Ozempic® (pronounced Oh-ZEM-pick) is a once-weekly injection indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established CV disease.
Frequently asked questions about Ozempic®
About Ozempic®
What is Ozempic®?
How does Ozempic® work?
Ozempic® lowers fasting and postprandial blood glucose by stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner.1
Ozempic® causes a minor delay in gastric emptying, thereby reducing the rate at which glucose appears in circulation postprandially.1
Will Ozempic® help my patients lose weight?
Ozempic® is not indicated for weight loss.
While the primary endpoint in the majority of Ozempic® clinical trials was mean change in A1C, mean change in body weight was generally evaluated as a confirmatory secondary endpoint. Review A1C and weight results from the Ozempic® studies for additional information and see the Prescribing Information.
Can Ozempic® be used in combination with basal insulin?
Basal insulin can be combined with either dose of once-weekly Ozempic® and titrated as needed.1 Review the A1C reductions of Ozempic® in combination with basal insulin.
The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when Ozempic® is used in combination with insulin secretagogues (eg, sulfonylureas) or insulin.
What are the side effects of Ozempic®?
The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with Ozempic® are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.1
How do I write a prescription for Ozempic®?
See how to prescribe a 1-month or 3-month supply of Ozempic® here.


Taking Ozempic®
What doses are available for Ozempic®?
Ozempic® is available in a 0.25 mg starting dose and a maintenance dose of 0.5 mg, both available in a red-label pen. A maximum maintenance dose of 1 mg is available in a blue-label pen.
The 0.25 mg dose is intended for treatment initiation and is not effective for glycemic control.
How is the Ozempic® pen used?
Instructions for using the pen can be found here or by watching the video below.
How often is Ozempic® taken?
Ozempic® should be administered by a patient once weekly on the same day each week, at any time of the day, with or without meals.
The day of weekly administration can be changed if necessary as long as the time between 2 doses is at least 2 days (>48 hours).
If a patient misses a dose, they should administer Ozempic® as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, the patient should skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. In each case, patients can then resume their regular once-weekly dosing schedule.
What is the best time to take Ozempic®?
Administer Ozempic® once weekly on the same day each week, at any time of the day, with or without meals.
How is Ozempic® packaged? How many pens per box?
Ozempic® is supplied as a clear, colorless solution that contains 2 mg of semaglutide in a 1.5 mL (1.34 mg/mL) prefilled, disposable, single-patient-use pen injector in the following packaging configurations:
1-pen pack:
- Red-label pen delivers doses of 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg per injection
- 6 NovoFine® Plus needles
2-pen pack:
- Blue-label pen delivers doses of 1 mg per injection
- 4 NovoFine® Plus needles
How should Ozempic® be stored?
Prior to first use (until expiration date): Ozempic® should be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
After first use (up to 56 days): Ozempic® should be stored at room temperature 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) or refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
Do not store in the freezer or directly adjacent to the refrigerator cooling element. Do not freeze Ozempic® and do not use Ozempic® if it has been frozen.
Keep the pen cap on when not in use. Ozempic® should be protected from excessive heat and sunlight.

Patient support
Can patients save on their Ozempic® prescriptions?
Eligible patients pay as little as $25 per prescription for a 1-month or 3-month supply.a,b
Patients can get the Ozempic® Savings Card by texting BEGIN to 21848 or registering on OzempicSavings.com.c
The Ozempic® 3-month savings offer is intended to help patients minimize gaps in therapy.
aEligible commercially insured patients with coverage for Ozempic® pay as little as $25 for a 1-month or 3-month supply. Month is defined as 28 days. Maximum savings is $150 for 1-month or $450 for 3-month supply. Eligibility and restrictions apply.
bThis savings offer is designed to be used primarily in retail pharmacies.
cMessage and data rates may apply. Check with mobile service provider. See Terms and Conditions of Use at Ozempic.com.
Are there support programs available?
Patients can connect with a Diabetes Health Coach who can help answer questions about their prescription, diet, and exercise. They can call 1-866-696-4090, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm ET or visit OzempicSupport.com to get started. The Diabetes Health Coach is available by phone, text, or email on a schedule that’s convenient for your patients.
Patients can also watch My Type 2 Transformation, a video series where a team of experts helps two adults learn how to manage their type 2 diabetes.

