Ozempic

Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable form of semaglutide, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It became a household name because of the weight loss people experience on it.

Key facts

• Drug: semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist)
• Dose: titrated up to 2.0 mg weekly
• Approved for: type 2 diabetes; CV risk reduction

Ozempic and weight loss

Weight loss is common on Ozempic, but the on-label semaglutide product for weight loss is Wegovy (up to 2.4 mg). Same drug, higher approved dose. See Ozempic vs Wegovy.

Side effects

Mostly GI (nausea, diarrhea, constipation), typically improving over time. Boxed thyroid C-cell tumor warning; not for those with a personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2. Watch for pancreatitis and gallbladder symptoms.

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