Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication that can help patients with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar levels by combining it with diet and exercise. For diabetics, Ozempic is used strictly for type 2 diabetics and could be used in combination with insulin therapy. The medication has been trending recently, due to its overexposure in commercials. The FDA has approved Ozempic for weight-loss and many Americans are jumping on the drug to shed those extra pounds.

Ozempic is an anti-diabetic drug that helps people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, maintain a healthy weight over the long haul. With a similar mechanism of action to GLP-1, Ozempic raises insulin production and lowers blood glucose. In simpler terms, Ozempic does not make you hungry, which ultimately leads to weight loss. It provides a longer-lasting impact than other anti-diabetic drugs, needing just a once-weekly dosage.

History and Legality of Ozempic

In 2012, Novo Nordisk scientists developed semaglutide, as a longer-acting alternative to liraglutide as part of their research into the medicine. The trademark name assigned to it was Ozempic. Trials for stage III investigations were completed before the year’s end, and clinical trials began in 2015.

At the time, there was some hope that it might be used to treat obesity and other disorders, according to a 2017 study conducted by researchers from the University of Leeds and Novo Nordisk.

Taking this supplement resulted in fewer food cravings and less weight gain. Weight loss was 14.9 percent more when 2.4 mg of medicine was administered weekly for 68 weeks, according to the Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).

During an FDA advisory committee meeting in October 2017, the NDA for the new medicine was voted 16–0 in support of approval.

In most countries, Ozempic is not available for purchase over the counter. 

Ozempic Consumption, Side Effects and Precautions

A dose of 0.25 mg, given once a week for four weeks, is the starting point for most patients starting Ozempic treatment. To maintain your blood sugar levels under control, you do not use the 0.25 mg maintenance dose as your last dose. In the beginning, it may be easier for you to tolerate some of the side effects if you start with a smaller dose.

There are several factors to consider when increasing your dosage after four weeks of treatment at the 0.25mg level, including how well you manage the drug and respond to it.

After four to five weeks of once-weekly Ozempic medication, the patient has reached a stable condition. Drug concentration in the body is in a “steady state.” To put it another way, when the rate at which a medicine enters your body, is equal to the rate at which it is expelled from your body, you have reached a steady state.

Clinical effectiveness with Ozempic differs from person to person, even though steady-state thresholds are reached after 4–5 weeks. Variables including your age, body composition, fluid retention, drugs you’re taking, kidney or liver function, or other health issues might make it take longer.

It may take longer as soon as you get your last maintenance dose. As the expert on your health, only your doctor can give you an accurate assessment of how long it will take for Ozempic to have an effect.

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term (chronic) illness that necessitates medications to maintain control. To get the full advantages of Ozempic, you must continue taking your medication for a longer duration. Your doctor may prescribe Ozempic and other diabetes drugs to help drop your blood glucose levels even more.

Currently, there is no generic for Ozempic. However, there are other forms of semaglutide, including Rybelsus and Wegovy. 

It’s advised not to stop taking your medication or adjust your dose until you’ve spoken to your doctor.

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