After the FDA approved Ozempic for treating Type 2 diabetes in 2017, this “miracle” drug quickly became one of the most talked-about medications worldwide. Celebrities and social media users rave about its revolutionary impact on the weight loss industry. But is Ozempic really meant for weight loss, or are people misusing it? And what’s the difference between Ozempic, Wegovy, and other injectable drugs making headlines?
To clear up the confusion around Ozempic and its counterparts, we’ve created a comprehensive guide. Read on to understand how Ozempic works and how it compares to other weight loss and diabetes management drugs.
How Do Semaglutides Work?
Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, also known as an incretin mimetic. As a GLP-1 agonist, semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors and stimulates insulin release from the pancreas. This action effectively lowers blood sugar and A1C levels while reducing the amount of sugar released by the liver.
While our intestines naturally produce GLP-1, semaglutide mimics this hormone to signal feelings of fullness more quickly. It also slows stomach emptying, causing people to eat less and lose weight. Additionally, the drug reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes.
What Other Drugs Are Like Ozempic?
Ozempic was designed and approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, but its weight loss effects have led to similar drugs aimed at obesity treatment. Wegovy, for instance, uses the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but at a higher concentration. Unlike Ozempic, which is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes, Wegovy is approved for weight loss in adults and teenagers who are obese or overweight with related medical problems.
Another similar drug is Mounjaro, also known as Tirzepatide. Mounjaro treats Type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar and A1C levels, but unlike Ozempic, it acts as both a GLP-1 and GIP agonist. GIP agonists bind to glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors, further regulating blood sugar levels. Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes, while the weight loss version of Mounjaro is called Zepbound.
How Do You Take Ozempic?
You administer Ozempic and its counterparts as weekly injections under the skin. After receiving instruction from a doctor or pharmacist, you can do this at home using a pen injector. It is available in pre-filled pens with doses ranging from 0.25 mg to 2 mg, depending on the doctor’s prescription. You can inject Ozempic into the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Store the Ozempic pen in the fridge until first use, then keep it at room temperature for up to 56 days.
Typically, you’ll start with a dosage of 0.25 mg once a week for the first month and then increase to 0.5 mg weekly, with possible further increases as directed by your doctor. For Wegovy, the dosage usually increases from 0.25 mg per week initially to 2.4 mg per week by the fifth month, although some users may not tolerate the full amount.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Ozempic, like most medications, comes with some common side effects, including:
- Low blood sugar
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
Serious side effects may indicate an allergic reaction, such as:
- Hives
- Itching
- Fast heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
Other serious side effects can include vision changes, mood changes, stomach flu symptoms, and kidney or gallbladder problems. People are more likely to experience side effects at the higher dosages associated with Wegovy.
Who Is Eligible for Ozempic and Its Counterparts?
Adults with Type 2 diabetes can be prescribed Ozempic to lower blood glucose levels or reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events if they have a history of heart disease. To be eligible for Wegovy, you must be an adult with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related medical condition (such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol). Wegovy can also be prescribed for obesity in minors aged 12 and older, provided their BMI is at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex. Individuals with obesity and Type 2 diabetes may be prescribed Wegovy to both lower their blood sugar and aid in weight loss.
Insurance coverage varies based on whether you’re taking Ozempic or Wegovy for weight management or to manage Type 2 diabetes. A savings card from the manufacturer or a patient assistance program may help cover the medication if insurance doesn’t.
If you’re interested in Ozempic, Wegovy, or other weight loss/diabetes management drugs, check out our guide on how to get these medications at the lowest price.
