OZEMPIC 1mg Solution for Injection in Pre-Filled pen

What is OZEMPIC 1mg

OZEMPIC 1mg is a prescription medicine that contains the active ingredient Semaglutide. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs). OZEMPIC is primarily used to:

• Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly when lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) are insufficient.
• Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (such as stroke, heart attack, or death) in adults with type 2 diabetes who have existing cardiovascular disease.

OZEMPIC 1mg is not insulin and is not indicated for treating type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. The medication is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection via a pre-filled pen that comes with 4 disposable NovoFine Plus needles. The 3ml pen provides multiple 1mg doses.

Patients typically begin treatment at a lower dose and progress to 1mg for sustained glycemic control and potential weight loss benefits. This formulation supports long-term diabetes management and may help reduce the need for multiple daily medications.

How to use OZEMPIC 1mg

OZEMPIC 1mg is designed for easy self-administration using a pre-filled, multi-dose injection pen. It should be used exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Here’s a step-by-step guide to its proper use:

• Administration frequency: Inject once weekly, on the same day each week. It can be taken with or without food, at any time of day.
• Injection sites: Administer subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites with each injection to avoid skin irritation.
• Pen preparation:
  • Attach a new NovoFine Plus needle before each use.
  • Prime the pen before first use according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Select the 1mg dose using the dose selector.
• Injection:
  • Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
  • Insert the needle at a 90° angle and press the injection button.
  • Hold the button down for at least 6 seconds to ensure full delivery of the medication.
• After use:
  • Remove and safely discard the needle in a sharps container.
  • Cap the pen and store it as per storage instructions.

Missed a dose? If less than 5 days have passed, take the dose as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the dose and resume on your next scheduled day. Never double the dose.

Mode of Action OZEMPIC 1mg

Semaglutide, the active component of OZEMPIC 1mg, mimics the action of the human incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Its mechanism of action addresses multiple pathways involved in glucose metabolism:

• Stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion:

  When blood glucose levels rise, Semaglutide enhances insulin release from pancreatic beta cells, helping to lower blood sugar.

• Suppresses inappropriate glucagon secretion:

  It reduces glucagon production in the liver, especially during meals, thereby decreasing hepatic glucose output.

• Delays gastric emptying:

  This slows down the movement of food from the stomach to the intestine, resulting in improved postprandial (after meal) blood glucose control and prolonged satiety.

• Acts on the brain:

  Semaglutide influences appetite-regulating centers in the brain, leading to reduced food intake and potential weight loss.

Its prolonged action allows for once-weekly administration, improving adherence compared to daily diabetes medications. Additionally, it has cardiovascular benefits independent of its glucose-lowering effect, making it a dual-purpose agent in diabetic patients with heart disease.

OZEMPIC 1mg Interactions OZEMPIC 1mg

OZEMPIC 1mg (Semaglutide) may interact with other medications and impact how they work or increase side effect risks. Always inform your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products you use. Key interactions include:

• Insulin and Sulfonylureas:
  • May increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used together. Dose adjustments may be required.
• Oral medications:
  • Due to delayed gastric emptying, the absorption of oral medications may be altered. Monitor closely if you're taking drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., warfarin, levothyroxine, or anticonvulsants).
• Warfarin:
  • Monitor INR levels when starting or stopping OZEMPIC, especially if on chronic anticoagulation.
• Dehydration-sensitive drugs:
  • Persistent gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., vomiting or diarrhea) can lead to dehydration and affect the clearance of nephrotoxic drugs such as NSAIDs or ACE inhibitors.

Clinical tips:

• Space OZEMPIC from other subcutaneous injectables when administered simultaneously.
• Report any signs of hypoglycemia or altered drug effects to your physician promptly.
• Avoid alcohol excess, as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia or GI intolerance.

Dosage of OZEMPIC 1mg

The dosage of OZEMPIC 1mg is tailored to the patient’s therapeutic response and tolerance. It is part of a gradual titration schedule to minimize gastrointestinal side effects:

• Initiation:
  • Start with 0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks. This is a non-therapeutic dose used to reduce side effects like nausea.
• Titration:
  • Increase to 0.5 mg once weekly after 4 weeks.
  • After at least 4 more weeks, the dose can be further increased to 1 mg once weekly for enhanced glycemic control.
• Maximum recommended dose:
  • 1 mg once weekly for most patients. In some cases, a higher 2 mg dose may be considered (with separate pen formulation) if additional control is needed.

Special Populations:

• Renal impairment: No adjustment needed for mild to moderate cases. Use with caution in severe impairment.
• Hepatic impairment: Limited data; monitor closely if used.
• Elderly: No dosage adjustment required, but monitor renal function and side effects.

Always inject on the same day of the week, and allow flexibility (±3 days) without changing the weekly schedule.

Possible side effects of OZEMPIC 1mg

Like all medications, OZEMPIC 1mg may cause side effects, though many are mild and tend to resolve over time as your body adjusts. The most common are gastrointestinal, particularly during the dose-escalation phase.

• Very common (≥1 in 10 patients):
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
• Common (≥1 in 100):
  • Abdominal pain
  • Decreased appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Indigestion or bloating
• Serious but less common:
  • Pancreatitis (sudden abdominal pain radiating to back, nausea, vomiting)
  • Hypoglycemia (especially with insulin or sulfonylureas)
  • Gallbladder disorders (gallstones, inflammation)
• Rare risks:
  • Thyroid C-cell tumors (seen in rodents, unclear human relevance)
  • Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, trouble breathing)

Most side effects are transient, but any persistent or severe symptoms should be reported to a healthcare professional immediately.

OZEMPIC 1mg Contraindications OZEMPIC 1mg

OZEMPIC 1mg is contraindicated in specific populations and clinical situations where the risks outweigh the benefits. The main contraindications include:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Known hypersensitivity to Semaglutide or any components of the formulation
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Patients under 18 years of age (safety and efficacy not established)
• History of severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g., gastroparesis)

Use with caution in:

• Patients with pancreatitis history
• Severe renal or hepatic impairment (monitor closely)

Always conduct a thorough medical evaluation before starting therapy with OZEMPIC.

Storage of OZEMPIC 1mg

Correct storage of OZEMPIC 1mg is crucial to preserve its stability and effectiveness. Follow these guidelines carefully:

• Before first use:
  • Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)
  • Keep in the original carton to protect from light
  • Do not freeze. Discard the pen if it has been frozen
• After first use:
  • May be stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature (up to 30°C/86°F)
  • Use within 56 days (8 weeks) after the first use
  • Always keep the cap on and store without a needle attached
• During travel:
  • Use an insulated travel pack; avoid direct contact with ice or heat

Disposal:

• Dispose of used needles in a sharps container
• Do not throw used pens or needles in household trash or recycling bins