Ozempic and Wegovy are two versions of semaglutide. This FDA-approved medication lowers blood sugar and suppresses appetite by mimicking hormones that alert the body when you’re full. Both versions are commonly prescribed to those living with type 2 diabetes.
The FDA recently updated the label for Ozempic and similar drugs to include potential risks of ileus, which may produce symptoms similar to physical bowel obstruction without actual blockage. Though rare, this side effect should be discussed with your physician.
Crohn’s Disease
Ozempic (semaglutide) can help treat Crohn’s disease by decreasing inflammation in the digestive tract, encouraging tissue repair, and relieving abdominal pain. However, before beginning therapy with Ozempic, you must know all potential risks and side effects.
Drug use may cause pancreatitis that requires hospitalization, as well as increase your risk for heart attack or stroke, all potentially life-threatening complications that could ultimately prove fatal.
If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain, seek medical advice immediately. Your physician can suggest medications to alleviate it and offer advice regarding healthy eating and lifestyle changes that could improve symptoms.
Before beginning Ozempic treatment, be sure to inform your physician and pharmacist of all the supplements, herbs, vitamins, and foods you regularly take. This information may help prevent interactions. Furthermore, discuss any lab tests you intend on having during treatment that could impact your dose; additionally, this medication should not be taken by patients who have had pancreatitis in the past.
Semaglutide
At present, there is an extreme shortage of the drug semaglutide for treating type 2 diabetes, so patients should contact their physician about alternate treatment options and be aware that taking this drug could result in severe allergic reactions such as swelling of face, lips, tongue, and throat; stomach pain; vomiting; diarrhea or constipation may occur as a side effect of using it.
Multiple randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide significantly improves liver function for those suffering from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It decreases triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels while raising HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels.
Before using an injection pen, store it in the refrigerator before use. Inject into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen using multiple injection sites each time to rotate and prevent infection or spreading diseases by sharing an injection pen with another individual even if its needle has been changed – sharing could result in infections spreading diseases faster! Furthermore, dispose of used injection pens using puncture-resistant containers when finished using them.
Ozempic Patient Assistance Program
Suppose you need assistance paying for an Ozempic prescription. In that case, you can reduce its costs in multiple ways, from coupons from manufacturers or discount cards such as Optum Perks – both of which offer free discounts of up to 80% – through online pharmacies such as 365 Script Care, where discounted medications may also be found.
Search the formulary on your insurer’s website or call their customer service to verify your coverage of Ozempic. Additionally, find out whether Medicare Extra Help or state programs might reduce its cost for you.
Your costs may also be reduced with the help of discount cards from companies such as SingleCare. They provide discounts on prescription and over-the-counter drugs and can be used at many participating pharmacies free of charge; they may, however, impose restrictions such as maximum savings amounts or expiration dates, which must be respected.
Overdose
Ozempic side effects are generally mild; mild ones typically subside within days or weeks. If they persist or worsen, please inform your healthcare provider.
Semaglutide mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone to suppress hunger and aid weight loss while reducing inflammation and strengthening gut barrier function. Available dosage options range between 0.5 mg and 5 mg daily.
Ozempic is provided in prefilled pens that you inject yourself. Your doctor will show you how this should be done when beginning treatment, although it may take some getting used to if this is your first time doing self-injections. They may guide you by showing how slowly and carefully to administer it while encouraging you to drink plenty of fluids while taking the medicine to avoid dehydration and ensure better chances of staying well.