< Back

Ozempic

MED-000001

Ozempic® (semaglutide) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist prescribed to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, and to reduce the risk of kidney disease progression in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Medication Overview

Generic Name:

Medication Class:

Manufacturer:

Route:

Dosing Frequency:

Semaglutide

GLP-1

Novo Nordisk

Injection

Weekly

Status:

Draft

Medication Summary

Aliases

Ozempic

Search Keywords

ozempic, semaglutide, glp-1 tracker

Medication Uses

Part of the DietApp.com GLP-1 Medication Database, a comprehensive, regularly reviewed reference covering every GLP-1-class medication.

Ozempic® (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic also carries two additional approved indications:

Reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events — cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, or non-fatal stroke — in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
Reducing the risk of sustained kidney function decline, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Ozempic is not approved for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. As of May 2026, Ozempic is available both as a once-weekly injection and, following the discontinuation of Rybelsus in the US, as a once-daily oral tablet.

Dosage

Injection:

Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg once weekly (this dose is for treatment initiation and is not intended for blood sugar control on its own)
After week 4: increase to 0.5 mg once weekly
Maintenance: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg once weekly, based on response and tolerability
Maximum dose: 2 mg once weekly

Tablet (new formulation, replacing Rybelsus):

Available in 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 9 mg doses
Patients transitioning from the discontinued Rybelsus brand should not assume dose equivalence — the tablet strengths are not milligram-for-milligram interchangeable, and any switch should be guided by a healthcare provider.

If a weekly injection dose is missed, it can be administered within 5 days of the missed dose.

Administration

Injection: subcutaneous, once weekly, any time of day, with or without food. Inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating sites to reduce irritation. If also using insulin, administer as a separate injection — never mix the two products, though they can be injected in the same body region as long as the injection sites aren't adjacent.

Tablet: must be taken first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, with no more than 4 oz of plain water, and at least 30 minutes before any food, beverages, or other oral medications. This timing requirement is strict — inconsistent administration significantly affects absorption.

Benefits

When used as prescribed, Ozempic may help:

Lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes
Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with established cardiovascular disease
Slow progression of chronic kidney disease in eligible patients
Support modest weight loss as a secondary effect, though Ozempic is not FDA-approved specifically for weight management (that indication belongs to Wegovy)

Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Constipation

These are typically most noticeable during dose escalation and often improve with continued use.

Warnings

Ozempic carries an FDA boxed warning regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodent studies; it's unknown whether this risk applies to humans. Ozempic is contraindicated in patients with:

A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
A prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide

Other important warnings include:

Pancreatitis
Diabetic retinopathy complications — patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored, as clinical trial data showed a higher rate of retinopathy-related events in this group
Acute kidney injury, generally linked to dehydration from GI side effects
Increased heart rate
Gallbladder disease
Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema
Risk of pulmonary aspiration during procedures requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation

Seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat.

Drug Interactions

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and OTC products before starting Ozempic. Particular attention is needed with:

Insulin and sulfonylureas — combined use increases hypoglycemia risk, and a dose reduction of the other medication may be needed
Oral medications generally — Ozempic delays gastric emptying, which can affect how other oral drugs are absorbed

Never share an Ozempic pen between patients, even with a new needle — this poses a risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.

Storage

Before first use: refrigerate between 36°F–46°F (2°C–8°C). Do not freeze — discard if the pen has been frozen.
After first use: follow manufacturer storage instructions for your specific pen; protect from excessive heat and direct light, and always replace the pen cap after each use.
Keep out of reach of children.

References

U.S. FDA prescribing information for Ozempic®
DailyMed prescribing information
American Diabetes Association Standards of Care
Novo Nordisk Healthcare Professional prescribing information

Last medically reviewed and updated: July 11, 2026.

Track Your Progress

Managing type 2 diabetes with Ozempic is a long-term process, and organized tracking can make both daily management and doctor visits easier. With DietApp.com, you can:

Record weekly injections or daily tablet doses
Track blood sugar patterns alongside meals
Monitor weight trends over time
Log meals, hydration, and physical activity
Record side effects and symptoms as they happen
Prepare an organized treatment history for healthcare appointments

Download DietApp.com

Related Resources

Semaglutide Medication Guide
Wegovy Medication Guide
GLP-1 Medication Library
Type 2 Diabetes Management Resources
GLP-1 Injection Guide
Medication Safety Information

What Is Semaglutide?
Ozempic vs. Wegovy: What's the Difference?
The Rybelsus to Ozempic Tablet Transition, Explained
How GLP-1 Medications Support Blood Sugar Control
Common GLP-1 Side Effects
Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Therapy

More From DietApp.com

Explore the full GLP-1 Tracker knowledge base on DietApp.com

Explore DietApp.com Tools

About DietApp.com

DietApp.com combines evidence-based GLP-1 medication education with practical treatment tracking tools, helping patients understand their medications while staying consistent with long-term treatment. The information on DietApp.com is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.