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General Medication Fact Sheet for Ozempic
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Ozempic |
| Generic Name | Semaglutide |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer |
| Purpose | Treatment of type 2 diabetes; reduces blood sugar and A1c levels and reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with established cardiovascular disease. |
| Mechanism of Action | GLP-1 receptor agonist; enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying. |
| Dosage Forms | Subcutaneous injection |
| Available Strengths | 0.25 mg/0.5 mg/1 mg/2 mg/4 mg per pen |
| Dosage Frequency | Once weekly |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain |
| Serious Side Effects | Pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, diabetic retinopathy complications, hypoglycemia (if used with insulin or sulfonylureas), allergic reactions |
| Drug Interactions | Insulin, sulfonylureas, oral medications (due to slowed gastric emptying) |
| Important Notes | Use with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease. Monitor kidney function. Educate patients on recognizing and treating hypoglycemia. |
| Storage | Store unused pens in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. After first use, store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 56 days. |
| Missed Dose | Administer as soon as possible within 5 days of the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. |
| Alternatives | Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), Rybelsus (oral semaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), Metformin |
Ozempic Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | Another injectable medication for type 2 diabetes. |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Higher dose of semaglutide indicated for weight management. |
| Trulicity (dulaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Another injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. |
| Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Oral formulation of semaglutide for type 2 diabetes. |
| Victoza (liraglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | An older injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction. |
| Metformin | Biguanide; reduces hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity | A first-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes. |
Ozempic Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Pancreatitis |
| Diarrhea | Gallbladder problems (e.g., cholecystitis, cholelithiasis) |
| Vomiting | Kidney problems |
| Constipation | Diabetic retinopathy complications |
| Abdominal pain | Hypoglycemia (if used with insulin or sulfonylureas) |
| Decreased appetite | Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
Ozempic Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes | 0.25 mg once weekly | 0.5 mg to 2 mg once weekly (titrated as needed) | Administer subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites. |
Ozempic Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $Varies |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $850-$1000 |
| From CPS | $397.99 |


