After trying all the medicines for type 2 diabetes, if nothing seems to work then doctors often recommend patients to start Ozempic® injections. For those who are not familiar with this medicine, you must know that Ozempic® is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists that help to keep the insulin levels and the blood sugar levels in check. Ozempic® (semaglutide) increases the production of insulin in order to lower the blood sugar levels.

The dosage of Ozempic® for Type 2 Diabetes

• In the case of type 2 diabetes, Ozempic® does the work of improving the glycemic control in adults. Typically, it is advised to give 0.25 mg of the subcutaneous injection to patients, once a week, for the initial four weeks. This dosage will aim to initiate the treatment process rather than working on the glycemic control.
• After the initial four weeks, the doctor might increase the dosage to 0.5 mg once, every week.
• If one notices that the glycemic control in the patient has not improved after giving him or her 0.5 mg dose, once weekly, then one can try to increase the dose to 1 mg once weekly. However, note that 1 mg once weekly is the maximum dosage that is prescribed by most of the doctors.
• When it comes to deciding when to take the dose every week, it is best to take it on the same day, each week, at any time of the day. Note that you can take it on an empty stomach or after having meals as well.
• In case one wants to change the day on which he or she takes the dose, then it can be done as long as there is a gap of at least 48 hours between the two doses.
• If one ever forgets to take a dose, there is not much to worry. The dose can be taken within five days of missing the dose.
• However, if it has been more than five days since the missed dose, then it is advised to skip the dose and directly take the next one on the scheduled day.
• Remember, one must never share the Ozempic® injection pen with other patients, not even after changing the needles, as there is a high possibility that one might catch an infection.

Things to consider before starting the use of Ozempic®
Before starting on the Ozempic® prescription, one must make sure that he or she discuss with the doctor about some of these listed health concerns:

• Any health complications related to the pancreas or kidneys
• A history of diabetic retinopathy
• If pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant (although it is not clear whether Ozempic® can affect an unborn baby, it is still advised to stop using Ozempic® at least 2 months before planning a pregnancy).

Important administration instructions for Ozempic®
Ozempic® is a subcutaneous injection that is typically injected into the abdomen, upper arm, or the thigh region.
Here are few important administration instructions that one needs to follow before injecting the Ozempic®:

• If one is injecting Ozempic® to the same body part for consecutive weeks, then it is strongly recommended to choose a different injection site.
• Always make sure to check the Ozempic® injection pen before injecting it. The Ozempic® should always be colorless and clear. If one can see any particles in it or if one suspects any coloration then it is best to get a new refill.
• As Ozempic® is a non-insulin injectable prescription medicine, if one is using it with an insulin injection, then it should be ensured that two separate injections are used. Note that it is okay to inject insulin and Ozempic® in the same body part, as long as one doesn’t inject them close to each other and spaces them out well.

Just keep in mind that Ozempic® injection pens are used to control and manage type 2 diabetes and not type 1 diabetes and most essentially, they are not a substitute for insulin. When used according to the doctor’s prescription, together with exercise and diet, Ozempic® is effective in improving blood sugar control in patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes.

If at any point, one is confused or unsure about how to use the Ozempic® pen, then one should not shy away from asking the doctor about the same. As the doctor knows a patient’s personal medical history, he or she will be the best judge on how to correctly use Ozempic® to control the blood sugar levels of an individual.