Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Description

Ozempic Where To Buy in Canada

 

Ozempic is a trade name for Semaglutide, utilized for the management of type 2 diabetes. It falls under the category termed anti-diabetic agents.

• Ozempic isn’t insulin.
• Ozempic isn’t recommended for use with type 1 diabetes.
• Ozempic hasn’t been researched in individuals with pancreatitis and shouldn’t be taken by those with a past record of this ailment (pancreatitis).
• Its safety and efficacy for adults below 18 years remain uncertain.
• Ozempic is combined with diet and physical activity to enhance blood sugar control and minimize the probability of cardiovascular events (CV death, nonfatal heart attack, and nonfatal stroke).
• Apart from regulating blood sugar, Ozempic assists individuals with weight reduction, suppressing hunger, and decreasing blood pressure.

How is Ozempic administered?

Ozempic can be taken on its own or with other drugs. It’s given as a weekly shot. It comes in a single-use injection device that’s safe and straightforward.

Preservation Does Ozempic require refrigeration?

indeed. Excess Ozempic pens should be cooled. The best location is the upper part of the fridge, distant from cooling mechanisms. Semaglutide might deteriorate if the pen encounters extreme cold, affecting the drug’s efficacy and possibly raising blood sugar.

Ozempic should be chilled between 36-47°F (2-8°C). Once the pen has been utilized, it can be stored at room conditions 59-86°F (5-30°C).

 

Guidelines for Semaglutide

Doctors should educate their patients on the potential hazards and advantages of Ozempic. It’s crucial for patients to adhere to a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity, routinely check glucose, conduct A1c assessments, and recognize signs of high and low blood sugar in their regimen. When on Ozempic, if patients encounter stress, high temperature, infection, injury, or surgery, they should seek medical counsel as the dose might require adjustment.

Physicians should guide their patients to review the Drug Guide whenever they get a prescription refill.

Grasping the adverse effects as explained by the healthcare professional is vital. Common side effects of Ozempic are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If a dosage is overlooked, it should be given immediately within 5 days of the missed dosage. If over 5 days have passed, then skip that dosage.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Even though Ozempic has FDA clearance and is deemed safe when used as directed, this doesn’t imply it’s devoid of adverse reactions.

Before initiating Ozempic, discuss potential adverse reactions with your healthcare provider. Review the FDA-endorsed labels and instructions accompanying your prescription.

Ozempic carries a highlighted warning concerning the risk of C-cell tumors in rodents. While the human implications remain unknown, it’s not suggested for individuals with a familial history of thyroid cancer.

Common Adverse Reactions Individuals on Ozempic might experience minor or severe reactions. They typically subside within days or weeks. If they persist, consult your healthcare provider.

The following doesn’t encompass all potential reactions:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach discomfort
• Constipation
• Digestive upset
• Flatulence (gas release)

Severe Adverse Reactions in Canada

Severe adverse events on Ozempic are rare. If you notice any, notify your doctor or dial 911 if life-threatening.

Severe reactions while on Ozempic might comprise:

Indications of pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation):

• back and stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• unplanned weight reduction
• fever
• expanded abdomen

Indications of Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar):

• confusion
• lightheadedness
• sleepiness
• rapid heartbeat
• jitters
• headache
• hunger pangs
• mood swings
• perspiration weakness

Indications of diabetic retinopathy (diabetes-linked eye issue):

• fuzzy vision
• impaired night sight
• noticing dark patches
• vision loss

Indications of renal impairment:

• bewilderment
• weariness
• reduced urine output
• nausea
• swelling in the legs or ankles
• Thyroid cancer
• Allergic response

Adverse Reaction Details The following gives detailed data on potential reactions from this drug.

Allergic response Though uncommon, patients might experience allergic events on Ozempic if sensitive to its components. Allergy signs might encompass:

• skin rashes
• itchiness
• flushing (skin redness, warmth, swelling)

Severe allergic symptoms could be:

• breathing difficulty swelling,
• especially lips, eyelids, hands, or feet
• mouth, tongue, or throat swelling

Allergic manifestations can vary among individuals, and the frequency remains uncertain. If experiencing a severe allergic episode, seek immediate medical assistance.

Nausea

The most reported adverse reaction in trials is nausea. Early symptoms might appear upon starting Ozempic and with dose escalation.

With ongoing use, nausea signs might lessen or vanish. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

Thyroid cancer

As stated, Ozempic has a boxed warning, the FDA’s most stringent, about thyroid cancer.

Animal studies have linked Ozempic to increased thyroid tumors, yet human implications aren’t established.

Cases of thyroid cancer have been noted in patients on liraglutide (Victoza), similar to Ozempic. The direct cause remains undetermined, whether due to liraglutide or other factors.

Don’t take Ozempic if you have familial thyroid cancer, especially the rare endocrine disorder named multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

If showing signs of thyroid tumors on Ozempic, contact your healthcare provider right away. These can comprise:

• breathing difficulties
• Raspy voice
• swallowing problems
• Lump or mass in the neck

Injection Site Reactions

Injection site reactions (ie injection-site discomfort, erythema) have been reported in 0.2% of patients in placebo-controlled trials.

Increase in Amylase and Lipase

In a placebo-controlled study, patients experienced an increase of Amylase and Lipase from baseline. These changes were not found in the placebo-treated patients.

Cholelithiasis

In placebo-controlled studies that involved treating patients with Ozempic 0.5mg and 1mg reported 1.5% and 0.4% of Cholelithiasis were reported respectively. Placebo-treated patients did not report symptoms of cholelithiasis.

Increased Heart Rate

In placebo-controlled studies, patients using Ozempic 0.5mg and 1mg reported a mean increase of 2-3 beats per minute. Those in the placebo group reported a decrease in heart rate by 0.3 beats per minute.

Dizziness, Dysgeusia & Fatigue

Less than 0.4% of patients experienced dizziness, dysgeusia, and fatigue taking Ozempic.

Immunogenicity

Patients treated with Ozempic may develop anti-semaglutide antibodies which are consistent with immunogenic properties of peptide and protein pharmaceuticals.

Hypoglycemia

Even though Ozempic (semaglutide) does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it may occur happen if taken with other diabetes medications. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you need to have your other medication doses adjusted. Hypoglycemia may also be caused by consuming alcohol, not enough exercise, or not getting enough calories. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include blurred vision, headache, dizziness, hunger, increased heartbeat, sweating, or tingling hands/feet. It is recommended that patients who experience hypoglycemia carry glucose tablets, hard candy, jelly beans, fruit drinks or soda (non-diet) in case of low blood sugar.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur. Symptoms include increased thirst or urination. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience these symptoms.

The information above does not include all possible side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed above.

INTERACTIONS

Concomitant use with insulin and insulin secretagogue (ie Sulfonylurea) or insulin may change how your medications work or result in potential complications. A doctor may choose to adjust dosage, exercise, and diet.

Since Ozempic causes a delay in gastric emptying, this may cause a potential impact on the absorption of other oral .

Inform your doctor of all possible prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Check your blood sugar regularly and share the results with your doctor. Let your doctor know if you are experiencing high or low blood sugar levels.

Do not modify your dosage without the approval of your doctor.

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Injecting insulin

When administering Ozempic, the following points should be considered:

• Do not inject into the same location each time. Rotate injection sites.
• Do not inject where the skin is thickened, or has pits or lumps as this can affect the effectiveness of the medication.
• Do not inject where the skin is bruised, scaly, hard, tender, or damaged.

Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

If serum calcitonin is measured and found to be showing elevated or thyroid nodules from a physical examination or neck imaging, patients should be referred to an endocrinologist. Patients should be informed that Semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents and that this has not been conclusive in humans. Patients must report any symptoms of hoarseness, dysphagia, dyspnea, or a lump in the neck to their physician.

Pancreatitis

Patients should be informed of the risks of pancreatitis. In glycemic control trials, acute and chronic pancreatitis has been reported. Patients need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis which can include ongoing severe abdominal pain and vomiting. If signs of pancreatitis are confirmed, Ozempic treatment should be discontinued and your doctor should be consulted.

Diabetic Retinopathy

In a 2-year trial, more complications of diabetic retinopathy occurred in patients taking Ozempic (3.0%) vs those taking the placebo (1.8%). Patients in the trial had type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk. It was found that the patients who had a high risk of diabetic retinopathy were predisposed based on their family history compared to those without. This is why patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored closely.

If patients experience a rapid improvement in glucose control, this may indicate a worsening of diabetic retinopathy.

Hypoglycemia

When Ozempic is used in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogues (ie sulfonylureas), patients were at higher risk of hypoglycemia (high blood sugar levels).

Do not share Ozempic pens

Ozempic pens should not be shared among patients even if they show similar symptoms and the needle has been changed. Sharing pens can lead to the spreading of infection and transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

Acute Kidney Injury

Reports have shown that patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists experienced acute kidney injury and worsening chronic renal failure. As a result, patients would require hemodialysis. Most of the reported events that happened with patients who have shown symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and dehydration have occurred. Renal function should be monitored closely in patients for severe adverse gastrointestinal reactions in patients taking escalated doses.

Hypersensitivity

If hypersensitivity occurs, patients should discontinue use and monitor until symptoms are resolved. Serious symptoms of hypersensitivity include angioedema and anaphylaxis. Patients with a history of these two reactions should be treated with caution and treated with another GLP-1 receptor agonist. Patients who have a history of angioedema or anaphylaxis with other GLP-1 receptors should be treated with caution.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should be advised of the potential risks to a fetus. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. If diabetes is poorly managed during pregnancy, this can increase the risk of complications such as ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, birth defects, macrosomia, preterm delivery, spontaneous abortions, delivery complications, and stillbirth.

Renal Failure and Dehydration

Patients should be advised by their physicians about the possible risk of dehydration due to gastrointestinal adverse reactions if they are using Ozempic. Patients should avoid fluid depletion. Doctors should explain the possible symptoms of renal impairment and the possible requirement of dialysis if renal failure occurs.