Ozempic® Prescription Medication
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic® is the brand name for the prescription medication Semaglutide that was granted approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and the mitigation of certain cardiovascular risks associated with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means that it works by activating the same receptors in the body as the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is an integral part of metabolism regulation. Ozempic helps to elevate GLP-1 levels within the body, which works to suppress the appetite and prolong satiety leading to weight loss.
Can Ozempic Promote Weight Loss?
Yes, semaglutide, marketed under the brand name Ozempic, interacts with the body's natural GLP-1 hormone to regulate the production and distribution of insulin to control blood glucose levels. Insulin helps the body efficiently process and digest food that is consumed and is particularly responsible for the storage or breakdown of fat.
During clinical trials and other studies conducted with Ozempic in treating people with diabetes, it was discovered that significant weight loss was a side benefit of the medication. The findings of one study reported by JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) indicated that individuals using Ozempic experienced an approximate weight loss equal to 6% of their total body weight after using the drug for three months, and by the sixth month of usage, these individuals had lost about 11% of their total body weight. For a 200-pound individual, these losses would translate to about 12 pounds after 3 months and 22 pounds after 6 months.
The initial studies were conducted on patients with diabetes and laid the groundwork for the approval of prescription semaglutide to be used in higher doses for the treatment of overweight and obesity in patients without diabetes. In 2021, the FDA approved the brand name Wegovy (semaglutide) for the specific purpose of addressing obesity and helping individuals achieve sustainable weight loss.
How Do You Use Ozempic?
Ozempic comes pre-packaged in a pen-like injector syringe. Each syringe holds a pre-measured dose that lasts for one week and is self-administered by injecting it into the fatty tissue on the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen.
The dosing schedule for Ozempic varies according to its usage. When being used to help manage obesity, higher doses are utilized compared to when helping patients manage blood sugar levels.
To help keep the unpleasant side effects of nausea and vomiting at bay, patients must gradually acclimate their bodies to the drug. They spend four weeks on each dose level, starting at the lowest and gradually working their way up to the strongest dose. The process takes an average of five months, and dose levels escalate as follows; 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7 mg, and finally the highest dose level of 2.4mg.
Your doctor will provide you with exact instructions for your particular situation. It is best to administer your injection at the same time and on the same day of the week and alternate injection sites for optimal results without complications.
Who Is A Candidate For Ozempic?
Ozempic is intended for treating adults 18 or older with type 2 diabetes but also provides weight management benefits. It is essential to speak with a doctor to determine if Ozempic is the right solution for you.
Ozempic May Not Be The Best Treatment For Individuals Who:
- Are simultaneously being treated with any other GLP-1 medication.
- Has been diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or has a family history of this rare thyroid cancer.
- Discovers they are allergic to any ingredients in Ozempic.
- Has been diagnosed with the uncommon genetic disorder MEN2.
- Are experiencing any medical issues with their pancreas or kidneys.
- Are currently pregnant, plan to become pregnant in the near future, or are currently breastfeeding.
What Benefits Does Ozempic Offer?
- Ozempic can help provide increased appetite suppression by offering patients assistance in managing their food intake.
- It decelerates the time it takes the digestive tract to process what's eaten, so it stays in the stomach for an extended amount of time and significantly reduces constant hunger cravings.
- Ozempic is instrumental in helping regulate insulin levels for diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, promoting a more efficient metabolism, increasing fat burning, and decreasing the storage of fat.
- Studies have shown that Ozempic lowers A1C and the risk of stroke and heart attack while offering substantial weight loss potential. Significant weight loss can enhance or alleviate weight-related health problems like hypertension, type II diabetes, and more.
Are There Side Effects Associated With Ozempic?
As with any medication, the use of Ozempic carries a risk of adverse effects. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, tiredness, and feeling dizzy are the most frequently reported adverse reactions. It is often possible to mitigate these undesirable side effects by working with your doctor to modify the medication's dosage or administration schedule. To learn more about Ozempic please refer to the manufacturers Ozempic patient information guide.
How Do I Know If Ozempic Is Right For Me?
Ozempic is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults over the age of 18 and can be used to facilitate weight loss, which can have a positive impact and improve weight-related health conditions.
Our team of KIINILIFE doctors will assist you in determining whether Ozempic is the appropriate medication to meet your needs and will partner with you to determine the best solution for weight loss that will help you reach your goals.
Working with the qualified health coaches and the obesity-trained doctors at KIINILIFE can help optimize your weight loss potential so you can achieve the results you desire.
