From the Guidelines
Ozempic (semaglutide) is recommended for use in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related complications, in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, due to its significant benefits in weight loss and improvement of weight-related comorbidities, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The medication works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation, slowing gastric emptying, and improving insulin sensitivity, leading to reduced food intake, better blood sugar control, and often significant weight loss. Some key points to consider when prescribing Ozempic include:
- Starting dose of 0.25 mg for the first 4 weeks, then increasing to 0.5 mg, with possible dose increases up to 1 mg or 2 mg weekly for optimal effect
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which often improve over time
- Importance of using Ozempic in conjunction with diet and exercise for best results
- Contraindications, such as history of pancreatitis or medullary thyroid cancer, and the need to discuss all medical conditions and medications with a healthcare provider before starting treatment As noted in the AGA clinical practice guideline on pharmacological interventions for adults with obesity 1, semaglutide 2.4 mg may be prioritized over other approved anti-obesity medications for the long-term treatment of obesity for most patients, due to its glucoregulatory benefits and approval for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, a meta-analysis of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide, reported significant reductions in weight and improvement of weight-related comorbidities, as well as decreased risk of cardiovascular events in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
OZEMPIC is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist 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 in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease
The use of Ozempic (semaglutide) is:
- Improving glycemic control: as an adjunct to diet and exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Reducing cardiovascular risk: to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease 2.
From the Research
Use of Ozempic (Semaglutide)
The use of Ozempic (semaglutide) includes:
- Treatment of type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise 3, 4, 5
- Treatment of obesity, with a loss of almost 12% of body weight over a 68-week period 3, 6, 7
- Weight management for adults with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes 3, 6, 7
Licensed Products
Semaglutide is available under different licensed products, including:
- Ozempic solution for injection, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes 3, 4
- Rybelsus tablets, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes 3
- Wegovy solution for injection, for the treatment of obesity 3
Efficacy and Safety
The efficacy and safety of semaglutide have been demonstrated in several clinical trials, including:
- The SUSTAIN programme, which showed the efficacy and safety of semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes 4
- The STEP 1 and STEP 2 trials, which showed the efficacy and safety of semaglutide for weight management in adults with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes 6, 7
- The SUSTAIN FORTE trial, which showed the efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.0 mg versus 1.0 mg in patients with type 2 diabetes 5
Adverse Events
Common adverse events associated with semaglutide include: