From the Guidelines
Ozempic (semaglutide) is primarily used for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Key Points
- Indications: Ozempic (semaglutide) is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, and for the treatment of T2DM 1.
- Dosage: The recommended dosage of semaglutide for weight management is 2.4 mg subcutaneously once weekly, with a gradual dose titration to minimize gastrointestinal side effects 1.
- Mechanism of Action: Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels, delay gastric emptying, and reduce appetite 1.
- Benefits: Semaglutide has been shown to result in significant weight loss, improve glycemic control, and reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with obesity or T2DM 1.
- Side Effects: Common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and injection site reactions, which can be mitigated with gradual dose titration and proper patient education 1.
- Contraindications: Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, or pancreatitis, and should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis or cholelithiasis 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
Ozempic (semaglutide) is used for two main purposes:
- Improving glycemic control: as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Reducing cardiovascular risk: to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death, in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease 2.
From the Research
Ozempic (Semaglutide) Treatment
Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a medication used for the treatment of:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus 3, 4, 5
- Obesity, including weight management for individuals who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity 6, 7
Mechanism of Action
Semaglutide works by:
- Controlling appetite and enhancing weight loss 6, 7
- Modulating adipose tissue browning, which can improve human metabolism 7
- Exhibiting anti-inflammatory, mitochondrial biogenesis, antioxidant, and autophagy-regulating effects 7
Administration and Dosage
Semaglutide is administered via subcutaneous injection, with dosages including:
- 0.5 or 1.0 mg once weekly for the treatment of type 2 diabetes 4, 5
- 2.0 mg once weekly for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, providing a treatment intensification option for patients in need of additional glycaemic control 4
- Approved for weight management for a maximum treatment duration of 2 years in some countries 6
Safety Profile
The safety profile of semaglutide includes: