How long should I continue taking Ozempic (semaglutide) for blood glucose control?

Duration of Ozempic (Semaglutide) Treatment for Blood Glucose Control

Ozempic (semaglutide) should be continued indefinitely as long as it remains effective for blood glucose control and is well-tolerated by the patient, with regular monitoring of glycemic targets at least quarterly. 1

Monitoring and Continuation Criteria

• Hemoglobin A1C should be tested at least twice per year in patients meeting treatment goals with stable glycemic control, and quarterly in those whose therapy has changed or who are not meeting glycemic goals 1
• For patients with type 2 diabetes using Ozempic, efficacy and safety should be assessed at least monthly for the first 3 months and at least quarterly thereafter 2
• Treatment should be evaluated after 16 weeks at the maximum dose, and if the patient has not achieved adequate glycemic control, consider adjusting the treatment regimen 3

Indicators for Continuing Therapy

• Continued use of Ozempic is appropriate when:
  • The patient is achieving target HbA1c levels (typically ≤7.0% for most adults) 1
  • The patient shows improvement in blood glucose control compared to baseline 1
  • The medication is well-tolerated with manageable side effects 2
  • There are additional benefits such as weight reduction and cardiovascular risk reduction 1

Monitoring Requirements During Long-Term Treatment

• Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) should be performed regularly according to individual needs and treatment regimen 1
• For patients on intensive insulin regimens plus Ozempic, SMBG should be performed prior to meals and snacks, at bedtime, occasionally postprandially, and before critical tasks such as driving 1
• For patients on Ozempic without intensive insulin regimens, the frequency of SMBG should be individualized based on specific needs and goals 1
• Regular evaluation of technique, results, and ability to use data from self-monitoring to adjust therapy is essential 1

Common Pitfalls and Caveats

• Discontinuing Ozempic prematurely may lead to worsening glycemic control and potential complications 1
• Gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) are common but typically transient and resolve with continued treatment 2, 3
• Patients may experience variable absorption based on body weight, with higher body weight associated with reduced semaglutide exposure 4
• Monitor for potential development of gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, and hypoglycemia (especially if used with insulin or sulfonylureas) 2, 3

Special Considerations

• For patients who miss doses, the medication should be resumed at the regular schedule; if 3 or more consecutive doses are missed, consider restarting the titration schedule 3
• Patients with renal impairment can continue Ozempic without dose adjustment 3
• Patients who have been successfully using continuous glucose monitoring should have continued access to this technology even after age 65 1
• The ongoing need for and frequency of blood glucose monitoring should be reevaluated at each routine visit to avoid overuse 1

Ozempic has demonstrated long-term efficacy in glycemic control and additional benefits in weight reduction and cardiovascular outcomes, supporting its continued use as long as it remains effective and well-tolerated 5, 6.