Ozempic Injection Specification

Requires Prescription (YES/NO)

Yes

Generics

Semaglutide

Used For

Diabetes

How it works

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 analogue with 94% sequence homology to human GLP-1. Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist that selectively binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, the target for native GLP-1. GLP-1 is a physiological hormone that has multiple actions on glucose, mediated by the GLP-1 receptors. The principal mechanism of protraction resulting in the long half-life of semaglutide is albumin binding, which results in decreased renal clearance and protection from metabolic degradation. Furthermore, semaglutide is stabilized against degradation by the DPP-4 enzyme. Semaglutide reduces blood glucose through a mechanism where it stimulates insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion, both in a glucose-dependent manner. Thus, when blood glucose is high, insulin secretion is stimulated and glucagon secretion is inhibited. The mechanism of blood glucose lowering also involves a minor delay in gastric emptying in the early postprandial phase.

Ozempic Injection Usage And Safety

Dosage

Semaglutide

Side Effects

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people : Complications of diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) – you should inform your doctor if you experience eye problems, such as changes in vision, during treatment with this medicine. Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people : Inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis) which could cause severe pain in the stomach and back which does not go away. You should see a doctor immediately if you experience such symptoms. Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people : Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions, angioedema). You should seek immediate medical help and inform your doctor straight away if you get symptoms such as breathing problems, swelling of face, lips, tongue and/or throat with difficulty swallowing and a fast heartbeat .

Drug Interactions

Concomitant Use with an Insulin Secretagogue (e.g., Sulfonylurea) or with Insulin : The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when it is used in combination with insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas) or insulin. The risk of hypoglycemia may be lowered by a reduction in the dose of sulfonylurea (or other concomitantly administered insulin secretagogues) or insulin .

Indication

It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus .

When not to Use

It is contraindicated in patients with: A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) . Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or to any of the product components .

Ozempic Injection Precautions

Precaution

In patients with diabetic retinopathy treated with insulin and semaglutide, an increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy complications has been observed . Caution should be exercised when using semaglutide in patients with diabetic retinopathy treated with insulin. These patients should be monitored closely and treated according to clinical guidelines. Rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy, but other mechanisms cannot be excluded.

Ozempic Injection Warnings

Warning 1

Semaglutide should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Semaglutide is not a substitute for insulin. Diabetic ketoacidosis has been reported in insulin-dependent patients whom had rapid discontinuation or dose reduction of insulin when treatment with a GLP-1 receptor agonist is started .

Warning 2

Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists may be associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions. This should be considered when treating patients, with impaired renal function as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea may cause dehydration which could cause a deterioration of renal function .

Warning 3

Acute pancreatitis has been observed with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Patients should be informed of the characteristic symptoms of acute pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, semaglutide should be discontinued; if confirmed, semaglutide should not be restarted. Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of pancreatitis.

Ozempic Injection Additional Information

Pregnancy category

Always consult your physician before using any medicine.

Storage (YES/NO)

Store in a refrigerator (2°C–8°C). Do not Freeze .