Ozempic

Ozempic is a non-insulin injection used to treat high blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. It comes in the form of pre-filled injection pens and is often prescribed for those who cannot use other diabetes medications such as Metformin.

This medication should be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise regime to ensure successful blood sugar level management. It is not suitable for treatment of type 1 diabetes, so if you’re seeking treatment for type 1 diabetes you should consult with your GP.

You can buy Ozempic here at HealthExpress for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. All you have to do is complete a short, confidential consultation questionnaire which will be reviewed by one of our doctors.

Ozempic injections work to control your blood sugar levels (HbA1c levels). They contain the active ingredient semaglutide which is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like-peptide-1) analogue. It belongs to the same family as liraglutide (Saxenda).

GLP-1 analogues work by increasing the levels of GLP-1, a type of hormone called incretin hormones. These hormones are responsible for three main processes in blood sugar level management:

• promotes insulin production from the pancreas when your blood sugar levels are too high
• reduces excess glucose production from the liver when it is not needed
• slows the rate at which the stomach empties and digests food

These combined effects are clinically proven to lower your blood sugar levels.

Ozempic injections have been clinically proven to lower HbA1c levels. In fact, clinical research has shown that up to 82% of 288 patients taking Ozempic reached their target HbA1c level, a success rate that was significantly higher than in other treatments. In addition, although many may feel some anxiety about administering injections, you only need to administer one injection, once a week.

Ozempic injections also have good implications on your cardiovascular system. It has been found to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.

Whilst Ozempic can also result in weight loss, it is not prescribed at HealthExpress for this sole purpose. Those seeking prescription treatment for weight loss should refer to the relevant page for our treatment options.

The starting dosage of Ozempic is one 0.25mg dose, once per week for 4 weeks. After which, your dose will be increased to 0.5mg for at least 4 weeks. If necessary, your dose will then be increased to 1 mg once a week. 1 mg per week is the maximum dose.

Please note that if you want to start a course of Ozempic, you must contact your GP or primary doctor. You must have been on a stable dosage for at least 6 months before you can purchase either the 0.5 or 1mg doses from HealthExpress.

You should take Ozempic once a week, preferably at the same day and time each week that you take it. Although if you need to change the day you take your Ozempic, you can as long as your last dose was at least 2 days prior. The best places to inject are your thighs, the lower abdomen and on your upper arm.

A short guide on how to administer Ozempic is as follows:

1. Prepare the pen and needle - check the name and label of the pen, check the colour of the solution in the pen is clear and take a new needle.
2. Place the new needle - by tearing off the paper tab, push the needle onto the pen and twist it tight, remove the outer cap and keep it to the side and remove the inner needle cap and dispose.
3. Check the flow - turn the dose selector until the dose counter shows the flow check symbol, hold the pen with the needle pointing up, press and hold in the dose button until the dose counter returns to 0. A drop of solution should appear at the needle tip.
4. Select the dose - keep turning the dose counter until the dose counter stops and shows 0.25 mg, 0.5mg or 1mg depending on the dose you require.
5. Inject the dose - insert the needle into your skin and press and hold down the dose button until it shows 0, you may hear or feel a click. Make sure to keep the needle in and count slowly to 6 before removing, to make sure you get the full dose.

A thorough guide on how to take Ozempic with accompanying diagrams is available in the patient information leaflet, which is available to download on this page and will be in the box with your medication.

If you miss an injection, and it has been less than 5 days since your scheduled dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 5 days, do not take a double dose. Take your next dose at the scheduled time. Taking too much Ozempic can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia).

Ozempic pens should be stored in the fridge at 2 - 8°C and kept away from any light source. An opened pen can last for 6 weeks. Do not freeze Ozempic pens.

As with most prescription medications, Ozempic can cause some side effects. However, most common side effects are mild and go away on their own.

Common side effects include:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• diarrhoea
• indigestion
• acid reflux and heartburn
• inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
• stomach pain
• weight loss
• tiredness
• dizziness
• loss of appetite

Another common side effect of Ozempic injections is hypoglycaemia or ‘hypo’, where your blood sugar levels drop too low. This is more likely to occur if you take other diabetic medications alongside Ozempic.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should remedy hypoglycaemia immediately:

• pale skin
• cold sweat
• feeling nervous, anxious or confused
• feeling sick and/or very hungry
• vision changes
• feeling sleepy or weak
• difficulty concentrating
• shaking

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

The medication should only be taken by those who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus; it is not suitable for those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes nor for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

You should also not use this medication if you are allergic to the active ingredient semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in Ozempic. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use this medication and you should consult with your doctor for diabetes treatment.

Other groups of people may require some additional monitoring whilst taking Ozempic, including those who:

• are taking insulin or other diabetes medications - your dose may need to be altered to avoid hypoglycaemia
• are being treated for diabetic retinopathy - ozempic can exacerbate symptoms and increase the likelihood of complications
• are taking warfarin to reduce blood clotting
• have a history of pancreatitis - cases of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) has been reported whilst taking ozempic
• have/ have had severe congestive heart failure

If you’re not sure whether any of these groups apply to you, please consult your GP before taking this medication.

Ozempic 0.5mg and 1mg injections are available to purchase here at HealthExpress for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. You must already have been on a stable dosage of Ozempic for at least 6 months before you can purchase it online from HealthExpress. All you have to do is fill out a quick consultation form that’ll be reviewed by one of our registered doctors. Once they have found you suitable for treatment, your medication will be dispensed and dispatched with free next-day delivery.