What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a pre-filled injection pen used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in adults. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which increases insulin production to help keep your blood sugar under control.

It also reduces appetite. Beause of this effect, Ozempic is sometimes prescribed “off-label” for weight management. However, in Canada, Ozempic is only officially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. A different brand, Wegovy, which contains a higher dose of the same active ingredient (semaglutide), is specifically approved for chronic weight management.

You only need to take Ozempic once a week, and it works best alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. You’ll normally start on a low dose and may increase it over time. Ozempic is a subcutaneous injection that goes under the skin on your thigh, stomach, or upper arm.

How does Ozempic work?

Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) is almost identical to GLP-1, a hormone that’s made naturally in your gut and released after you’ve eaten. It regulates appetite and insulin secretion and slows down the rate your stomach empties. This gives a longer sensation of fullness, which means you don’t feel as hungry.

Semaglutide lowers blood sugar by helping your body to make more insulin and preventing your liver from producing excess glucose. By slowing down the passage of food out of the stomach, it also slows down the rate your body takes up sugar from the food you eat.

What doses of Ozempic are there?

Ozempic is available in several different doses, typically administered from pens that can deliver 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2.0 mg per injection. When you take it for diabetes, the dose you’re prescribed will depend on your treatment plan. Patients usually start on the lowest dose (0.25 mg) once a week for the first month. This may be increased to 0.5 mg. If more blood sugar control is needed, your doctor may increase the dose further to 1.0 mg or 2.0 mg

If you’re unsure which dose is right for you, your healthcare provider will determine the correct amount to manage your condition.

How to use Ozempic

It’s important to use Ozempic exactly as your doctor has told you to. Always read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication before you use it for the first time, and if you’re not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

• The starting dose is normally 0.25mg once a week for four weeks.
• After four weeks your doctor may increase the dose to 0.5mg once a week.
• If your doctor doesn’t see any improvement in your blood sugar levels with the 0.5mg dose, it might be increased to 1mg or eventually 2 mg.
• Inject Ozempic under the skin. Don’t inject it into a vein or muscle.
• The best places to inject Ozempic are the front of your thighs, the front of your waist or your upper arm.
• Inject once a week, and on the same day each week if possible.
• The day of the week that you use it on can be changed – as long as you have at least three days between doses. After you choose a new day, the once-weekly dose should be continued.
• It can be taken any time during the day, regardless of meals.
• Always check that the solution in your pen is clear and colorless. Don’t use it if it looks cloudy or if the pen has been frozen.
• Your pen should only be used by you (and no-one else).
• Before using Ozempic for the first time your doctor or nurse will show you how to use it.

These instructions are for the approved use of Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. If a doctor prescribes Ozempic off-label for weight loss, they will provide specific instructions.

How long does it take Ozempic to work?

Ozempic works differently for different people, and it might depend on the dose. In clinical trials, it took four to five weeks for Ozempic to reach a level of ‘steady state exposure’ in the body (which basically means having a continuous supply of the drug in the system). ^[1]

Clinical trials also showed that 46% of people using the 0.5mg for a year lost up to 5% of body weight, and 13% of people using it lost up to 10%. In people using the 1mg dose for a year, 62% lost up to 5% of body weight and 24% up to 10% of body weight. ^[1]

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Ozempic?

If you forget to take your dose, and it’s been five days or less, take the dose when you remember. Continue with your next dose on your scheduled day. If it’s been more than five days, skip the dose and continue with the next dose on your scheduled day. Don’t take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

If you accidentally take a higher dose than normal, or than you’ve been prescribed, let your prescriber know as soon as possible. You may get nausea if you take more Ozempic than you should.