Who can use Ozempic?
Where weight management has not succeeded using a calorie controlled diet and an increased level of physical activity, Ozempic can be used as an adjunct to therapy.
Indicated for those individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of –>30kg/m2 (obese)–>27kg/m2 but <30kg/m2 (overweight) – must be accompanied by at least one other risk factor such as unregulated blood glucose levels (pre-diabetes, Type II Diabetes), high blood pressure (hypertension), dyslipidaemia and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Patients can expect to lose a minimum of 5% of their initial body weight after completing 12 weeks of treatment. If this has not occurred then treatment should be discontinued at this stage.
Special Considerations and Patients Who Cannot Use Ozempic
- Elderly (>65 years old)
- Renal Impairment –For severe stage renal impairment Saxenda is not recommended.
- Hepatic Impairment –Use of Ozempic is not recommended in hepatic impairment.
- Children
- Diabetics
- Previous allergies to Ozempic.
- Heart Failure
What are the Side Effects Associated with Ozempic?
VERY COMMON
- Nausea & vomiting (settles after your body adjusts to treatment)
- Diarrhoea (settles after your body adjusts to treatment)
COMMON
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) – signs of this may include tremor, feeling weak & hungry, sweating, cold or cool skin, feeling sleepy, difficulty in concentrating, confusion, headache, anxiety, feeling nervous, faster heart rate.
- Nausea
- Headache
- Gastro-intestinal disturbances – Indigestion, reflux (GORD), inflammation, painful, swollen abdomen, excess wind, constipation.
- Common cold symptoms – Tiredness (fatigue), Pyrexia (fever), dizziness.
- Loss of appetite
- Local reactions around the injection site – rash, itch, pain, bruising, swelling
UNCOMMON
- Thyroid reactions such as goitres, nodules.
- Pancreatitis
VERY RARE
