Ozempic Online UK

Ozempic is a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist containing semaglutide.

It is licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise, either as monotherapy when metformin is not tolerated, or in combination with other glucose-lowering agents including insulin.

Semaglutide mimics the incretin hormone GLP-1, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety.

In the SUSTAIN clinical trial programme, semaglutide demonstrated superior HbA1c reduction (up to 1.

8 percentage points) and significant weight loss (4-6 kg) compared to placebo and active comparators.

The SUSTAIN-6 cardiovascular outcomes trial confirmed a 26% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

NICE recommends semaglutide as an option for type 2 diabetes in adults when other treatments have not achieved adequate glycaemic control.

Ozempic is administered subcutaneously and is not intended for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Ozempic is injected subcutaneously once weekly on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without meals.

Inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating the injection site each week. The pre-filled pen is fitted with a disposable needle before each injection.

Prime the pen before first use as instructed in the patient information leaflet. Do not inject into areas that are tender, bruised, red, or hard.

Ozempic must not be administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Store unused pens in the refrigerator (2-8°C).

After first use, the pen may be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) or in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.

If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, inject as soon as possible; otherwise, skip the missed dose.

Initiate at 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks (this dose is for treatment initiation only and is not a maintenance dose). After 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg once weekly.

If further glycaemic improvement is needed after at least 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, the dose may be increased to 1 mg once weekly.

A further increase to 2 mg once weekly may be considered after at least 4 weeks on 1 mg.

No dose adjustment is required for mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment, although experience in end-stage renal disease is limited. No dose adjustment is needed for hepatic impairment.

Dose escalation should be gradual to minimise gastrointestinal side effects.

Side effects are reported per SmPC frequency categories from the SUSTAIN trial programme.

Very common (≥1/10): Nausea (reported in up to 20% of patients, typically transient during dose escalation), diarrhoea, vomiting.

Common (≥1/100 to <1/10): Decreased appetite, dizziness, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, constipation, dyspepsia, eructation, flatulence, gastro-oesophageal reflux, gastritis, hypoglycaemia (particularly when combined with sulphonylureas or insulin), fatigue, injection site reactions, increased lipase.

Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100): Tachycardia, acute pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, increased amylase.

Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000): Anaphylactic reactions, angioedema.

Gastrointestinal side effects are the most frequently reported and usually diminish with continued use.

Patients should be informed of the symptoms of pancreatitis and instructed to seek immediate medical attention if severe persistent abdominal pain occurs.

Ozempic should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

In rodent studies, semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumours; the relevance to humans is uncertain but caution is warranted.

Patients should be advised to report symptoms suggestive of thyroid tumours (neck mass, dysphagia, dyspnoea, persistent hoarseness).

There is a risk of acute pancreatitis; discontinue if pancreatitis is confirmed.

When Ozempic is added to existing sulphonylurea or insulin therapy, a dose reduction of the sulphonylurea or insulin may be required to reduce hypoglycaemia risk.

Diabetic retinopathy complications were observed more frequently in the SUSTAIN-6 trial in patients with pre-existing retinopathy; close ophthalmological monitoring is advised.

Ozempic is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any excipient. It must not be used in type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; women of childbearing potential should use adequate contraception and discontinue semaglutide at least 2 months before planned conception, given its long washout period.

Use is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2.