Ozempic

Ozempic is a prescription medication primarily used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and may also support weight management.

Indications

-Type 2 diabetes mellitus, as an adjunct to diet and exercise -May reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease

Dosage

-Initial Dose: 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks (to minimize gastrointestinal side effects). -Maintenance Dose: Increase to 0.5 mg once weekly; if additional glycemic control is needed, the dose may be increased to 1 mg weekly. -Administered via subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Contra-Indications

-Hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of its components -Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) -Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) -Pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly necessary

Special Precautions

-Monitor for thyroid tumors and signs of pancreatitis -Use cautiously in patients with renal or hepatic impairment -May cause gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) -Avoid in patients with a history of severe gastrointestinal disease

Side Effects

Common side effects include: -Nausea -Vomiting -Diarrhea -Constipation -Decreased appetite -Rare but serious side effects: -Pancreatitis -Thyroid tumors -Hypoglycemia (especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas)

Drug Interactions

-May delay gastric emptying, affecting the absorption of oral medications. -Increased risk of hypoglycemia when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin. -Monitor interaction with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or DPP-4 inhibitors.