Ozempic, or semaglutide, is a drug that helps in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist and is largely used in the treatment of adults patients. Ozempic semaglutide type 2 diabetes medication is in the form of an injection.
The Use of Ozempic Semaglutide Type 2 Diabetes Medication
Ozempic works by stimulating insulin production. The drug also helps to lower glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner.
Patients with type 1 diabetes should not use semaglutide. Additionally, the drug should not be the first treatment option for treating type 2 diabetes either. This is especially true for patients who do not have a good enough glycemic control on their diet and exercise.
It is important to note that Ozempic is not a substitute for insulin.
Ozempic Semaglutide Type 2 Diabetes Medication Side Effects
Some of the side effects when taking Ozempic include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- documented symptomatic hypoglycemia
- severe or symptomatic hypoglycemia
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- constipation
- eructation
- dyspepsia
- gastroesophageal disease
- flatulence
- injection site reaction
- gastritis
- fatigue
- cholelithiasis
- dizziness
- dysgeusia
Semaglutide can be injected into the abdomen, the thigh, or the upper arm. If you are using Ozempic, you should administer the drug once a week, and on the same day every week. Administration can be at any time during the day and can be with or without meals.
If the patient is injecting Ozempic in the same area of the body each week (i.e. the abdomen), then each week, the drug should be injected in a different spot in that area to reduce irritation.
If the patient is using Ozempic at the same time as doing insulin injections, then they should choose a different injection site for each drug. Using the same body area for the two injections is fine, but ensure that the exact locations are not adjacent to one another. Ozempic and insulin should never, in any circumstances, be mixed with each other.
Patients should discuss with their doctors or a healthcare professional to determine if Ozempic is the right treatment for them.
Featured image: DepositPhotos/ photographyMK
