If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe Ozempic for you.

Ozempic is a prescription drug.

  • Manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with lifestyle improvements in diet and exercise.
  • Lower certain risks in adults who have both heart disease and diabetes. These risks include heart attack and stroke.

Ozempic isn’t used for type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or in people who’ve had pancreatitis. For more information, see the “What is Ozempic used for?” section below.

Ozempic comes as a liquid solution inside prefilled, disposable pens. You’ll inject the drug under your skin.

Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Semaglutide comes only as the brand-name drug Ozempic. There isn’t a generic form of it available.

Read on for more information about Ozempic, including its cost, how to take it, and more.

There are many factors that affect the cost of prescription drugs. What your insurance plan covers is one of the factors.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Ozempic manufacturer’s website to see if it offers any support options.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Ozempic that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strengths

Ozempic is a liquid solution inside disposable pens. The table shows strengths Ozempic pens have. The strengths are written in grams of semaglutide per liter of solution.

Strength Dose given per injection
2 mg/1.5 mL (this may also be written as 1.34 mg/mL) 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg
4 mg/3 mL (1.34 mg/mL) 1 mg
8 mg/3 mL (2.68 mg/mL) 2 mg

Recommended dosages

You will inject Ozempic once a week. You should use the medication the same day each week. Try to inject it at the same time on all of the days.

The first 4 weeks of treatment may be started with a low dose of Ozempic. They can see how well Ozempic is working for you. Your doctor will likely increase your dose after this. Your adjusted dose will be dependent on your blood sugar levels.

The Ozempic pen holds several doses of the drug. When you need to throw away your pen and start using a new one, your doctor or pharmacist will tell you.

Questions about Ozempic’s dosage

“Some questions about Ozempic’s dosage are listed below.”

  • What if I miss a dose of Ozempic? If you miss a dose of Ozempic, take the drug as soon as you remember. But only do this if it’s within 5 days of your last dose. If it’s been more than 5 days, skip the missed dose and wait until it’s time for your next scheduled dose. Taking two doses too close together could lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels. If you miss a dose, check your blood sugar levels regularly to make sure they’re within the standard range. You might find a reminder app like Medisafe useful for staying on track with your weekly injections.
  • Will I need to use Ozempic long term? If Ozempic works well for your condition, your doctor may have you take the medication long term. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Ozempic long term, including its side effects.
  • How long does Ozempic take to work? Ozempic starts to work shortly after it’s been injected. After you start using Ozempic, your body may take several weeks to get used to it and to get the full benefit. Depending on how you’re doing with Ozempic, your doctor may then adjust your dose. Follow your doctor’s advice on the dose of Ozempic you should take, and take it exactly as directed.

For more information about Ozempic’s dosage, see this article.

Your doctor will explain how to take Ozempic. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often to take it. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Taking Ozempic

Ozempic is a solution inside disposable pens.

You will be able to inject your own Ozempic. It may be new to you to give yourself injections. Your doctor can show you how to do this.

Ozempic injections are given under your skin in your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Be sure to rotate the injection site each time you take the medication. You should also use a new needle for each injection. This will help you avoid getting infections from using needles that aren’t clean.

Ask your doctor for suggestions on how to manage your injections. They give you instructions.

The list below contains some tips.

  • Before you start, wash your hands with soap and water.
  • You can have all your supplies readily available.
  • You should change the needle every time you use the Ozempic pen.
  • Make sure the pen is clear and odorless.
  • Before you give your injection, make sure the dose is correct on your pen.
  • Make sure you have a full dose in your pen after each injection, and keep track of your doses.
  • “Don’t share your pen with anyone else.”
  • The date that your Ozempic prefilled pens should be thrown away should be recorded. They last for 56 days after opening.

For instructions on how to use Ozempic, see the manufacturer’s site. Or, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use Ozempic pens.

Taking Ozempic with other drugs

Ozempic can be prescribed by your doctor to help manage your blood sugar levels or reduce your risk of cardiovascular problems.

Some examples of other diabetes medications that may be prescribed with Ozempic include:

If you want to know more about taking other drugs, talk to your doctor.

Note: For information about things that can interact with Ozempic, such as other drugs or foods, see the “What should be considered before taking Ozempic?” section below.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Ozempic. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions like:
    • How will Ozempic affect my lifestyle?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”
  • “If you are new to self-injections, you should be given a slowly explained process by your doctor. Don’t be shy about asking your doctor to show you the process again if you don’t get the hang of it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

Ozempic may cause mild or serious side effects. The side effects that have been reported with Ozempic are described in the lists below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Ozempic. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. For more details about Ozempic’s side effects, see this related article.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that have been reported with Ozempic. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or read Ozempic’s medication guide.

Mild side effects of Ozempic can be included.

  • It is a problem of the colon.
  • There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea..
  • nausea
  • stomach ache
  • vomiting

Many drugs can have mild side effects that go away in a few days or weeks. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Ozempic can have serious side effects, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, you should call the emergency number.

Serious side effects can be serious.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

Side effect focus

Ozempic may cause some side effects.

Boxed warning

Ozempic has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Ozempic has been shown to cause thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer in animals. It isn’t known if Ozempic can cause thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid cancer in humans.

If you have a family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer or a rare endocrine condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, you shouldn’t take Ozempic.

If you have a family history of these conditions, you should talk to your doctor.

What can help?

If you have any symptoms of a thyroid tumor while taking Ozempic, you should call your doctor immediately. These include:

  • A lump on your neck.
  • Your voice has a long-term hoarseness.
  • The breath was very thin.
  • swallowing problems

Nausea

When you first start taking Ozempic, it can cause nausea. After a few days, nausea should go away.

But keep in mind that nausea is also a symptom of pancreatitis (inflammation in your pancreas). And pancreatitis is a serious side effect of Ozempic.

“If you have nausea that doesn’t go away after a few days, you should call your doctor.”

What can help?

If you have nausea while taking Ozempic, your doctor may suggest ways to control it. Taking over-the-counter or prescription drugs may help you with nausea. Before taking Ozempic, be sure to check with your doctor.

Pancreatitis

Panache is inflammation of the pancreas. This is a serious condition.

If you have any symptoms of pancreatitis, call your doctor. These may include:

  • There are things that can happen in your upper belly.
  • nausea
  • vomiting

“If you have had pancreatitis in the past, doctors won’t prescribe Ozempic.”

What can help?

If you have a problem, your doctor can order tests to check it out. They will stop your Ozempic treatment if necessary and discuss changes to your treatment plan.

Allergic reaction

Some people have an allergy to Ozempic. A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

  • There is a rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is not uncommon. A severe allergic reaction can cause swelling under your skin, which can be seen in your eyes, lips, hands, and feet. They can include swelling of your mouth, throat, and tongue, which can cause trouble breathing.

If you have an allergic reaction to Ozempic, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

Ozempic is similar to other medications that have similar uses.

Ozempic vs. Saxenda

You may wonder how Ozempic compares to Saxenda. They both belong to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). So, they have related uses and side effects, but they also have important differences. They each contain different active drugs: Ozempic contains semaglutide, and Saxenda contains liraglutide.

What are their uses?

Ozempic is used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also used to help lower the risk of certain heart or blood vessel problems in adults who have both heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Saxenda, on the other hand, is a weight-management medication. It’s used by people who have obesity or another weight-related condition such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes. Saxenda can also be used by certain children.

What are their forms?

Ozempic comes in self-injection pens that are used once a week. It is injected once daily in self-injection pens.

What are their side effects?

Ozempic and Saxenda have some of the same side effects. These include There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.., nausea, kidney damage, fatigue (low energy), pancreatitis, and gallbladder disease.

Ozempic and Saxenda can also cause serious side effects, and they both have a boxed warning about a possible risk of thyroid cancer. (A boxed warning is the most serious warning for a drug.)

If you have more questions, you should talk to your doctor.

How effective are they?

Both Ozempic and Saxenda have been found effective for their approved uses. You can see the prescribing information for Ozempic and Saxenda for details about how each drug performed in studies. You can also talk with your doctor or a pharmacist to learn more about how they compare.

Ozempic vs. Trulicity

You might also like to know how Ozempic compares to Trulicity. Both drugs belong to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). So, they have similar uses, side effects, and effectiveness. But they contain different active drugs: Ozempic’s active drug is liraglutide, and Trulicity’s active drug is dulaglutide.

What are their uses?

Ozempic and Trulicity are both used to treat type 2 diabetes. Both drugs also have protective effects on the heart and kidneys. They are recommended in the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines for use in people with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease, heart failure, or kidney disease.

What are their forms?

You can use self-injection pens for Ozempic and Trulicity once a week.

What are their side effects?

These drugs share some side effects. These include There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.., nausea, kidney damage, fatigue, pancreatitis, and diabetic retinopathy. But they also have some unique side effects, such as There is a throbbing head. with Ozempic and loss of appetite with Trulicity.

Ozempic and Trulicity have serious side effects, and they both have a boxed warning about a possible risk of thyroid cancer. (A boxed warning is the most serious warning for a drug.)

How effective are they?

Studies have directly compared semaglutide (the active drug in Ozempic) with dulaglutide (the active drug in Trulicity). Semaglutide was found to be more effective at lowering hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and body weight. HbA1c is an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.

Your doctor can provide more information about these medications and determine which one may be most suitable for you.

You can see the prescribing information for Ozempic and Trulicity for more information about how each drug performed in studies. You can also see this detailed comparison of the two drugs.

If you have more questions, you should talk to your doctor. They can decide which one is best for you.

Ozempic vs. Victoza

Ozempic and Victoza are approved.

  • Adults with type 2 diabetes can benefit from managing their blood sugar levels.
  • Adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease have a lower risk of serious cardiovascular problems.

Children with type 2 diabetes can be helped by the use of Victoza.

For more information on how Ozempic and Victoza compare, see this detailed article. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Find answers to questions about Ozempic.

Is Ozempic used for weight loss?

No, Ozempic isn’t approved for use as a weight loss medication. But you might lose weight while you’re taking Ozempic. That’s because the medication decreases your appetite.

In some cases, Ozempic is prescribed off-label for weight management. With off-label use, a drug that’s approved for certain conditions is prescribed for another purpose.

If you are interested in using Ozempic for weight management, you should talk to your doctor. They can discuss the risks and benefits of Ozempic.

Insurance may not cover Ozempic off-label uses. Ask your doctor if you have more questions.

How does Ozempic work?

Ozempic works to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The drug lowers the risks of heart disease in people with both diabetes and heart disease.

The drug does this.

  • Increasing the amount of insulin your body makes after a meal so that your blood sugar levels won’t get too high. Insulin is a hormone that lowers your blood sugar levels.
  • Slowing the movement of food through your stomach will help prevent a big jump in blood sugar levels.
  • Reducing the amount of sugar in your body.

A doctor may prescribe a drug.

  • Help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with lifestyle improvements in diet and exercise.
  • Lower the risk of certain heart or blood vessel problems in adults who have both heart disease and diabetes. These risks can include heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart or blood vessel issues.

You have elevated blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. This can damage your blood vessels.

Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of certain heart and blood vessel problems. To learn about how Ozempic works, see the “What are some frequently asked questions about Ozempic?” section just above.

Note: There are some limitations to how Ozempic can be used. These are as follows:

  • This drug hasn’t been studied in people who’ve had pancreatitis in the past. (With pancreatitis, you have inflammation in your pancreas.) So, other treatments should be considered if you’ve had this condition.
  • Ozempic isn’t meant to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). (DKA is a dangerous condition that occurs when you have a high level of acidic substances called ketones in your body.)

Before starting Ozempic, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Discuss your health conditions with your doctor.

“If you want to take Ozempic, you should ask your doctor if it’s safe.”

  • have a family history of thyroid cancer
  • have problems with your kidneys
  • have diabetic retinopathy (damage to your eyes that’s caused by diabetes)
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • are breastfeeding

Interactions

Using medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

The effect of the medications can be raised or lowered by interactions.

Before taking Ozempic, you should tell your doctor about all your medication. You should describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any Ozempic interactions.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Ozempic can interact with a lot of drugs. Some drugs that may interact with Ozempic are not on this list. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the interactions that may occur while using Ozempic.

If you take Ozempic with other diabetes medications that lower blood sugar levels, you might have a low blood sugar level. This can be dangerous.

Some diabetes medications can increase your insulin levels if taken with Ozempic. And this can lead to low blood sugar. These medications include:

Note: It’s important to regularly monitor your sugar levels according to your doctor’s advice. Doing so will help you recognize when your blood sugar levels are high (hyperglycemia) or low (hypoglycemia). Talk with your doctor about what to do if your blood sugar levels are either too high or too low.

Foods to avoid with Ozempic

“You don’t need to avoid certain foods while using Ozempic. There are no foods that interact with this drug. Ozempic doses can be taken with or without food.”

Other interactions

Certain herbs and other supplements can cause your blood sugar levels to go down. Some examples are included.

If you are taking herbs or supplements, talk to your doctor about whether they are safe to take with Ozempic.

Boxed warnings

Ozempic has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Ozempic has been shown to cause thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer in animals. It isn’t known if Ozempic can cause thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid cancer in humans.

If you have a family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer or a rare endocrine condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, you shouldn’t take Ozempic.

If you have a family history of these conditions, you should talk to your doctor.

For more information, see the “What are Ozempic’s side effects?” section above.

Other warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, Ozempic may not be right for you. Before you take Ozempic, talk to your doctor about your health history. Factors to consider are:

  • Kidney disease. If you have severe kidney disease, you may not be able to take Ozempic. And if you have problems with your kidneys, your dose of Ozempic may need to be adjusted. Be sure to let your doctor know about any kidney problems you have before you start taking Ozempic. Also, keep in mind that certain side effects from Ozempic can worsen kidney problems. These side effects include:
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea..
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Ozempic or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take this drug. Ask your doctor about which other medications are better options for you.
  • Gallbladder disease. Ozempic may increase your risk of acute (short-term) gallbladder disease. You could develop gallstones or swelling of your gallbladder. If you show any signs of gallbladder disease, your doctor will likely recommend a gallbladder exam.
  • Taking Ozempic with insulin or insulin-increasing drugs. If you’re taking Ozempic along with insulin or drugs that increase how much insulin your body makes, your risk of hypoglycemia increases. (See “Interactions with drugs or supplements” above for examples.) Hypoglycemia can be severe. Before you start Ozempic treatment, talk with your doctor about all of the medications you take. If you develop signs of hypoglycemia after using Ozempic (such as There is a throbbing head., drowsiness, There is a throbbing head., or hunger), talk with your doctor. They may adjust the doses of the other drugs you’re taking.

Use with alcohol

Ozempic can affect your blood sugar levels. This can also be done.

Ask your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ozempic is not known if it is safe to use during pregnancies or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about Ozempic.

“Don’t take more Ozempic than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can cause serious side effects.”

Ozempic is injected once a week, so the effects of an overdose may last for a while. If you take too much Ozempic, your doctor will need to monitor you and treat your symptoms until they have been resolved.

Symptoms of overdose

Ozempic overdose can cause problems.

  • Severe low blood sugar levels. Symptoms include:
    • dizziness
    • It was a bit of a jitteriness.
    • Mood changes.
    • weakness
    • There is a throbbing head.
    • Anxious.
  • nausea is severe
  • vomiting

What to do in case you take too much Ozempic

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Ozempic. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or you can use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

There are many treatment options for managing type 2 diabetes. Your doctor can discuss medications available, including Ozempic. And there are several options available for people with heart disease.

You may have questions before you take Ozempic. Ask your doctor what to expect. There are a few questions to consider.

  • Ozempic is a pill.
  • What lifestyle changes will help me?
  • How long will Ozempic take to manage my blood sugar?

For more information on the latest treatment options for type 2 diabetes, sign up for Healthline’s diabetes newsletter. You can also see advice and stories from others with the same condition in the Bezzy T2D community.

Q:

What should I do if I have to take a full dose of Ozempic before I am done with it?

Anonymous

A:

If you remove the Ozempic pen too soon, you can see a stream of Ozempic coming from the needle tip.

“If this happens, you won’t know how much of the drug was injected, and you won’t know if you got the full dose.”

“Don’t inject any more Ozempic. Call your doctor right away. They recommend that you keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels. Ask your doctor when to give you the injection. They can let you know how much Ozempic will cost.”

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.