What to do if you missed your OZEMPIC dose
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Drug Savings Tips
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my OZEMPIC prescription?
How can I find out more about the NowPatient OZEMPIC savings programs and how do I apply?
Are the NowPatient OZEMPIC savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of OZEMPIC?
I have Medicare and none of the OZEMPIC savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the OZEMPIC prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the OZEMPIC prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If Ihave federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the OZEMPIC prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
US brand name of OZEMPIC and manufacturer
Ozempic is the brand name of semaglutide and is available in the US under the brand name Ozempic. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk
UK brand name of OZEMPIC and manufacturer
Ozempic is the brand name of semaglutide and is available in the UK under the brand name Ozempic. It is also manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
Is OZEMPIC available in the UK on the NHS?
Ozempic is available on the NHS in the UK. It can be prescribed by healthcare providers for eligible patients.
Prescription requirement for OZEMPIC
Ozempic (semaglutide)is available as 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2mg injection pen. It is a prescription medicine and requires a valid prescription.
FDA approval of OZEMPIC
Ozempic has received FDA approval for:
- Management of blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise
- Lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in adults with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
- It is not indicated for use in people with type 1 diabetes and it is not known if it is safe and effective to use in children under 18 years of age or for people who have had pancreatitis
When not to use OZEMPIC?
There are certain precautions where Ozempic may not be suitable:
- You are allergic to semaglutide or ingredients found in Ozempic pen
- You have problems with your pancreas or kidney
- You have a history of diabetic retinopathy
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed
- You or you family have had MTC
- You have MEN 2
Active ingredient of OZEMPIC and mechanism of action
The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide. Semaglutide is a man-made synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). It has 94% equivalence to human GLP-1. Ozempic works by binding to GLP-1 receptors which results in insulin release from the pancreas when your blood sugar rises. The increased insulin release leads to lower blood sugar levels and A1C.
Ozempic helps prevent your liver from making and releasing excess sugar and also slows down food leaving your stomach. It is this latter effect that can reduce your appetite and ultimately lead to weigh loss. However, Ozempic is not licensed to be used for weight loss.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that a reasonable goal for most adults with type 2 diabetes is an HbA1C less than 7%. The majority of adults taking Ozempic reachedan HbA1C under 7% and maintained it.
Does OZEMPIC reduce cardiovascular risks?
Yes. Studies have shown that in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease, Ozempiclowers the risk of major cardiovascular events including heart attack, stroke, or death.
Can OZEMPIC be used for weight loss?
Ozempicis not FDA approved for weight loss or chronic weight management. However, other semaglutide products such as Wegovy are. Some physicians and doctors have prescribed Ozempic for weight loss, off-license.
No. You should not share your Ozempic®pen with others, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them through cross-contamination.
Is it safe to use compounded OZEMPIC?
The manufacturer has said that they do not sell Ozempic or the active ingredient semaglutide for compounding. Novo Nordisk is the sole company that has FDA approval to market Ozempicand it is supplied in a branded box that includes a proprietary pen along with FDA-approved prescribing information. Novo Nordisk cannot validate safety or effectiveness of products claiming to contain semaglutide. Therefore, compounded Ozempic should be avoided.
Is there a shortage of OZEMPIC?
Ozempic, in all strengths, is available to community pharmacies nationwide for treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes. There may be normal delays given the time required to order the product from their local distribution center, and geographical variabilities.
Forms of OZEMPIC
Ozempicinjection0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine. It is available in a proprietary pen format.
Storage requirements for OZEMPIC
Ozempicis temperature sensitive.
- Prior to first use, you should store your unused Ozempic® pen in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
- After first use, you can store your pen for 56 days at room temperature between 59ºF to 86ºF (15ºC to 30ºC) or in a refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
Dosage of OZEMPIC
Ozempicis administered once a week, exactly as prescribed by your health care provider.
Typically, the beginning dose is 0.25 mg once a week for the first 4 weeks. This will help give your body a chance to get used to the medicine.
At Week 5, your health care provider will increase the dose to 0.5 mg once a week.
Your HbA1C needs may shift as the profile of your type 2 diabetes changes. To give additional control of your HbA1C, Ozempic is offered inpens that deliver doses of 1 mg or doses of 2 mg. Even though doses change, the administration frequency will always be weekly. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
How long does it take for OZEMPIC to start working?
Ozempicshould be administered exactly as directed by your physician as part of your prescribed treatment plan. Treatment goals should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
How do I use the OZEMPIC Pen?
Ozempicis used as a once weekly injection. Your health care provider should show you how to use the pen. Ozempic is typically injected under the skin of your thigh, stomach or upper arm. Ozempicmust never be injected into a muscle or vein.
How long can I continue using OZEMPIC?
Ozempicis safe and effective when used as indicated for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar, along with diet and exercise, and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
What are the common side effects of OZEMPIC?
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
What are the serious side effects of OZEMPIC?
- Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Changes in vision
- Hyproglycemia
- Kidney failure or complications
- Serious allergic reactions
- Gallbladder complications
- Possible tumours including cancer
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any seriousside effects.
What can I do if I experience nausea when using OZEMPIC?
- Consume bland, low-fat foods, like crackers, toast, rice
- Consume foods that contain water, like soups and gelatin
- Avoid sweet foods, fried foods or greasy foods
- Avoid laying down after eating
- When eating, eat slowly
- Drink ice-cold drinks
What support resources are there for OZEMPIC?
You can speak with a Diabetes Health Coach by calling 1-866-696-4090.
What prescription assistance is available for OZEMPIC?
If you are commercially insured and your plan has coverage for Ozempic, you can use the manufacturer savings card, where eligible patients can pay as little as $25 for a 1,2 or 3 month supply for up to 24 months. Eligibility and other restrictions apply
Interactions with other drugs
Ozempic may interact with certain medications, including:
- Insulin (Humalog, Tresiba, Lantus, Basaglar)
- Sulfonylureas
- Antimalarial drugs (hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine)
- Clarithromycin
- Warfarin
- Digoxin
- Phenytoin
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.