What is the effect of Ozempic (semaglutide) 1.5mg?

From the Guidelines

Ozempic (semaglutide) 1.5 mg should be used with caution and under close medical supervision due to its potential for increased side effects and the fact that it exceeds the standard maximum FDA-approved dose for diabetes treatment. The standard Ozempic dosing typically starts at 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increases to 0.5 mg weekly, with a maximum FDA-approved dose of 1 mg weekly for diabetes 1. This higher dose works by enhancing the same mechanisms as lower doses - it mimics the GLP-1 hormone to increase insulin secretion when blood sugar is high, decrease glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite.

Key Considerations

• Patients using the 1.5 mg dose should be aware of potentially increased side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain 1.
• The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide has been associated with benefits in cardiovascular outcomes, as shown in the LEADER trial and the SUSTAIN 6 trial 1.
• The medication requires careful medical supervision and should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider who has determined that the benefits outweigh potential risks for that specific patient.
• According to recent studies, semaglutide has been shown to reduce weight and improve weight-related comorbidities significantly, and it is also associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events 1.

Side Effects and Monitoring

• Common side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain 1.
• Patients with a history of pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, or other gastrointestinal disorders should use semaglutide with caution 1.
• Regular monitoring of blood glucose, kidney function, and liver function is recommended for patients taking semaglutide 1.

Clinical Use

• Ozempic (semaglutide) 1.5 mg may be prescribed off-label for certain situations, such as for patients requiring additional glycemic control or for weight management purposes 1.
• The use of semaglutide for weight management has been shown to be effective in reducing body weight and improving weight-related comorbidities 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Ozempic 1.5 mg Overview

• Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes 2, 3, 4.
• It is available in various dosages, including 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg, and is administered via subcutaneous injection once weekly 2, 3.
• Semaglutide has been shown to have a half-life of 7 days, allowing it to reach steady state in 4-5 weeks 3.

Efficacy and Safety

• Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes, with significant reductions in HbA1c and body weight 2, 3, 4.
• Semaglutide has been compared to other GLP-1 receptor agonists and has been shown to have a better glucose-lowering activity and greater weight loss 2.
• The medication has also been found to have cardiovascular benefits, reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) 4, 5.

Administration and Dosage

• Semaglutide is administered via subcutaneous injection once weekly, and the dosage can be adjusted based on individual patient needs 2, 3.
• The medication is available in prefilled pens for subcutaneous injection, making it convenient for patients to self-administer 2.
• There are no significant drug interactions with semaglutide, and dose adjustments are not necessary 3.

Clinical Implications

• Semaglutide has been approved as a second-line treatment option for type 2 diabetes, and it is currently being considered for anti-obesity purposes 4.
• The medication has been shown to be safe in adults and elderly patients with renal or hepatic disorders, with no dose modification required 4.
• Semaglutide may be beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes who require weight loss and have a low risk of hypoglycemia 3.