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A Comprehensive Guide to Ozempic

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A Comprehensive Guide to Ozempic

11 / Sep

Ozempic Usage, Benefits, Side Effects, And More

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more crucial than ever in today’s fast-paced world. With increasing health challenges, including obesity and diabetes, exploring effective treatment options is essential. Ozempic is one such solution that has been receiving significant attention.

Are you looking for an easy solution to combat type 2 diabetes? Keep reading to learn how Ozempic works for type 2 diabetes management, its usage, benefits, and how much it contributes to maintaining healthy body weight. 

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a weekly injection containing the active ingredient semaglutide. Originally designed to assist individuals with diabetes in managing and reducing their blood sugar levels. 

According to studies, Ozempic is also effective at helping people with type 2 diabetes lose weight as it helps in balancing blood sugar levels. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends semaglutide (an active ingredient in Ozempic) as a weight loss contributor. 

Note: Ozempic is only licensed to treat type 2 diabetes and cannot be prescribed to treat obesity. 

How to use Ozempic for Diabetes Management?

Ozempic is used as a subcutaneous injection, which is injected under the skin, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The injections are usually given once a week.

For beginners, the minimum dosage of Ozempic is prescribed i.e. 0.25mg, then gradually increases over 8 weeks to 1mg. This step-by-step approach helps your body acclimate to the medication, minimising typical side effects like nausea.

Ozempic is provided as a pre-filled injector resembling a pen, complete with one-off use needles. The entire process takes about 2 minutes and comes with comprehensive guidelines on the injection procedure.

How to inject an Ozempic pen?

It’s quick and simple! You just have to put a new needle onto your Ozempic pen, choose the required dose, and then press the pen steadily against your abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm while depressing the injector button.

How does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic is provided as a ready-to-use injection pen that you use once weekly.

The main component, Semaglutide mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone that lowers post-meal blood sugar levels. It increases insulin secretion (a hormone that lowers blood sugar) from the pancreas, reduces the liver’s sugar production, and slows stomach emptying.

Moreover, it makes your brain feel that it’s had enough to eat, reducing your inclination to snack or have big meals and leading you to intake fewer calories. Consequently, it reduces hunger improves insulin management of your blood sugars, and assists in weight loss.

Who Can Take Ozempic for Weight Loss?

Ozempic as a weight loss treatment is suitable for individuals who have:

  • BMI of 30 or more.
  • BMI of 27 or more, along with weight-related health complications such as high blood pressure, polycystic ovary syndrome, heart disease etc.

BMI Calculator for Ozempic

Ozempic is NOT suitable for individuals who are/have:

  • under 18 or over 75 years old.
  • pregnant, breastfeeding, or attempting to become pregnant.
  • type 1 diabetes
  • history of thyroid cancer or have family members with such a history.
  • diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).
  • liver disease.
  • kidney problems.
  • history of pancreatitis.
  • dealing with diabetic eye disease

What are the Benefits of Ozempic?

As you know, Ozempic 1 mg helps your body regulate food, sugar, and fat metabolism, but other health benefits were also discovered during the drug trials.

  1. Blood Sugar Control: Ozempic aids in reducing blood sugar levels by enhancing the release of insulin from the pancreas and decreasing glucose production in the liver. It controls the blood sugar level of the individuals with type 2 diabetes.
  2. Weight Loss: One of the advantages of Ozempic is that it leads to weight loss. It is particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese, as excess weight can exacerbate the condition.
  3. Cardiovascular Benefits: Clinical studies have shown that Ozempic has cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.
  4. Reduced Appetite: Ozempic reduces appetite, decreasing food intake. This helps with weight loss and improved diabetes management.
  5. Convenience: Ozempic is usually taken as a once-weekly injection, which can be more convenient for patients than medications requiring daily dosing.
  6. Long-Lasting Effects: Due to its longer duration of action, Ozempic continues to lower blood sugar levels even after the initial injection, which helps provide more consistent glucose control throughout the week.
  7. Lowered A1c Levels: A1c measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Ozempic has been shown to reduce A1c levels significantly, indicating improved overall diabetes management.

How much weight can be lost with Ozempic?

Everyone’s body functions differently so does their weight loss journey. On average, a user can lose about 3% to 5% of their body weight after using Ozempic for a month regularly. Consult with our weight management clinic for the best results.

What are the Side Effects of Ozempic?

While Ozempic offers promising benefits for diabetes management, it’s essential to be aware of the potential side effects that might arise during its use:

  • Nausea: Feeling queasy or sick to your stomach.
  • Vomiting: Throwing up, sometimes as a result of nausea.
  • Diarrhoea: Frequent and loose bowel movements.
  • Constipation: Difficulty in passing stools, often causing discomfort.
  • Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the stomach area.
  • Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat or lack of interest in food.
  • Indigestion: Discomfort or burning feeling in the stomach, often after eating.
  • Headache: Aching pain in the head.
  • Fatigue: Feeling tired or lethargic.
  • Dizziness: Feeling unsteady or lightheaded.
  • Hypoglycaemia: Low blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms like shakiness, sweating, and confusion.

Several of these side effects arise as secondary effects rather than direct results of the medication. For instance, vomiting can trigger dehydration, which manifests as headaches and fatigue. 

It is crucial to have proper hydration and a well-balanced diet with regular meals while consuming Ozempic for weight loss.

How The Care Pharmacy Helps You

If you need more help or reassurance with using Ozempic for the first time, our team of expert pharmacists at The Care Pharmacy are here to guide you. 

By filling out our online consultation form, you will get your medications delivered to the comfort of your home.

 

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