OZEMPIC ®
Coupons, Savings & Patient Assistance
Learn more about OZEMPIC® and see what savings options may be available to you that can help bring down the cost of your medication.
Options may include Rx Advantage Card, Copay assistance & Coupons, or Patient Assistance Programs. Suitable for insured, underinsured or uninsured individuals. Pay as little as $0 per fill.
Manufactured by Novo Nordisk Inc..
This content is intended for US audiences only
Drug savings programs
Learn more about OZEMPIC
What is OZEMPIC?
OZEMPIC is the brand name for semaglutide and is available as a subcutaneous injection.
What dosages is OZEMPIC available in?
OZEMPIC is available as a 2 mg/3 ml, 4 mg/3 ml, and 8 mg/3 ml subcutaneous injection.
What is OZEMPIC used for?
OZEMPIC is a GLP-1 agonist and is used for the following:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
How does OZEMPIC work?
OZEMPIC is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, meaning it acts like the natural GLP-1 hormone in the body. This hormone works to lower your blood sugar by causing your pancreas to release more insulin, stopping your liver from releasing more sugar, and slowing down your digestion.
How do I take OZEMPIC?
- OZEMPIC is typically started at 0.25 mg injected under the skin once per week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, your provider will raise your dose to 0.5 mg injected under the skin once per week
- If needed, your provider might raise your dose even further to 1 mg or 2 mg once per week, after being on a lower dose for at least 4 weeks. The maximum total dose is 2 mg per week
Is it safe for me to take OZEMPIC?
OZEMPIC is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following:
- Personal or family history of thyroid cancer
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
OZEMPIC Common Side Effects
Common side effects of OZEMPIC:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
OZEMPIC Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with OZEMPIC. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Thyroid cancer: mass in the neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, hoarseness
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): stomach or back pain that won’t go away, vomiting
Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision - Kidney problems: changes in urination, blood in your urine, swollen feet or ankles, smaller appetite, muscle cramping
- Gallbladder problems: pain in the upper stomach, fever, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, clay-colored stool
- Serious allergic reactions: trouble breathing, hives, itching, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on OZEMPIC
The following medications may interact with OZEMPIC:
- Oral Medications: OZEMPIC delays gastric emptying. May impact absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. Use with caution
Who makes OZEMPIC?
Novo Nordisk Inc.
Is OZEMPIC safe in pregnancy?
Discontinue OZEMPIC in women at least 2 months
before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period for semaglutide.
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 reached an 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, Ozempic lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events including heart attack, stroke, or death.
Can OZEMPIC ® be used for weight loss?
Ozempic is 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.
Can OZEMPIC ® Pen be shared?
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 Ozempic and 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 ®
Ozempic injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine. It is available in a proprietary pen format.
Storage requirements for OZEMPIC ®
Ozempic is 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 ®
Ozempic is 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 in pens 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?
Ozempic should 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?
Ozempic is 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. Ozempic must never be injected into a muscle or vein.
How long can I continue using OZEMPIC ®?
Ozempic is 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 serious side 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
Important Information
Is Ozempic approved for weight loss?
How much weight can I lose on Ozempic in 3 months?
Can you take Ozempic for weight loss if you aren t diabetic?
How long do you stay on Ozempic for weight loss?
Who is a good candidate for Ozempic for weight loss?
When would a doctor prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?
What foods to avoid on Ozempic for weight loss?
What's the cost of Ozempic without insurance?
How long can you stay on Ozempic?
What is the downside of Ozempic?
Do you gain weight back after stopping Ozempic?
What is the biggest side effect of Ozempic?
Who should avoid Ozempic?
Why does Ozempic cause hair loss?
Is Ozempic worth the risk?
Can Ozempic hurt you if you are not diabetic?
What happens after 6 weeks of Ozempic?
What does the Ozempic face look like?
How much weight do you lose in a month with Ozempic?
How long does it take to lose 50 pounds on Ozempic?
How soon will I start losing weight on Ozempic?
How long does it take to lose 80 pounds on Ozempic?
How much does Ozempic cost?
Does Ozempic work fast for weight loss?
How much weight can you lose in 3 months on Ozempic?
How long does it take to lose 10 pounds on Ozempic?
Do you gain weight after stopping Ozempic?
Is Ozempic safe for non diabetic?
What does Ozempic cost?
What are the most common side effects of taking Ozempic?
How much weight can you lose in a month?
What is the lawsuit against Ozempic?
How does Ozempic make you feel?
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