What Is Ozempic? Uses, Benefits, and Key Facts You Should Know 

After its approval [1] by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017, Ozempic set a new standard in managing and treating type 2 diabetes (T2D). The once-weekly injection developed by Novo Nordisk is the first drug to be made with semaglutide [1] in the family of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs that mimic natural incretin hormones, helping regulate blood sugar and reducing appetite.

Compared to earlier GLP-1 drugs [2] based on exenatide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide, Ozempic offers improved blood sugar control, more convenient once-weekly dosing, and greater weight loss of about 5–7% of body weight over the first 6 to 12 months of treatment on average. It also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events by around 26% in people with T2D and existing heart disease, while slowing the progression of diabetic kidney disease.

Discover how Ozempic works, who it is for, and what side effects to be aware of. 

Understanding the Drug – What Is Ozempic and How Does It Work? 

Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, is a synthetic version of the natural hormone incretin GLP-1, which is released by the gut after eating to help regulate blood sugar and appetite.

Semaglutide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar levels are high, promoting glucose transfer from the bloodstream into cells for energy. At the same time, it suppresses glucagon, a hormone that signals the liver to release stored sugar into the blood. It slows the pace at which food leaves the stomach, helping stabilise blood sugar levels after meals and prevent sudden spikes in glucose.

Importantly, semaglutide also acts on the brain to reduce appetite, which can support weight loss and improve long-term blood sugar control.

Together, these effects make Ozempic not only helpful in managing blood glucose but also beneficial for reducing cardiovascular risk and protecting kidney function in people with T2D.

Lower blood sugar and weight loss reduce strain on the heart and help protect blood vessels. These benefits also support kidney health and are further enhanced by Ozempic’s ability to lower inflammation and oxidative stress. 

What is Ozempic Used for? 

Ozempic is a once-weekly injection [3] used alongside diet and exercise to help adults with T2D better manage their blood sugar.

In adults with T2D and heart disease, Ozempic is approved to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death. Meanwhile, for adults with T2D and chronic kidney disease (CKD), it also helps slow the progression of kidney damage.

Ozempic is not prescribed to patients with: 

Is Ozempic used for weight loss? 

Although many people with type 2 diabetes lose significant weight [4] on Ozempic, sometimes 10% or more of their starting weight, this drug is not officially approved for weight loss. The weight reduction typically results from a combination of a healthy diet, physical activity, and Ozempic’s effects on appetite and fullness.

For those seeking treatment specifically for weight management, healthcare providers may recommend options approved for this purpose, such as Wegovy, which contains a higher dose of semaglutide. It might sound a little complicated, but both Ozempic and Wegovy contains the molecule semaglutide, but in different strengths and approved by the medical authorities for different indications.  

What is in the Ozempic Injection Pen? 

Ozempic is supplied as a prefilled, single-patient-use pen [5] containing a clear, colourless or almost colourless solution with a pH of approximately 7.4.

The pens vary by the amount of the active ingredient, semaglutide: 

Other, non-medicinal, inactive ingredients in the Ozempic injection pen are: 

Dosing Schedule 

An Ozempic injection is given once per week under the skin, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm any time of day, with or without food. However, it is crucial to rotate the injection site each week within the same area to prevent irritation, inflammation or fatty tissue buildup (lipohypertrophy).

Treatment typically starts with 0.25 mg weekly for the first 4 weeks, allowing the body to adjust. The dose is then increased to 0.5 mg, with possible escalation to 1 mg or 2 mg weekly based on the response and needs.

For those with chronic kidney disease, the same gradual increase applies, with most patients maintained at 1 mg weekly.

If an Ozempic injection was missed, it can be taken within 5 days after the previous dose. For a longer delay, it is essential to skip the dose and resume the usual schedule. This gap prevents taking two doses close together.  

Side Effects of Ozempic 

What is the biggest side effect of Ozempic?

In clinical trials, nausea was the most commonly reported side effect, affecting 16–20% of patients. Other frequent symptoms included vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and constipation. These gastrointestinal issues usually occur early in treatment and often ease within a few weeks as the body adapts. They can also be reduced by starting a probiotic supplement at least two weeks before beginning a treatment with Ozempic.

Serious side effects are much rarer but can include: 

Ozempic also carries a boxed warning about a potential risk of thyroid tumours, based on studies in rodents. This has not been confirmed in humans but is included as a precaution, particularly for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. 

Ozempic face and Ozempic feet 

Rapid weight loss from lifestyle changes combined with Ozempic can lead to visible effects known as “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic feet.” These are not side effects of the medication, but the results of a sharp reduction in fat in areas with minimal natural cushioning and lower skin elasticity.

While not medically harmful, these changes can be distressing. Ozempic face [6] may appear gaunt or aged, while Ozempic feet [7] can feel bony, veiny, or uncomfortable when walking.

Fortunately, these effects can often be prevented by avoiding extreme calorie deficits and aiming for gradual, sustainable weight loss. Staying well hydrated, consuming adequate protein, protecting skin from sun damage, and using skincare that supports collagen production can help the body adjust to weight changes more smoothly. 

Staying Consistent with Ozempic 

Taking Ozempic regularly, as prescribed by your healthcare provider, is essential for maintaining steady levels of the medication in your body, which, in turn, reduces fluctuations in blood glucose levels. However, it is normal to feel challenged by side effects, especially early on.

To ease gastrointestinal symptoms and stay on track with your treatment: 

These steps can help you manage side effects, stick with your plan, and reach your health goals. 

Learn more about Forte80™

This article has been written with information taken from supported scientific research, and its purpose is purely educational. It should not be intended as medical advice or be used in personal diagnoses. Individuals on GLP-1 weight loss drugs should work closely with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive, holistic health plan. With proper support, including targeted supplementation for digestive health, many more people may be able to benefit from these groundbreaking medications without sacrificing comfort or quality of life. 

References:

1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novo-nordisk-receives-fda-approval-of-ozempic-semaglutide-injection-for-the-treatment-of-adults-with-type-2-diabetes-300567052.html
2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2042018821997320 
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/209637s020s021lbl.pdf 
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9486455/ 
5. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/ozempic-epar-product-information_en.pdf  
6. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ozempic-face 
7. https://www.tanglewoodfootspecialists.com/library/ozempic-feet-neuropathy-houston-podiatrist.cfm