Ozempic San Diego is an injectable drug that helps people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. It can also reduce their risk of serious cardiovascular problems. It works by blocking the action of a hormone called GLP-1.
To use this medication, wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab. Then, insert the pen needle into the skin. Press and hold the dose button until you see a drop of the medicine on the tip of the pen.
Ozempic is a medication that helps people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. It works by increasing the amount of insulin your body makes when your blood sugar is high and slowing the breakdown of glucose in your liver. It also reduces the amount of glucagon your body releases and suppresses your appetite, causing many patients to lose weight.
The drug is injected under the skin and can be given at any time of day. A nurse or doctor will show you how to inject the medicine before you use it alone. It is important to change injection sites each week and never use the same site twice in a row. Also, always inspect the injection site and do not use it if it looks cloudy or has particles.
You should take Ozempic as directed by your doctor and read the Patient Information Leaflet with the medication box. It usually starts at a low dose and then slowly increases over 4 weeks to 30 days. Sticking to your diet and exercise plan when taking this medication is important to achieve optimal results. Your doctor will test your blood sugar regularly to measure the level of glucose in your body. This is known as hemoglobin A1C, and it can be a good indicator of how well you are controlling your diabetes.
Some people may experience side effects while taking Ozempic, but these are generally mild and do not last long. You should call your doctor if you have any unusual side effects or any symptoms that concern you. Some of these include stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea, confusion or drowsiness. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.
If you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with Ozempic. This medication can cause a loss of fluids, which can make kidney problems worse. You should also tell your doctor if you have a family history of thyroid cancer or a personal history of medullary thyroid cancer.
It can increase your risk of thyroid tumors
When GLP-1 agonists are used in combination with certain medications, it can increase your risk of developing thyroid tumors. This is especially true in people with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). It is also not safe to use in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your risks and benefits before taking Ozempic if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ozempic is injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection) once per week at any time of day with or without food. It can be given in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your doctor will show you where to inject the medicine and how to do it. Your doctor should check your blood work more often while you’re taking this medication.
Some common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and diarrhea. It can also cause gallbladder problems, which may need to be treated with surgery. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of gallbladder problems, including pain in the upper stomach, fever, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
In some studies, Ozempic has increased the risk of thyroid tumors in people with a history of medullary gland cancer. However, this effect wasn’t seen in other studies. It’s not clear whether semaglutide will increase the risk of thyroid tumors in other people. It’s also not known if this medication increases the risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma in people with MEN 2.
It’s not clear if semaglutide causes cancer transformation in thyroid C-cells. In 2023, a research review didn’t find any evidence that this drug increases the risk of cancer in general.
It’s important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Some of these may interact with Ozempic, causing serious side effects. It’s also important to tell your doctor if you have any allergies or sensitivities. This can help them avoid prescribing you a medication that might be harmful to you. Besides, this can save you money on prescriptions and copays. If you’re having trouble affording your medications, financial and insurance assistance is available.
It can cause serious side effects
If you have serious side effects while taking Ozempic, talk to your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or recommend a different medication to treat them. They can also recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to help you manage your symptoms.
In clinical trials, most people who took Ozempic experienced gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as nausea and stomach pain. These symptoms usually go away over time. Some people also experience diarrhea and constipation, which can be difficult to deal with. However, these side effects aren’t likely to stop you from using the drug.
Another rare side effect of Ozempic is intestinal blockage. This happens when your intestines don’t contract enough to move food through the digestive tract properly. This can be deadly if it isn’t treated quickly. The FDA has received reports of this side effect and has ordered the drugmaker Novo Nordisk to add a boxed warning to the medicine’s packaging.
In some cases, the drug can cause gallstones and gallbladder inflammation called cholecystitis. The condition is more common in older adults and can be serious if not treated. It’s important to be aware of this risk and to avoid fatty foods while you take the drug.
Ozempic can also cause changes to your vision, particularly when you first start the medication or increase your dose. These vision problems can be temporary, but should be monitored closely by your healthcare provider. They may be a sign of diabetic retinopathy.
Other side effects of Ozempic include severe allergic reactions and pancreatitis. You should tell your doctor about any allergies you have before taking this medicine, especially if you have a history of angioedema. Angioedema is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate emergency care if you have it.
In some cases, Ozempic can cause liver damage, but this is rare and usually happens after long-term use of the medication. The medication can also cause pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland that releases enzymes and substances that help your body digest food. Pancreatitis can be both chronic and acute.
It isn’t safe for everyone
The medication semaglutide, which is in Ozempic, increases the risk of thyroid tumors. It also increases the risk of pancreatitis in some people. It isn’t safe for pregnant women, and it can cause weight gain during menopause. Women who take this medication should talk to their doctor about how it will affect their pregnancy and their baby.
The most common side effects of Ozempic are nausea, vomiting and constipation. These effects are related to the drug’s slow digestion. It is important to drink plenty of water while taking it to avoid dehydration. It is also best to take the medication with food.
Another dangerous side effect of this drug is gallstones and a condition called cholecystitis. These symptoms can occur in people with a history of gallbladder disease or those who have a bile duct problem. This condition can also lead to stomach pain, diarrhea and bloody stools. Some people have had serious allergic reactions to this medicine, including angioedema. This condition can cause swelling in the face, hands, feet, genitals and lips.
In animal studies, this medication has caused thyroid tumors. It isn’t known whether this will happen in people, but it’s important to tell your doctor about any history of thyroid problems. The FDA has received reports of some people who have had this condition, and it may be linked to an increase in the use of this drug.
Other medications may interact with this medication, so it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take. You should also discuss any herbs, vitamins, or supplements you use. This will help you avoid possible interactions and reduce your risk of side effects.
Ozempic is an effective weight loss pill for adults with type 2 diabetes, but it isn’t for everyone. It isn’t recommended for people with a history of heart disease, kidney disease or other health issues. It can also raise the risk of vision changes in some people with type 2 diabetes and cause hypoglycemia. In addition, it can raise the risk of major cardiovascular problems like strokes and heart attacks in some patients.