Semaglutide (Ozempic): Course, How to Take, Advice and Everything Regarding Use

Let’s be brief

In the previous part about Semaglutide we have already described the terminology, effects, price and other things concerning the drug. As promised, specifically in this article, we will analyze the course and everything concerning the use of the drug. Tips, help in use and dosages. Enjoy reading!

Semaglutide (Semavik) is not insulin, but a drug of a different class. It reduces insulin resistance, normalizing the sensitivity of cells to their own insulin, and improves the functioning of pancreatic cells. Thus, the drug is aimed at normalizing the functioning of the body, which allows you to take type 2 diabetes under control, even «roll back the disease», improve the prognosis and delay the need for insulin therapy.

It has found its application in sports as a drug that helps fight obesity.

A little history, as an interesting fact:

Ozempic 1.34 mg/mL Prefilled pen

Semaglutide was developed by Novo Nordisk in 2012, released under the brand name Ozempic.

It was initially positioned as a remedy for diabetes (clinical trials were completed in 2016). In 2017, scientists from the University of Leeds suggested its effectiveness in obesity.

Approved in the US in December 2017¹, in the EU - February 8, 2018.

In 2019, Novo Nordisk launched an oral form (Rybelsus/Rebelsas), the world’s first oral GLP-1 agonist. In Russia, «Rebelsas» was registered in April 2021.

In 2021, Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy for the long-term treatment of obesity. Approved by the FDA in June 2021, EMA - in January 2022.

In 2023, due to the excitement around «Ozempic» and «Vegov», the Danish krone strengthened, and the national regulator lowered the key rate.

How to Put a Needle on a Syringe Pen

Using a new needle for each injection of Semaglutide is not just a recommendation, but a necessity dictated by several important factors. Firstly, it significantly reduces the risk of injecting an incorrect dose of the drug, since reusing the needle can lead to its clogging or deformation. Secondly, it minimizes the likelihood of infection and introduction of bacteria to the injection site. Thirdly, it prevents tissue trauma, since with repeated use the needle becomes less sharp and can cause pain.

Steps for safe needle replacement:

1. After removing the protective sticker from the outside of the needle, it is extremely important to SECURELY SCREW it onto the syringe pen in accordance with the instructions for the drug. Make sure that the needle fits tightly onto the syringe pen to avoid displacement during the injection. Insufficiently tightly attaching the needle can not only lead to leakage of the drug and, therefore, an incorrect dosage, but also damage the syringe pen.
2. Carefully remove the outer needle cap, but do not throw it away. You will need this cap after you have finished the injection to safely remove the used needle from the pen.
3. Remove the inner cap from the needle and throw it away. This cap protects the needle from damage and contamination. The needle is now ready to use.
4. Safely remove the needle. After you have finished the injection, carefully push the outer cap back onto the needle until it stops. This will prevent accidental pricks and injuries. Then unscrew the needle together with the outer cap and dispose of it in a special sharps container or in a tightly sealed container to prevent possible injury to other people. Take all necessary precautions when disposing of the needle.

How Long to Take Ozempic

How long to take Ozempic depends on your circumstances to achieve results.

It is important to gradually increase the dosage to the maximum or maximum tolerated. Taking the minimum dose without increasing is not an effective attempt.

Many experts believe that in the absence of other weight loss measures (such as endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy), Ozempic must be taken continuously, or the weight will return. Combining the procedure with medication for 6-12 months helps restore the connection between the brain and the stomach.

- In sports, endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy may be considered as a weight loss method for athletes who need to improve their muscle to fat ratio. This may be important in sports where weight class is important (e.g. wrestling, boxing, weightlifting) or where excess weight negatively affects performance (e.g. running, gymnastics). However, it is important to consider that recovery time is required after the procedure to adapt to the new stomach volume, and a diet and exercise regimen is necessary to maintain results and ensure sufficient nutrition for athletic activity.

Some doctors disagree. In her practice, 75% of patients are satisfied with the result after two months. For those who want more weight loss, additional treatment is prescribed. Some patients want to stay on Ozempic long-term to control cravings, lose weight, or feel better. Dr. Chung often prescribes a low dose because it improves blood tests (hemoglobin A1C, cholesterol, reduced inflammation).

Course with Ozempic

How Ozempic Works (Briefly): Pharmacokinetics

• Injection once a week: Maintains stable blood levels.
• Rapidly absorbed: Starts working in 1-3 days.
• Long lasting: Works for up to 5 weeks.
• Excreted through the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys: Does not accumulate in the body.

Who is it suitable for (mostly):

• The dose does not depend on age, gender or race.
• Works if your weight is from 40 to 198 kg.

Ozempic: How to use (for athletes):

Ozempic is injected once a week under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or shoulder (the injection sites can be changed). Important: only under the skin! Not into the muscle or vein! Detailed instructions are in the package. If you miss an injection, do it as soon as possible if less than 5 days have passed. Otherwise, skip it and inject the next one on a regular day.

Start with a dose of 0.25 mg (this is not a therapeutic dose, but a preparatory dose). After 4 weeks, it increased to 0.5 mg. If you need to lose more weight (after consulting a doctor), after another 4 weeks you can increase to 1 mg.

Ozempic can be used with other drugs (for example, metformin), but tell your doctor about this! If you take sugar-lowering drugs (sulfonylurea or insulin), your doctor can reduce their dose to avoid hypoglycemia (low sugar). Ozempic itself does not require constant blood sugar measurement, but if you take other diabetes medications, you may need to monitor your blood sugar more often to adjust their dosage.

It is important for athletes to remember that Ozempic slows down digestion, so monitor your reaction to food before and after training. Check with your doctor about interactions with supplements. Ozempic does not directly affect muscle growth, so training and proper nutrition are important!

What to do if you miss an Ozempic injection? If you forget to give an injection on time, give it as soon as you remember, but only if no more than 5 days have passed since the scheduled date. If more than 5 days have passed, skip this injection and give the next one on your usual day. After that, you can return to your normal schedule - one injection per week.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Using:

1. Eating Habits:

• Eat slowly, only when you are really hungry.
• Reduce portions, but increase the number of meals.
• Take your time while eating, enjoy the taste.
• Stop when you feel full.
• Do not use a straw to drink.
• Do not lie down after eating.
• Avoid excessive activity after eating.
• Do not eat before bed.

2. Preferred Foods:

• Low-fat diet.
• Boil, bake, grill (instead of frying).
• Foods with a high water content.
• Eliminate carbonated drinks.
• Avoid sweets, dressings, spicy and canned foods.

3. Lifestyle:

• Spend more time outdoors, move, and get more natural light.
• Keep a food diary to analyze your diet.

How to transport the drug in hot weather:

Incorrect storage temperature reduces the effectiveness of Semaglutid. Here’s what you need for safe transportation:

Wegovy Ozempic 0.25mg / 0.75ml
1. Cooling elements: Cold packs or plastic accumulators (with gel or water). Plastic ones are more reliable, and the liquid in them can be defrosted a little so that the drug does not freeze.
2. Container for transportation:
   • Thermal container - plastic or cardboard with thermal insulation. Cooled cooling elements on the sides.
   • Thermal bag - made of thermal insulating fabric, with cooling elements inside.
   • Short trips (up to 1.5 hours) - foil thermal bags, regular thermoses or thermal bags for lunch boxes.

Interesting fact: Clinical studies have shown that Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Semavic®) promotes greater weight loss than other drugs (such as sitagliptin and dulaglutide). However, weight loss occurs mainly due to a decrease in fat tissue, not muscle tissue (ratio of approximately 3:1).

Regarding side effects

Ozempic, like any drug, has side effects. Frequently complained of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, kidney and gallbladder problems, allergies, risk of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, fatigue and hypoglycemia.

Losing weight on Ozempic can affect the face. «Ozempic-face» is a loss of facial volume, signs of aging, wrinkles, sagging skin, a tired look. Fat on the face is responsible for youth and volume, and Ozempic leads to its loss. Cosmetologists imitate this volume with fillers to restore freshness to the face. Fasting on Ozempic also leads to a decrease in the synthesis of elastin and collagen, which are necessary for skin elasticity.

Another side effect is hair loss associated with a lack of nutrients during exhaustion and fasting.

Over time, nutrient deficiencies (proteins, fats, iron, vitamins) can occur, which affects overall health.

Muscle loss (Ozempic-butt) is also often discussed, especially in young people.

When losing weight correctly, it is important to ensure that you are getting enough protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and elements to maintain muscle and health. This is especially important for older people who are prone to muscle loss with age.

To maintain youth and face while taking Ozempic:

To minimize the negative impact of Ozempic on appearance and maintaining youth while losing weight, it is important to adhere to an integrated approach:

1. Individual dosage selection. If you notice signs of «Ozempic-face», discuss with your endocrinologist the possibility of reducing the dosage of the drug. Do not self-medicate! The doctor must assess your situation and select the optimal dosage that will allow you to lose weight, but will not lead to a sharp loss of facial volume.
2. Balanced and regular nutrition. Forget about fasting! It is the main enemy of beauty. Your diet should be regular (3-4 meals a day) and complete. First of all, ensure sufficient protein intake (meat, fish, eggs, legumes). Protein is necessary for maintaining muscles, skin elasticity and healthy hair. Also, do not forget about healthy fats (nuts, avocados, fatty fish) and complex carbohydrates (vegetables, fruits, whole grains).
3. Maintaining water balance. Water is the source of youthful skin. Drink enough clean water during the day (at least 1.5-2 liters). This will help keep your skin hydrated, prevent dryness and flabbiness.
4. Control and correction of deficiencies. Due to decreased appetite due to Ozempic, you may not receive enough important vitamins and microelements. Periodically take tests for levels of vitamins D, B12, iron, zinc and other important substances. If deficiencies are detected, the doctor will prescribe the necessary supplements.
5. Regular physical activity. Sports help maintain muscle mass, improve blood circulation and promote the production of collagen, which is necessary for skin elasticity. Combine cardio (running, swimming, dancing) with strength training (exercises with weights or your own body).

If you follow these recommendations, you can lose weight on Ozempic, while maintaining youth and beauty.

How to take the drug on your own?

Although it is possible to buy Ozempic without a prescription, self-administration of the drug and its analogues is not the best choice. If you decide to lose weight or experiment with Ozempic, here are some tips for maintaining your health:

1. Check your thyroid gland, insulin levels, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
2. Identify deficiencies. Use tests to find out if you have hormonal, protein, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
3. Establish a regimen. Follow a strict diet and exercise regimen.
4. Monitor your blood counts! Important! Regularly check not only your general blood count, but also your glucose, lipid levels, pancreatic indicators and liver function tests.
5. Avoid counterfeits. In June 2024, WHO issued a warning about counterfeit Ozempic found in all geographic regions. Buy the drug only in trusted places to avoid counterfeits.

Thank you for reading this series of articles. In both parts we have covered in depth Ozempic itself, dosages and questions that concern many.

Good anabolism to all!

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1. Novo Nordisk Receives FDA Approval of OZEMPIC® (semaglutide) Injection For the Treatment of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes