5 things you need to know before taking Ozempic, according to a pharmacist

The drug has been in the news lately, but you may not know all the facts.


Whenever you are prescribed a new drug, it is important to speak with your doctor and / or a pharmacist on what you expect when you start to take it. A drug that has been in the news - as Ozempic was In recent times - this has not been an exception. Even if you have read on Ozempic, which was largely buzzed thanks to Celebrities taking it Excluding MA to lose weight, you may not know all the facts.

Better life stretched out Deepti Pidakala , Pharmd, to discover what people need to know before you start Ozempic. Read the rest to find out what she said, including who should not Take Ozempic, and why.

Read this then: 5 Over -the -counter current current drug pharmacists, I want to stop taking .

1
The Ozempic is approved for use in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Man with Diabetes Testing His Blood Sugar Misdiagnosed Men's Health Issues
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Ozempic was Approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for use in patients with type 2 diabetes 2. "The main ingredient of Ozempic is called semaglutide, an artificial version of a natural hormone [called] GLP-1", explains Pidakala. "GLP-1, or Peptide-1 of glucagon type, helps your body maintain the balance of blood sugar."

She notes that Ozempic works in three of the organs of the body to lower blood sugar: "This helps your pancreas produce more insulin when your blood sugar is high, helps prevent your liver from making and freeing too much sugar and helps to Slowing up your stomach foods. "

Read this then: People say Ozempic is a miracle of weight loss. Is it worth the brutal side effects?

2
Ozempic is given as an injection.

man with diabetes injecting Ozempic into his abdomen
MySkin / Shutterstock

If you are not familiar with Ozempic, you might be surprised to learn that patients register with the medication, rather than taking it orally. "Ozempic comes As a pen injector This is similar to insulin pens, "Goodrx experts write, noting that your health care provider or pharmacist can show you how to use the pen injector if you are not sure of that. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Something patients do not always do is that it is important to change your injection site with each injection," explains Pidakala Better life . "Do not use the same site for each injection; if you choose to inject into the same area, always use a different place."

3
Ozempic can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

old woman having heart attack and grabbing her chest
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Pidakala says that for people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, taking Ozempic can reduce the risk of Major cardiovascular event as a heart attack or a stroke.

She also notes that it is important that patients take the medication to eat a healthy diet and to exercise regularly to keep blood sugar under control and get the best party of the medication.

4
People who take an ozempic often experience these side effects.

Woman with nausea lying on the couch
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"Commmon Side effects of the Ozempic Include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation, "said Pidakala, noting that these symptoms have been reported by more than 5% of patients taking the medication.

It also lists several serious side effects, although less common, in particular thyroid tumors, cancer, inflammation of the pancreas, vision changes, blood sugar, renal problems, serious allergic reactions and the problems of the gallbladder . "With any medication, it is very important to speak to your health care provider of side effects," she warns. "Talk to yours of any side effect that bothers you or does not disappear."

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5
Some people should not take Ozempic.

female doctor touching the throat of a patient in the office
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If you have family history of thyroid cancer, it is essential to disclose this to your doctor, explains Pidakala. "Before taking Ozempic, all patients must know the risk of spinal thyroid cancer. Patients must be advised by their health care provider and continue Thyroid tumor symptoms . This is in particular a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea or persistent wrapping, "she explains." Ozempic has a black box warning for an increased risk of developing tumors of C Thyroid Cells. ""

A black box warning is the strictest classification of the FDA for drugs and medical devices on the market, which, according to Pidakala, should be seriously considered by each individual before starting this medication.

She also warns that anyone who wants to become pregnant should stop taking Ozempic well before trying to design. "It is recommended to stop Ozempic in women at least two months before a planned pregnancy, due to the long washing period required for this medication."

Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.


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