Ozempic

Ozempic, also known by its generic name Semaglutide, is a medication prescribed for the management of diabetes. The injectable medication works by copying the action of the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. This action defines Ozempic as a GLP-1 agonist (GLP-1A). Because the drug binds to the GLP-1 receptors in the body, Ozempic promotes the secretion of insulin, reduces glucagon production (which lowers blood sugar), and slows down stomach emptying, leading to a decreased appetite. When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Ozempic can help effectively control blood sugar levels and reduce the symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes.

The difference between Ozempic and Semaglutide is actually more about branding than anything else.  Ozempic is simply the commercial name, while Semaglutide is the name of the active drug in Novo Nordisk’s medication that does all the work. So, when you're talking about Ozempic, you're actually talking about a medication that contains Semaglutide. The confusion often arises because Ozempic is the name that people hear about most—it’s marketed and prescribed under that name, but Semaglutide is what’s actually inside. Another brand of Semaglutide is Wegovy, which is specifically marketed for weight loss. Even though it's the same medication it is licensed for a slightly different context. In essence, there’s no difference in terms of the core substance. The name might change, which can sometimes make it seem like they’re different drugs when they are in fact the same medicine.

Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone in your body called GLP-1, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. It stimulates insulin production when the blood sugar is high and reduces how much sugar your liver allows to be released into the blood. These GLP-1 agonists can also have a knock-on effect of weight loss as Ozempic slows down digestion. So, you feel fuller for longer and naturally eat less. This makes Ozempic a great choice of treatment for reducing type 2 diabetes-related symptoms.

Ozempic is typically prescribed for adults with Type 2 diabetes, especially for those who need extra help managing their blood sugar levels beyond diet, exercise, or first line oral medications. Semaglutide is also being used for weight loss even in individuals without diabetes. When prescribed for this purposes Semaglutide is dispensed as Wegovy which is specifically licensed to aid weight loss. However, it Semaglutide cannot be prescribed everyone, and your suitability for the medicine depends on your individual health profiles. If you have history of certain medical conditions, such as thyroid issues, pancreatic issues, severe digestive problems, or kidney disease, then you are likely a poor candidate for may need to consider alternatives. Additionally, Ozempic is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the effects in these situations aren’t well-studied and could pose a risk to both mother and child. Ultimately, your doctor or healthcare provider will assess whether Ozempic is right for you based on your health background and current health needs. It’s important to have an open discussion about any of your health conditions or medications that you might be taking to ensure this is the most appropriate treatment for you and your symptoms.

Not everyone can take Ozempic, and there are certain groups of patients who definitely need to avoid it. For instance, individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should steer clear of this medication. Additionally, Ozempic is not suitable for people with a history of diabetic ketoacidosis or those with severe gastrointestinal issues, as it could potentially worsen these conditions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid using Ozempic, since there isn’t enough evidence to confirm it’s safe for the baby. Before prescribing Ozempic, your healthcare provider will evaluate your medical history, so it's vital to be completely open and honest and provide all relevant information about your health and any past issues, current medications, and any potential allergies. This is to ensure that Ozempic is a safe choice for your treatment.

Ozempic is generally considered to be a safe choice when taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional. However, like any medication, it does have potential side effects, and not everyone’s experience the medicine will be the same. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. For many people, these side effects tend to affect them most when they first start the treatment and usually improve as the body gets used to the medication. Despite these side effects, the benefits of Ozempic for managing Type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight loss usually outweigh the temporary discomfort of side effects that some patients face. On the other hand, there are more serious side effects—although rare—such as pancreatitis, kidney issues, or severe allergic reactions. If any severe or persistent side effects occur, then it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Yes, Ozempic is available on the NHS. However, it is usually only prescribed for patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes where other treatments haven’t been effective enough in bringing blood sugar levels under control. If your diabetes isn’t being controlled with other medications, your doctor might consider Ozempic as a treatment option that the NHS can cover. For weight loss, however, the availability of Semaglutide is quite different. When prescribed for weight management, Semaglutide is prescribed under the brand name Wegovy. Its availability on the NHS can depend on where you live in the UK, as different regions may have their own guidelines and limitations regarding its use. While Wegovy has been approved for use in weight management, it is still quite new and access to it is still quite limited. If you’re interested in using Ozempic or Wegovy, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider to understand your options.

Ozempic is considered highly effective for lowering blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. In clinical trials, many individuals saw significant reductions in a key marker that measures long-term blood sugar control - HbA1c levels. For many patients, reducing HbA1c is an important goal because it helps decrease the risk of complications associated with diabetes. On the weight loss front, Semaglutide has also proven to be quite effective. Studies have shown that many people experience considerable weight reduction when using the drug, largely because of its effect on appetite and digestion—it slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, making you feel fuller for longer, which helps you to eat less. However, it is important to note that when Semaglutide is used for weight loss it is prescribed as Wegovy. While Wegovy not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, it can provide significant support for those of us who need a little help getting started with weight loss or keeping their blood sugar levels under control. Of course, individual results will vary, and the effectiveness of Semaglutide can depend on other lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a healthy nutritious diet and regular physical activity.

The cost of Ozempic can really vary depending on where you buy it and whether you’re getting it via a private prescription or through the NHS. If you’re getting Ozempic privately, in the UK, prices can differ significantly between pharmacies. At Pharmacy Planet you can find it offered as part of multipack options—these packs are structured to your journey, and include different doses like 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg pens, costing £34 per week.

You can buy Ozempic in the UK from licensed providers, including Pharmacy Planet. Generally, the process involves completing our online consultation form which gives our clinicians a starting point to assess whether this medicine is suitable for you. Once approved, the medication is shipped directly to your home. Regardless of where you source your medicine from it is important to ensure that your pharmacy is licensed and follows UK regulations—this ensures that you’re getting genuine medication and the right medical oversight. In Great Britain you can be assured of this by making sure your pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Whether online or in-person, always make sure the source is credible and properly verified, to help guarantee your safety.

Ozempic is injected once a week. It comes as a pre-filled pen which contains 4 doses of the drug. Typically, the dose is 0.25mg once per week for the first four weeks. This initial dose isn’t likely to have a big impact on your blood sugar; it’s more to allow your body to adjust to the medication and mitigate the chance of developing side effects, especially nausea. After the initial 4 weeks at 0.25mg, the dose is usually increased to 0.5mg per week. Depending on how your body and blood sugar responds, your healthcare provider might increase it further to 1mg per week. It’s important to follow the dosing schedule your prescriber has given you and not to change your dose without consulting them. This can reduce the effectiveness of Semaglutide or increase the risk of side effects.

Where do I inject Ozempic for the best results?