Ozempic Product Information
Ozempic is a weekly injectable medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar and haemoglobin levels. In addition to its effectiveness in managing diabetes, patients using Ozempic have also reported achieving weight loss.
Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which imitates a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in order to slow down the rate at which food empties from the stomach.
Ozempic also helps reduce cravings by regulating the release of insulin, which leads to better control of blood sugar levels. When blood sugar remains stable, there are fewer spikes and crashes that typically trigger hunger and cravings.
Both of these mechanisms help prevent overeating and consequently aid weight loss.
Patients who have taken Ozempic have reported experiencing weight loss but the timeline varies among individuals. Some people may start noticing changes within a week or two, while it may take several weeks for others to see significant weight loss.
In general, most individuals tend to observe weight loss results around week 8 of using Ozempic. The effectiveness and timeframe of Ozempic's weight loss effects can be influenced by various factors, including weight, age, gender, genetics, diet, and level of physical activity.
Ozempic requires a prescription and is available online from a pharmacy. It is important to note that Ozempic is licensed specifically for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and it is unlicensed to be prescribed as a weight loss treatment.
Therefore, it is important to use Ozempic under the guidance of a healthcare professional and for its approved use in managing diabetes.
Ozempic FAQs
Yes, Ozempic is accessible through the NHS for individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic is not currently approved in the UK for weight loss purposes.
A safe and clinically proven weight loss treatment that is available in the UK is Orlistat, a weight loss tablet that reduces the amount of fat your body absorbs from food.
In clinical studies, Ozempic has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated by adults with type 2 diabetes. However, while most individuals can safely use Ozempic, certain patients, such as those with a history of pancreatitis or medullary thyroid cancer, should not take the treatment.
As with any medication, Ozempic can cause side effects, although they may not occur in everyone.
Common side effects of Ozempic include:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhoea
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Indigestion
- Inflamed stomach (gastritis)
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Burping
- Gallstones
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Reduced appetite
- Gas
- Hypoglycaemia or retinopathy
Uncommon side effects of Ozempic include:
- Change in food or drink taste
- Fast pulse
- Injection site reactions like bruising, irritation, itching and rash
- Allergic reactions like rash, itching or hives
Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before starting the treatment.
Ozempic and Wegovy are both injectable medications that contain semaglutide as the active ingredient and are both administered weekly.
Ozempic is prescribed for individuals with type 2 diabetes to assist in managing blood glucose levels. However, in some instances, doctors may decide to prescribe Ozempic for weight loss purposes off-label.
Wegovy is specifically formulated for weight loss and is available in weekly higher doses.
Ozempic and Saxenda are not the same medication. Both treatments contain different active ingredients and have different dosing regimens.
Saxenda contains liraglutide as its main active ingredient. Saxenda is specifically designed for weight management and is prescribed to obese or overweight individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27–29 with associated risk factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Ozempic and Mounjaro are different medications that belong to the same class of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help regulate blood sugar levels, suppress appetite and slow gastric emptying. However, Ozempic is licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss treatment.
In contrast, Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a dual-action active ingredient that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It is licensed and approved as a weight loss treatment in the UK and will soon be available at Pharmica following the completion of our
Ozempic (Semaglutide) Overview
Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
Written and reviewed by our qualified team