Semaglutide reduces blood glucose through a mechanism where it stimulates insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion, both in a glucose-dependent manner. Thus, when blood glucose is high, insulin secretion is stimulated, and glucagon secretion is inhibited. The mechanism of blood glucose lowering also involves a minor delay in gastric emptying in the early postprandial phase.

OZEMPIC is indicated:

as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.

To reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease.

Initiate OZEMPIC with a dosage of 0.25 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks. Follow the dosage escalation below to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions. After 4 weeks on the 0.25 mg dosage, increase the dosage to 0.5 mg once weekly.

Some adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation.

OZEMPIC is contraindicated in patients with:

A personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2 [see Warnings and Precautions.

A serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or to any of the excipients in OZEMPIC. Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with OZEMPIC.

Risk of of thyroid C-cell tumors, acute pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy complications, risk of hypoglycemia, acute kidney injury, severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions, serious hypersensitivity reactions, acute events of gallbladder disease such as cholelithiasis or cholecystitis, pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation.