Ozempic® contains semaglutide, a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist. Semaglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors to help improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It supports glucose regulation by increasing insulin release when blood sugar is high, reducing glucagon when appropriate, and slowing gastric emptying, which can reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. Some people may also experience appetite-related effects while taking Ozempic®.
Ozempic® is taken once weekly, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food. It is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) using the Ozempic® pen. Where to inject: abdomen (stomach area), thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites each week and avoid injecting into areas that are tender, bruised, red, or hard. If you miss a dose, follow the instructions in the Ozempic® Medication Guide and your clinician’s guidance. Do not take extra doses unless instructed by a licensed clinician. Always use Ozempic® exactly as prescribed and keep regular follow-ups so your clinician can monitor response, side effects, and adjust dosing if needed.
Like many prescription medications, Ozempic® can cause side effects. The most commonly reported include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation—especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. Your clinician may recommend a gradual dose escalation to improve tolerability. Contact a clinician promptly if side effects are severe, persistent, or unusual.
Ozempic® is a prescription medicine that contains semaglutide. It belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Ozempic® is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.Ozempic® is taken once weekly by injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your clinician will determine whether it’s appropriate for you and how to dose it based on your medical history and goals of care.
Ozempic® works by activating GLP-1 receptors, which helps the body regulate blood sugar in several ways:
Together, these effects can help improve A1C and support healthier glucose control when used consistently and paired with nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Ozempic® is injected once per week, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food. It’s given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), not into a vein or muscle.Common injection areas include:
For comfort and skin health, rotate injection sites and follow the instructions provided with your medication.
Ozempic® is a brand-name prescription injection containing semaglutide. It’s FDA‑approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in certain adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Some people also experience weight loss while taking it, but Ozempic is not specifically FDA‑approved for chronic weight management.
Weight loss can occur with semaglutide, and some clinicians may prescribe Ozempic off‑label for weight management when appropriate. Whether it’s a fit depends on your health history, goals, and medication availability—your clinician will discuss on‑label vs off‑label options and alternatives that are specifically approved for weight loss.
Semaglutide is a GLP‑1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking a natural gut hormone that helps regulate appetite, slows stomach emptying, and improves blood sugar control—together, these effects can support reduced calorie intake over time.
A licensed clinician determines if Ozempic is appropriate based on your medical history, current medications, and clinical goals. It’s generally used for adults with type 2 diabetes; it may not be appropriate for people with certain thyroid conditions, a history of pancreatitis, or those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Many people notice appetite changes within the first few weeks. Changes in weight typically build gradually over the first 8–12 weeks and continue as the dose is adjusted for tolerability and results.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal—nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and reduced appetite—especially during dose increases. Your clinician can suggest strategies (slower titration, hydration, smaller meals) to improve tolerability. Seek medical care for severe or persistent symptoms.
Tell your clinician about your full medical history and medications, including diabetes meds, insulin, or sulfonylureas; any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, thyroid nodules/cancer, or GI disorders; and whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
Typically, you’ll complete an online intake, then have a clinician review your history and goals. If appropriate, the clinician prescribes the medication and provides a dosing plan and guidance. If prescribed through our program, medication may be delivered from a licensed pharmacy, depending on your state and plan.
Ozempic is taken as a once‑weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneous). Your clinician will provide step‑by‑step instructions on where to inject, how to store the pen, and how to rotate injection sites.
If you miss a dose, follow the instructions provided by your clinician and the medication guide. In general, the best approach is to take it as soon as you remember if it’s close to your usual schedule, or skip and resume your regular dosing day—avoid doubling doses.
Ozempic can interact with certain medications, especially other diabetes drugs that can lower blood sugar (like insulin or sulfonylureas). Always share your full medication list so your clinician can adjust doses and monitor for low blood sugar and other interactions.
Insurance coverage varies widely by plan and the medical indication. Many plans require prior authorization. We can help you understand your benefits and discuss cash‑pay options if coverage isn’t available.
If your GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medication is provided in a vial (rather than a prefilled pen), accurate measurement is critical. Many injection-related problems are not “medication failures,” but simple measurement errors that can increase side effects and risk.
This guide is not a substitute for your prescription label. Always follow your clinician’s specific dosing instructions.
Know the three measurement concepts
Your prescription and pharmacy label should connect these safely (for example, dose in mg + the corresponding syringe units for your specific concentration). If you don’t see that mapping, stop and contact your clinician or pharmacy before injecting.
(covered above via prescription + pharmacy label connection)
If you miss a dose, do not “double” to catch up. Contact your care team for instructions based on your prescription.
Severe or persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain, or any symptom that feels abnormal warrants medical attention.
Feeling hunger on semaglutide can be frustrating—especially if you expected “no appetite at all.” In reality, most people still feel some hunger. The goal is often less impulsive hunger and better control.
If hunger stays intense for weeks, you’re gaining weight unexpectedly, or side effects are severe, contact your clinician. Do not self-adjust dosing.
Nausea is one of the most common early side effects people report on semaglutide-based therapy. The good news: for many patients, it improves as the body adjusts—especially when you use a few practical habits.
Eat smaller meals, slow down, and stop at “comfortably satisfied.” Overeating can feel worse when digestion is slower.
Dehydration can worsen nausea and fatigue. Sip water throughout the day. If your clinician recommends electrolytes, use them strategically.
Many people tolerate bland, protein-forward foods better during the adjustment phase: yogurt, eggs, soups, cooked vegetables, toast, rice, or smoothies (if tolerated).
Very fatty meals, fried foods, and heavy desserts can worsen nausea in some people. If symptoms spike after certain foods, reduce them temporarily.
Some patients find nausea is more noticeable in a predictable window after dosing. Keep meals lighter during that window and avoid large, rich meals.
Severe or persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration require medical attention. Don’t self-adjust treatment without clinician input.
