OZEMPIC® 0.25mg

Ozempic® 0.25mg is a once-weekly, pre-filled injection containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to help lower blood glucose levels when diet and exercise are not enough. This dosage is typically used as a starting dose to reduce gastrointestinal side effects before increasing to higher maintenance doses.

It stimulates insulin secretion and reduces glucagon release in response to high blood sugar. Ozempic® is not insulin and should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It also offers cardiovascular benefits in patients with existing heart conditions.

Ozempic® 0.25mg is administered as a subcutaneous injection once weekly, ideally on the same day each week.

Key features:

• Initiate with 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
  
• Do not increase the dose without medical guidance.
  

Administration Summary:

• Injection sites: abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
  
• Injection method: subcutaneous only—do not inject into vein or muscle.
  
• Dose timing: any time of day, with or without meals.
  
• Pen contains: 1.5 mL solution, sufficient for multiple doses.
  

Adjustments: Dose may be escalated to 0.5 mg or 1 mg based on glycemic response.

Ozempic® 0.25mg is indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes in adults when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient. It can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin.

Contraindications:

• Type 1 diabetes
  
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
  
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  
• Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any excipients
  

Common side effects:

• Nausea
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Decreased appetite
  
• Injection site reactions
  

Serious risks (rare):

• Pancreatitis
  
• Gallstones or inflamed gallbladder
  
• Severe allergic reactions
  

Ozempic® contains the active ingredient semaglutide (rys) at 1.34 mg/mL concentration.

Inactive ingredients:

• Dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate
  
• Propylene glycol
  
• Phenol
  
• Hydrochloric acid
  
• Sodium hydroxide
  
• Water for injections
  

Each pen contains 2 mg semaglutide, allowing for 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose selections.

Each package includes:

• 1 pre-filled pen (1.5 mL of solution)
  
• 6 NovoFine® Plus disposable needles
  
• Instructions for safe and proper administration
  

The solution should appear clear and colorless or almost colorless before use.

Yes, side effects are possible, though most are mild and decrease over time.

Common side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  
• Headache, indigestion, constipation
  
• Dizziness, tiredness, taste changes
  
• Injection site reactions
  

Hypoglycemia risk increases if taken with sulfonylureas or insulin.

Serious but rare side effects:

• Acute pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain)
  
• Gallstones
  
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  

Monitor for signs of dehydration due to gastrointestinal side effects.

Before use:

• Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C)
  
• Do not freeze
  

After first use:

• Keep pen for up to 6 weeks at room temperature (below 30°C) or refrigerated
  
• Keep away from heat and direct sunlight
  
• Always replace the cap after use to protect from light
  

Discard the pen after 6 weeks, even if solution remains. Keep out of reach of children.