What is an Ozempic pen

What is an Ozempic pen?

Ozempic ( Semaglutide ) is an injectable prescription drug designed as a diabetes medicine but later caught attention for its weight loss benefits (also referred to as a Skinny Jab ). In a clinical trial with 1961 patience, the average change in body weight from the starting point to week 68 was a decrease of 14.9%, whereas, in the placebo group, was a decrease of 2.4%. 86.4% of Semaglutide patience lost 5% or more weight. Ozempic was also reported to reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes

How to buy an Ozempic pen

Ozempic can be purchased in a variety of ways, either by pen for £125-£175 (depending on dose) or as part of a subscription program from £199 a month. 

How to use an Ozempic Pen

The Ozempic injection needs to be administered once weekly, preferably on the same day and time each week. However, if you have to change the day you take it, you can as long as your last dose was at least 2 days prior. You can inject it at any time of day, regardless of meals. If you miss a dose of Ozempic, take the missed dose as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose, and take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day.

Ozempic (semaglutide) is available in 3 different dosages: 0.25, 0.5 and 1mg. The doses can be differentiated based on the colour label of the pen.

• 0.25mg – grey-label pen
• 0.5mg – red-label pen
• 1mg – blue-label pen

For weight loss, the starting dose is 0.25mg. Once you are stable and don’t experience any less common side effects, for 4 weeks, it can then be increased to the 0.5mg maintenance dose. It’s possible to be prescribed the 1mg dose after 4 weeks of being stable on the 0.5mg dose, but only some people need the 1mg dose.

How to maximise Ozempic results 

It’s important to remember that Ozempic isn’t a magic pill that will work wonders for your body weight. To get the most out of your GLP-1 receptor agonist medication you are advised to follow a low-calorie diet as well as avoiding  certain foods.  Partaking in regular physical activity is another vital element to a successful weight loss journey. Knowing what foods to eat and what exercise is right for you can be daunting, but you can get support on some aftercare plans.

Storing and Disposing of the Ozempic pen 

Any unopened Ozempic pen should be kept in the refrigerator between 2°C – 8°C. Once opened, you can keep the pen in the refrigerator or temperatures below 30°C. Keep the pens away from direct sunlight and keep the lid on the pen. Storing your pen correctly will prevent the solution inside from becoming cloudy or discoloured. Regularly check that the liquid is clear and colourless. If it is cloudy or discoloured, discard the pen. Your pen will be delivered in insulated packaging to ensure it stays cold.

It’s equally important to correctly dispose of the pens, you must throw away needles into the sharps bin that your prescriber has provided. Once it is full, you can contact your local council and they will collect it. The pen itself can be given to your local pharmacy, which will have dedicated clinical waste disposal facilities, Do not throw any needles or medication with your household waste.

Before taking Ozempic medication 

It’s important to talk through your medical history with your medical professional to make sure the medicine is safe for you. You should not use this medicine if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumours in your glands), or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer. In animal studies, this medicine caused thyroid tumours or thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to semaglutide or had any allergic reactions to any other ingredients in this medicine. Tell your healthcare professional if you have ever had the following medical conditions:

• a stomach or intestinal disorder;
• pancreatitis;
• kidney disease
• diabetic retinopathy
• heart disease / heart attack
• thyroid tumours

Pregnancy

Stop using this medicine at least 2 months before you plan to get pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, as is gaining the right amount of weight. Even if you are overweight, losing weight during pregnancy could cause potential risks for the unborn baby.

Pen Dosages 

The initial dose for Ozempic is 0.25 mg taken once a week for the first four weeks to give your body time to slowly adjust to the effects of the medicine. After these first four weeks, your healthcare provider will increase the dosage to 0.5 mg per week as needed. Your healthcare professional also recommends proper monitoring of blood glucose levels throughout treatment to ensure that you are getting an optimal effect from taking Ozempic.  If you have type 2 diabetes, your A1C may shift while on the medication, Ozempic offers a 1mg and a 2mg dose for additional A1C control. You mustn’t take more than the maximum dose of 2mg, make sure you correctly follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.   

How to take your Ozempic Dose

Your weekly dose of Ozempic can be taken any time during the week, provided your next dose was at least 2+ days after your last dose. If you miss your last dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If it’s been longer than 5 days, skip the missed dose, and take your next dose on your normal scheduled day. It’s best to inject Ozempic into the front of your thighs, the front of your waist (abdomen) or your upper arms. It is recommended that you rotate your injection site each time you inject. Do not Inject into your veins.

Ozempic Dose strength 

Ozempic pre-filled single-patient-use pens with three different strengths. The first strength is 2 mg per 1.5 mL of liquid solution, with two pens available at this strength. One pen delivers either 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg doses, while the other pen delivers 1 mg doses. The second strength is 4 mg per 3 mL of liquid solution, with one pen delivering 1 mg doses. Lastly, the third strength is 8 mg per 3 mL of liquid solution.

These different strengths allow healthcare providers to tailor the dose of Ozempic to meet each patient’s individual weight loss needs and preferences. The convenience of the pre-filled pens also makes it easy for patients to administer their medication accurately and consistently. Overall, the various strengths of Ozempic pens provide healthcare professionals and patients with flexibility in managing people with type 2 diabetes effectively and efficiently.