Saxenda is another drug you may have heard of. Here we look at how Ozempic and Saxenda are alike and different.
Saxenda is FDA-approved to reduce body weight in people who are overweight or obese.
Liraglutide, the drug contained in Saxenda, is also contained in the medication Victoza, which is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. However, Saxenda is not used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Although Victoza and Saxenda both contain liraglutide, they provide the drug in different doses.
Ozempic and Saxenda are both in the same class of medications, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) agonists. This means they work in the same way in the body.
Ozempic comes as a liquid solution that’s available in a pen. It’s self-injected under the skin (subcutaneous) once weekly.
Saxenda is also available in a pen. It’s also self-injected under the skin, but must be taken once daily.
Ozempic and Saxenda have similar effects in the body and therefore cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.
Ozempic vs. Bydureon
Here we look at how Ozempic and the medication Bydureon are alike and different.
Uses
Ozempic and Bydureon are both FDA-approved to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic and Bydureon (extended-release exenatide) are both in the same class of medications, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) agonists. This means they work in the same way to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Drug forms and administration
Ozempic comes as a liquid solution that’s available in a pen. It’s self-injected under the skin (subcutaneous) once weekly.
Bydureon also comes as a liquid suspension that’s available in a self-injectable syringe or pen. It’s also given by injection under the skin once weekly.
Side effects and risks
Ozempic and Bydureon have similar effects on the body and therefore cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.
*Ozempic and Bydureon both have a boxed warning from the FDA for thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
**Both Bydureon and Ozempic can cause injection-site reactions, but this side effect is much more common with Bydureon than with Ozempic.
Effectiveness
The only condition both Bydureon and Ozempic is used to treat is Type 2 diabetes.
In a clinical study comparing these medications, Ozempic reduced hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by 1.5 percent after 56 weeks of treatment. Bydureon, on the other hand, reduced it by 0.9 percent during the same time period.
Ozempic also reduced body weight more than Bydureon did. After 56 weeks of treatment, people who took Ozempic lost around 12 pounds, while those who took Bydureon lost around 4 pounds.
Costs
Ozempic and Bydureon are both brand-name medications. They’re not available in generic forms, which typically cost less than brand-name forms.
Ozempic usually costs more than Bydureon. The exact amount you pay for either drug will depend on your insurance plan.
Ozempic use with other drugs
Ozempic can be used alone or combined with other medications to improve blood sugar levelsin people with type 2 diabetes. In diabetes treatment, two or more medications may often be used together when one medication doesn’t improve blood sugar levels enough.
Examples of diabetes drugs that may be used with Ozempic include:
- canagliflozin (Invokana)
- dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
- glimepiride (Amaryl)
- glipizide (Glucotrol)
- glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase Prestabs)
- insulin glargine (Lantus, Toujeo)
- metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet)
- pioglitazone (Actos)
Instructions for Ozempic
You should take Ozempic exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
How to inject
Ozempic comes as a pen that is self-injected under your skin (subcutaneous). There are several steps involved in giving yourself the injection. To see a demonstration of how to use the Ozempic pen, you can watch a video from the manufacturer. Here are the basic steps:
Step 1. Get your pen ready.
- First, wash your hands.
- Pull off the pen cap. Set aside.
- Check the pen window to make sure the solution is clear and colorless. (If it isn’t, don’t use that pen.)
- Put a new needle on the pen. (A new needle should be used each time you use the pen.)
- Pull off the outer needle cap. Then, pull off the inner needle cap. Both caps can be discarded in the trash.
Step 2. Check the Ozempic flow.
This should be done before the first injection you do with each new pen. If you have already done this step for previous injections with the pen you’re currently using, you can skip to step 3.
- Hold the pen with the needle pointing up.
- Turn the dose counter until it shows the flow check symbol. (It looks like two dots and a line.)
- Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter shows 0. A drop of Ozempic should appear at the needle tip.
- If you don’t see a drop, repeat the process, up to six times. If you don’t see a drop after six tries, replace the needle and try again.
- If no drop ever appears, don’t use the pen. Discard it in your sharps container. (You can get a sharps container at your local pharmacy.)
Step 3. Select your dose.
- Turn the dose selector until you see your dose (either 0.25, 0.5, or 1).
Step 4. Inject the dose.
- Wipe your skin at the injection site with an alcohol swab.
- Insert the needle into your skin and hold in place.
- Press down and hold the dose button until the dose counter shows 0.
- After the dose counter shows 0, count slowly to six before you remove the needle from your skin. This ensures you get the full dose.
Step 5. Discard the needle.
- Remove the needle from the pen.
- Place the used needle in a sharps container.
- Put the pen cap back onto the pen.
Where to inject
Ozempic can be injected into your abdomen (belly), thigh, or upper arm. The same area can be used each time you inject Ozempic, but you should change the spot where you inject within that area.
Timing
Ozempic can be taken at any time of day. The injection should be given on the same day each week. If needed, you can change the day you give the injection. If you change the day, the last injection must have been given at least two days before the new day you plan to give the injection.
Ideally you should take the drug at roughly the same time each day, even if you change the day. If you’re concerned about changing the time of your injection, talk to your doctor.
Taking Ozempic with food
Ozempic can be injected with or without food.
Taking Ozempic with insulin
Your healthcare provider may prescribe Ozempic to be used with insulin. Ozempic and insulin can be given at the same time of day. They can also be injected into the same part of the body, such as the belly. However, they shouldn’t be injected into the same spot.
Ozempic and Alcohol
Avoid drinking too much alcohol while taking Ozempic. Alcohol can change your blood sugar levels and increase your risk of low blood sugar.
If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about how much is safe for you.
Ozempic Interactions
Ozempic can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements.
Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.
Ozempic and other medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Ozempic. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Ozempic.
Before taking Ozempic, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Drugs that increase insulin
Taking Ozempic with drugs that increase insulin levels in your body can cause hypoglycemia(very low blood sugar levels). If you take Ozempic with these drugs, your doctor may need to lower your dosage of one or both drugs.
Examples of these drugs include:
- insulin degludec (Tresiba)
- insulin detemir (Levemir)
- insulin glargine (Lantus, Toujeo)
- glimepiride (Amaryl)
- glipizide (Glucotrol)
- glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase Prestabs)
Drugs that are taken by mouth
Ozempic might decrease how well your body absorbs certain medications that are taken by mouth. If you take oral medications, take them at least one hour before you inject Ozempic.
Ozempic and herbs and supplements
Taking certain herbs or supplements with Ozempic might increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Examples of these include:
- alpha-lipoic acid
- banaba
- bitter melon
- chromium
- gymnema
- prickly pear cactus
- white mulberry
How Ozempic works
Ozempic helps improve blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It does this by reducing the amount of glucose in your blood.
How insulin affects blood sugar
Normally, when you eat food, your body releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps transport glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream into the cells of your body. The cells then turn the glucose into energy.
People with Type 2 diabetes usually have insulin resistance. This means their body doesn’t respond to insulin the way it should. Over time, people with type 2 diabetes may also stop producing enough insulin.
When your body doesn’t respond to insulin the way it should, or if it doesn’t produce enough insulin, this causes problems.
The cells of your body may not get the glucose they need to work correctly. Also, you may get too much glucose in your blood. This is called hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Having too much glucose in your blood can damage your body and organs, including your eyes, heart, nerves, and kidneys.
What Ozempic does
Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. It works in people with diabetes by increasing the amount of insulin your body makes when blood sugar levels are high. This increased insulin carries more glucose into your cells, causing your blood sugar levels to go down.
Ozempic also decreases blood sugar levels in other ways. For instance, it blocks a chemical in your body that causes your liver to make glucose. It also makes food move out of your stomach more slowly. This means your body absorbs glucose more slowly, which prevents your blood sugar levels from getting too high.
How long does it take to work?
Ozempic begins to work right after you inject it. But when you’re first starting to take Ozempic, it takes several weeks for its full effects to build up.
This means that you won’t have the full effects of Ozempic until about four to five weeks after your first injection. After this time, you’ll have a steady amount of Ozempic in your body all the time to help manage your blood sugar levels.
Ozempic and pregnancy
There are limited studies on Ozempic’s effects on human pregnancies. Animal studies show possible harm to a fetus. However, studies in animals don’t always predict how a drug might affect humans.
Ozempic should be only used if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Ozempic during pregnancy.
Ozempic and breastfeeding
It isn’t known if Ozempic passes into breast milk. Before using Ozempic while breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Common questions about Ozempic
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ozempic.
Is Ozempic used to treat PCOS?
Ozempic is not FDA-approved for treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It hasn’t been studied in women with this condition.
However, some other drugs in the same class of medications as Ozempic are being studied for this use. This class of drugs is called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.
Is Ozempic available as a pill?
Currently, Ozempic is only available as a pen that you use to self-inject the medication. However, an oral tablet form of semaglutide (the drug contained in Ozempic) is in development.
Is Ozempic an insulin?
No, Ozempic is not an insulin. Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. It works in people with diabetes by increasing the amount of insulin your body makes when blood sugar levels are high.
When was Ozempic approved?
Ozempic was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2017.
Ozempic Overdose
Taking too much of this medication can increase your risk of serious side effects.
Overdose symptoms
Symptoms of an overdose of Ozempic can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- hypoglycemia (severe low blood sugar)
What to do in case of overdose
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or through their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Ozempic warnings
FDA warning: Thyroid cancer
This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
- In animals, Ozempic can increase the risk of thyroid tumors. It’s not known if Ozempic has this effect in humans. You should not use Ozempic if you or an immediate family member has had thyroid cancer in the past, or if you have a rare form of cancer called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
- If you’re taking Ozempic and have symptoms of a thyroid tumor, contact your doctor right away. Symptoms can include:
- a mass or lump in your neck
- trouble swallowing
- trouble breathing
- a hoarse voice
Other warnings
Before taking Ozempic, talk with your doctor about your health history. Ozempic may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These conditions include:
- Allergic reactions to GLP-1 agonists. If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to other medications in the same drug class as Ozempic (GLP-1 agonists), you may be more likely to have a severe allergic reaction to Ozempic. Talk with doctor before taking Ozempic if you’ve had a severe reaction in the past to one of these drugs.
- Diabetes-related eye disease. If you’ve had diabetic retinopathy in the past, Ozempic may worsen this condition. Diabetic retinopathy is eye damage related to diabetes.
- Kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, Ozempic may worsen your condition. If your condition worsens, you may need to stop taking Ozempic. If you have severe kidney disease, you may not be able to use Ozempic.
Ozempic expiration
Each Ozempic package has an expiration date listed on the label. Do not use Ozempic if the date is beyond the expiration date listed on the label.
Ozempic should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F until you’re ready to use it. Ozempic should never be frozen. If Ozempic freezes, it can no longer be used.
After the first use, the Ozempic pen can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. However, it can only be used for up to 56 days after the first injection. After this time, the pen should be discarded.
The Ozempic pen needle should be removed after each injection. The Ozempic pen should not be stored with the needle attached.
Professional information for Ozempic
The following information is provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals.
Mechanism of action
Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It reduces blood glucose levels by increasing pancreatic insulin secretion in response to glucose levels. Ozempic also lowers blood glucose levels by decreasing glucagon secretion and slowing gastric emptying.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism
The absolute bioavailability of Ozempic is 89 percent. The peak concentration occurs in one to three days after a dose. Steady-state levels usually occur within four to five weeks of once-weekly subcutaneous administration.
The elimination half-life is about one week. Ozempic and metabolites are primarily eliminated via the urine and stool.
Contraindications
Ozempic is contraindicated in people with a:
- personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
- history of serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide
Storage
Ozempic should be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the time of use. Ozempic should not be frozen. If Ozempic freezes, it can no longer be used. After the first use, the Ozempic pen can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. It can only be used for up to 56 days after the first injection.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.