This anti-diabetic drug is used alongside exercise and proper diet to control, treat and improve blood sugar levels in Type II diabetes mellitus patients. The molecular formula of Ozempic is C187H291N45O59 and the molecular weight is 4113.58 g/mol. These medicines are also said to have the ability to help lose weight. But this has not yet been approved by FDA as a weight-loss drug hence it is only used to treat diabetes for now. Even though it is used in treating diabetes 2, currently it is only administered in adults. These medicines can be used with other medicines or can be administered alone. Ozempic other than helping keep the sugar level in control is also seen to help reduce the risk of diseases related to the heart and blood vessels and also help reduce the occurrence of heart attack and strokes.
What is Ozempic and how does it work?
It is a peptide-1 agonist which is Glucagon-like. Yeast fermentation helps in the production of the peptide backbone. There are slight modifications made in position 26 lysine and position 8 which help provide protection against degradation of the enzyme dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4). The Ozempic improves the insulin level in the blood by binding to GLP-1 receptors that help in the stimulation of insulin from the pancreas. The insulin released into the blood helps reduce the amount of sugar level in the blood and also helps lower A1C. Other than acting on the pancreas to help increase insulin levels in the blood, it also acts on the stomach to help slow down the amount of food that is being carried away or leave the stomach to prevent or reduce the increase in blood sugar levels. It also acts on the sugar released by the liver thus reducing the total amount of sugar-produced by them.
Some of the side effects that may be seen after using Ozempic are:
- Diarrhoea
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- abdominal pain
Storage and administration of Ozempic:
The Ozempic is administered in the form of an injection. The injection is a colorless solution, clear, and is prefilled in a disposable pen that can be used one time.
Storage:
The pens should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Make sure not to freeze the solution or leave it outside. If they are not stored properly or get frozen make sure not to use them. They should not be exposed to direct sunlight and should be protected from excessive sunlight and heat.
Make sure to keep the cap on whenever the pen is not in use. In case the cap is off or the pen and the solution are not stored properly, then make sure not to use them. Always use a new needle while administering the solution.
Administration:
This is administered under the skin once a week. Make sure not to inject this solution into the blood vessels or muscles. They should most preferably be administered on the same day of the week. In case one misses the dosage make sure to administer it within 5 days after the missed date. The dose starts with 0.25mg injection once a week for 4 weeks later increasing to 0.5mg once a week for 4 weeks followed by 1mg weekly if there is more control required. To know more about Ozempic 1mg pen price and other related details, you can search online.