to the market, many large clinical studies were conducted to find out how effective and safe it was.
Most importantly, in a study of people with both diabetes and heart disease, those who took Ozempic had significantly fewer serious events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease, than those who did not take the drug.
Another important thing is blood sugar control. You may be familiar with the blood test called `HbA1c`. This is how we see how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past 2-3 months. In trials, Ozempic has been more effective at lowering `HbA1c` than several other popular diabetes medications (such as `sitagliptin`, `exenatide`, `insulin glargine`).
Shall we talk about weight loss too?
One of the things that people talk about a lot is that Ozempic helps you lose weight. Yes, it's true. Many people who have taken the drug have seen significant weight loss . On average, people who have taken the drug for at least 30 weeks have reported losing between 7 and 14 pounds (that's about 3 to 6.5 kilograms ), depending on the dose. But keep in mind that these results can vary from person to person.
How do you use Ozempic?
Ozempic is an injection that comes as a liquid and is given under the skin once a week .
- Same day: It is important to get this vaccine on the same day every week (e.g. every Sunday). If you want to change the day, there must be at least two days (48 hours) between two doses.
- Vaccination site: Change the injection site each time. You can use the skin on your stomach, thigh, or the back of your upper arm.
- The Pen: This medication comes in a very easy-to-use, pre-filled pen. You need to attach a new needle to the pen each time.
- Ask your doctor: Before using the pen for the first time, ask your doctor or a trained nurse to show you exactly how to use it. It is very important. Do not inject the pen into a vein or muscle.
Side effects and interactions with other medications
Like any medicine, Ozempic can have some minor side effects. Don't worry, most of the time these aren't serious.
| Side effect/effect | What you need to know and do |
|---|---|
| Vomiting, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea | These are the most common side effects. They may be more noticeable when you first start taking the medication and when you increase the dosage. Reduce your intake of oily, fried, and sweet foods. Eat small meals rather than large meals. Drink fluids like water and soup. Most of the time, these symptoms will subside within a few days. |
| Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) | If you take insulin or a sulfonylurea with Ozempic, your blood sugar may get too low. Be aware of this if you feel dizzy, sweaty, or shaky. Talk to your doctor about changing the dosage of your other medications. |
| Effects on other medications | Because Ozempic slows down the rate at which food moves through your stomach, it may take longer for other medications you take by mouth (e.g., pain relievers, high blood pressure medications) to be absorbed. If you feel like your other medications aren't working as well as they used to, tell your doctor. |
When to seek immediate medical advice
These are very rare, but serious conditions.
If you have persistent severe stomach pain (which may radiate to your back) and vomiting, stop taking Ozempic immediately and call your doctor or go to the emergency room (ETU) at your nearest hospital. This could be an inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Also, if you are trying to get pregnant, you should stop taking Ozempic at least two months before trying to get pregnant . Talk to your doctor about this.
Beware of fake medicines!
Because Ozempic is a popular drug, there have been reports of counterfeit drugs being sold under this name around the world. These are very dangerous. Therefore, always obtain this drug only from a government-registered, trusted pharmacy, according to a doctor's prescription . Never buy medicine online or from unknown sources.
Take-Home Message
- Ozempic is a once-weekly injection used in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes.
- This controls blood sugar, reduces the risk of heart disease, and can also help with weight loss.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Minor side effects such as nausea and vomiting are common. However, if you experience severe, persistent stomach pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- Never start or stop taking this medication without consulting a doctor. Always follow his instructions.
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