Important Safety Information for Ozempic® (semaglutide)

Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

Ozempic® (semaglutide) may cause serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Notify your healthcare provider if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath, as these could be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Ozempic® and similar medications have been shown to cause thyroid tumors and cancer. It's not yet known if Ozempic® causes thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in humans.

Do not use Ozempic® if you or any family members have had MTC, or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

FDA-Approved Uses of Ozempic® (semaglutide)

Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection (0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg) is a prescription medicine used to:

  • Improve blood sugar (glucose) levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise.

  • Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.

Limitations of Use

  • It's not known if Ozempic® can be used in individuals who have had pancreatitis.

  • Ozempic® is not for people with type 1 diabetes.

  • It's not known if Ozempic® is safe and effective for children under 18 years of age.

Who Should Not Use Ozempic® (semaglutide)?

Avoid Ozempic® if:

  • You or any family members have ever had MTC or if you have MEN 2.

  • You are allergic to semaglutide or any ingredients in Ozempic®.

How to Take Ozempic® (semaglutide)

Ozempic® can be taken with or without food. Administer it once a week via a pre-filled injector pen in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm, rotating the injection site weekly. Follow your provider’s guidance on dose adjustments every four weeks.

Do not alter your dosing regimen or discontinue Ozempic® without consulting your provider. If you overdose, seek medical advice immediately.

Discuss with Your Provider Before Using Ozempic® (semaglutide)

It's important to discuss your current medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements, with your provider. Ensure you understand how to use Ozempic® before your first dose. Inform your provider if you have:

  • Problems with your pancreas or kidneys

  • A history of diabetic retinopathy

  • Depression or suicidal thoughts

  • Plans to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Ozempic® may affect your unborn baby and isn't known to be safe for breastfeeding.

Medication Interactions

Inform your provider about all medications you take, especially:

  • Diabetes medications

  • Oral medications (due to delayed gastric emptying)

  • Hormonal birth control (may reduce efficacy; consider non-oral methods for 4 weeks after starting and dose escalation)

  • Other GLP-1 medications

  • Weight loss supplements

Serious Side Effects

Rare but serious side effects include:

  • Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: Notify your provider of any neck lumps or breathing issues.

  • Severe Gastrointestinal Disease: Watch for severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

  • Pancreatitis: Severe abdominal pain that won't go away.

  • Hypoglycemia: Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, sweating, hunger, and fast heartbeat.

  • Kidney Problems: Stay hydrated to prevent kidney issues.

  • Serious Allergic Reactions: Look for swelling, breathing issues, severe rash, or rapid heartbeat.

  • Gallbladder Problems: Upper stomach pain, fever, jaundice, or clay-colored stools.

  • Severe Stomach Problems: Notify your provider of persistent stomach issues.

  • Vision Changes: Monitor for any changes in vision.

  • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications: Inform your provider of any vision changes.

  • Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: Report any new or worsening mental health changes.

  • Never Share a Pen: Risk of infection.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects include:

  • Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain

  • Indigestion, injection site reactions, tiredness

  • Allergic reactions, belching, hair loss

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn)

Report negative side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

This information isn't exhaustive. Please see the full prescribing information for complete safety details.

Disclaimer

Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Saxenda®, and Victoza® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk. Zepbound® and Mounjaro® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly. Byetta® and Bydureon® are registered trademarks of Amylin Pharmaceuticals. Boynton Pain Relief & Wellness has no affiliation with Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, or Amylin Pharmaceuticals. The compounded products offered in our Weight Loss Program are not manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, or Amylin Pharmaceuticals or any affiliated companies.