Ozempic syringe: Effect, application and FAQs

Who developed Ozempic?

Manufacturer

Ozempic is produced by Novo Nordisk, a global pharmaceutical company based in Denmark. Novo Nordisk has also developed the drug Wegovy, which is specifically approved for the treatment of overweight and obesity.

Availability

The Ozempic syringe has been on the market since 2017 and is available on prescription in various countries, including Germany. It is offered as a prefilled pen for subcutaneous injections. Following a temporary shortage of Ozempic (partly due to the increased use of the Ozempic syringe for weight loss), it is now more readily available again.

What is Ozempic approved for?

Ozempic is approved for the treatment of adults with:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially when diet and exercise alone cannot adequately control blood glucose levels.

Who is Ozempic suitable for?

Ozempic is intended for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus whose blood glucose levels cannot be adequately controlled by diet and exercise.

How does Ozempic work?

The Ozempic syringe contains semaglutide, which activates the GLP-1 receptors. This leads to increased insulin secretion, reduced glucagon release and delayed gastric emptying. As a result, blood sugar levels fall and the feeling of satiety lasts longer, which can also contribute to weight loss.

Dosage and application

Ozempic is available in doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg. Treatment starts with 0.25 mg once a week to improve tolerability. It is administered using an injection pen or a pre-filled pen. After four weeks, the dose can be increased to 0.5 mg. If necessary, a further increase can be made.
The injection is given subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. It should be administered weekly on the same day, regardless of meals.

How long does Ozempic take to lose weight?

First of all, it is important to know: Ozempic is intended and approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. Weight loss from taking Ozempic is a positive side effect. For people who want to use the active ingredient semaglutide for weight loss, the weight loss injection Wegovy may be more suitable.

The duration of weight loss with Ozempic (semaglutide) depends heavily on individual factors – such as dosage, lifestyle, initial weight and treatment goal. The dosage of Ozempic is usually increased gradually. Studies show that people can lose weight with the medication over a period of 1 to 2 years.

How much weight loss is possible with Ozempic?

It is difficult to give an exact figure in advance, as weight loss depends on individual factors such as starting weight. Most people experience weight loss in the first week. The lower limit after 12 weeks is a weight loss of 5% of the starting weight. Otherwise, treatment can be stopped in consultation with your doctor. Treatment should not be ended abruptly and only in consultation with a doctor.

Where can I buy Ozempic?

Ozempic is only available on prescription from pharmacies. The prescription must be issued by a doctor. In addition to the use of the Ozempic injection, a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet is recommended.

Prices for Ozempic

The cost of Ozempic depends on the dosage and pack size and is subject to legal price regulations. Patients should contact their pharmacy or doctor for information on the current costs.

What are the possible side effects of Ozempic?

The most common side effects of Ozempic are:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite

These side effects usually occur at the start of treatment and subside over time. The body needs a period of adaptation, so the dosage is increased gradually. Rare but serious Ozempic side effects may include pancreatitis or allergic reactions. If severe abdominal pain or allergic symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Alcohol and Ozempic

No specific interactions with alcohol are described in the Ozempic prescribing information. However, both Ozempic and alcohol have an effect on the gastrointestinal tract – their combination can therefore increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain.

Blood sugar levels can also be affected by both substances, which can lead to greater fluctuations and more difficult blood sugar control. To support a stable metabolic situation and reduce the risk of complications, alcohol consumption should be limited.

Ozempic and pregnancy

The use of Ozempic during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not permitted, as possible risks for the unborn child or the breastfed baby cannot be ruled out.

Risks before and during pregnancy:

• Possible harm to the unborn child: Animal studies have shown that semaglutide can have toxic effects on reproduction. Only limited data are available in humans, which is why safe use cannot be guaranteed.
• Long retention time in the body: Due to the long half-life of semaglutide, the medication must be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.

The need for contraception:

During treatment with Ozempic, it is recommended to use a reliable contraceptive method to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.

What to do if a pregnancy occurs?

If pregnancy occurs during treatment, the medication must be discontinued immediately and medical advice sought in order to adjust the therapy accordingly.

Why is Ozempic not recommended during breastfeeding?

• Uncertain effects on breastfed children: It is not known whether semaglutide passes into breast milk.
• Animal studies show excretion into breast milk: semaglutide was detected in breast milk of nursing rats, which is why a risk for breastfed babies cannot be excluded.

Does Ozempic affect fertility?

There is insufficient data on whether semaglutide affects human fertility. In studies with male rats, no negative effects on reproductive capacity were observed. In female rats, however, a slight change in the menstrual cycle and a reduced number of ovulations were observed, particularly when the animals lost weight during treatment.

Safety and approval of Ozempic

Ozempic was approved by the European Commission on the recommendation of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Ozempic has been shown to be safe for most people when used as directed by the treating doctor. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Ozempic unless their doctor specifically recommends it. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for successful treatment.

Where do you inject Ozempic?

Ozempic is injected subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. To avoid skin irritation, the injection sites should be changed regularly.

Interactions and contraindications

Before using Ozempic, patients should inform their doctor about existing health problems and other medications they are currently taking.
Ozempic can increase the effect of other blood sugar-lowering medications, which increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Regular blood glucose monitoring is necessary and the dosage of other diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.
Patients with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease should consult their doctor before use. The use of Ozempic during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.

Differences between Ozempic and other medications

Ozempic vs. Mounjaro

Ozempic and Mounjaro are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, but Mounjaro additionally activates the GIP receptor, which may have a stronger effect on blood glucose levels and body weight. Both drugs are injected once a week. Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro additionally for the treatment of people with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related comorbidity.

Ozempic vs. Wegovy

Wegovy also contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is marketed by the manufacturer Novo Nordisk. It is specifically approved for weight loss in people with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) and is available in a higher dosage than Ozempic. Ozempic, however, is primarily used to regulate blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and not to regulate weight. Both drugs are injected once a week.

Ozempic vs. Saxenda

Ozempic and Saxenda are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, but Ozempic is injected weekly and Saxenda daily. Ozempic is primarily used for type 2 diabetes, while Saxenda is only approved for weight loss in people who are obese (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27).

Ozempic vs. Rybelsus

Rybelsus and Ozempic contain semaglutide and are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Ozempic is injected weekly, Rybelsus is taken daily as a tablet. Both are used to treat type 2 diabetes; Ozempic can also contribute to weight loss. Rybelsus is not currently marketed in Germany.

Ozempic vs. Mysimba

Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes with possible weight loss. Mysimba (naltrexone/bupropion) is used specifically for weight loss and acts on the brain’s reward system.

Does the health insurance company reimburse Ozempic?

Reimbursement by health insurance companies depends on the individual insurance policy and the medical indication. Patients should contact their health insurance company directly to find out about reimbursement options. Reimbursement is not possible in all cases, as certain medical requirements often have to be met.

How can I stop taking Ozempic?

Discontinuation should take place in consultation with a doctor. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease, which is why many patients are dependent on medication for the rest of their lives. Ozempic is therefore often a long-term treatment option.