Before starting Ozempic , discuss your complete medical history with your GP or diabetes specialist, including: All diagnosed autoimmune conditions and their current activity status Medications you take for autoimmune disease management, particularly immunosuppressants or corticosteroids Any history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or diabetic retinopathy Previous adverse reactions to diabetes medications Your doctor will assess whether Ozempic is appropriate and may recommend baseline investigations, such as renal function and HbA1c measurement
It also helps patients avoid unsafe or ineffective use of medication and supports long-term weight management beyond the prescription itself
For over a decade, semaglutide has been prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes with proven success
This condition can lead to serious health problems, including seizures, fainting, or stroke-like symptoms
Ozempic Class * GLP-1 receptor agonist (Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) Generic Name * Semaglutide Indications * Type 2 diabetes mellitus * Reduction of cardiovascular risk in selected patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease * Weight loss (semaglutide is also marketed in some settings under a different brand for obesity management) Mechanism of Action * Stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion * Suppresses glucagon secretion * Delays gastric emptying * Increases satiety and reduces appetite Dosage (Type 2 Diabetes) * 0.25 mg subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks * Increase to 0.5 mg once weekly * May increase further based on response and local prescribing guidance Adverse Effects Common * Nausea * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Constipation * Abdominal pain * Reduced appetite Serious * Acute pancreatitis * Gallbladder disease * Acute kidney injury (usually secondary to dehydration) * Severe gastrointestinal symptoms Contraindications * Hypersensitivity to semaglutide * Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma * Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) Precautions * History of pancreatitis * Severe gastrointestinal disease * Renal impairment with significant dehydration risk Drug Interactions * May affect absorption of oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying * Risk of hypoglycemia increases when used with insulin or sulfonylureas Monitoring * HbA1c * Fasting/random blood glucose * Weight * Renal function if significant GI side effects occur * Active ingredient: Semaglutide * Administration: Subcutaneous injection once weekly * Causes significant weight loss and improves glycemic control
GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Guide: Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide Choosing between semaglutide and tirzepatide is no longer just a question of which medication causes more weight loss
