In recent years, Ozempic (semaglutide) has gained significant attention for its effectiveness in promoting weight loss alongside its primary use in managing type 2 diabetes. As with any medication, concerns about its safety and potential for overdose arise. In this blog post, we will explore the safety profile of Ozempic in the context of weight loss, its recommended dosage, and the potential risks associated with overdose.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a medication that belongs to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is designed to mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion. Originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes, it has shown an unexpected but beneficial side effect: significant weight loss. This has led to its off-label use as a weight loss aid.
In addition to blood sugar control and weight loss management, Ozempic has the potential to help reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke as well as the progression of kidney disease in adults with kidney or heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Is it the same as insulin?
No, Ozempic is not insulin. Ozempic contains semaglutide, while insulin is a hormone medication that directly replaces or supplements insulin in the body. Ozempic works by supporting the body’s own blood-sugar-regulation processes. Some people use Ozempic and insulin together, but this can increase the risk of low blood sugar and may require a healthcare provider to adjust the insulin dose.
Ozempic for Weight Loss
Ozempic is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss, but weight loss is a potential effect of the medication.
It is crucial to note that only a healthcare professional can determine the appropriate dosage based on an individual’s specific health condition and needs.
How does it work?
The primary goal is to help individuals achieve sustainable weight loss by reducing appetite and calorie intake. Ozempic works by mimicking a natural hormone, GLP-1, in your body that tells your brain you are full. It also increases the time it takes for food to leave your body, slowing down digestion.
Is Ozempic safe for non-diabetics?
As Ozempic gains attention and approval from some healthcare providers for weight loss purposes, there are still many factors to take into consideration before taking the medication.
FDA Approval
Currently, the FDA has not approved Ozempic for weight loss, although some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for this use. A similar medication called Wegovy with the same active ingredient, semaglutide, is approved for weight loss and obesity.
Ozempic Side Effects
As with any medication, taking Ozempic is not without risks. Potential side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Low blood sugar
- Kidney injury.
Anyone, diabetic or not, considering Ozempic for weight loss should consult a qualified healthcare provider. Before prescribing, a healthcare professional can assess a patient’s overall health condition to make sure their risks are low when taking the medicine. They will review current medications and assess a person’s well-being, especially their kidney function, to minimize potential health risks.
Does Ozempic cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not listed as a common side effect in Ozempic’s prescribing information, and research has not established that semaglutide directly causes it. However, some people notice increased shedding while taking Ozempic, particularly when they lose weight quickly. Rapid weight loss, reduced calorie intake, illness, and nutritional deficiencies can trigger temporary shedding. This often begins a few months after a physical stressor.
Anyone experiencing substantial, persistent, or patchy hair loss should speak with a healthcare provider, who can evaluate possible causes such as nutritional deficiencies, thyroid conditions, medication effects, or another health concern.
How do you use the Ozempic pen? Where do you inject it?
Ozempic is injected once weekly under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It should not be injected into a vein or muscle.
To use the self-injector properly, follow these steps:
- Before use, check that the pen label says Ozempic and that the liquid is clear and colorless.
- Attach a new needle.
- Dial the dose prescribed by the healthcare provider.
- Insert the needle into the skin.
- Press and hold the dose button until the counter shows 0.
- Keep the needle in place while slowly counting to 6.
Use a different injection spot each week. Never share the pen with another person. Be sure to dispose of the used needle in an appropriate sharps container.
Can you overdose on Ozempic?
While Ozempic can be effective for weight loss, like any medication, you need to talk with your healthcare provider for a prescription that avoids potential risks and complications.
Overdosing on this medication could lead to adverse effects, such as severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) is more frequent if used in combination with other medicines to lower the blood sugar or if taken in excess of the recommended dose.
Overdose Symptoms
Overdosing on Ozempic can cause a person to experience symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). These symptoms range from minor to severe and should not be ignored:
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Feeling shaky or jittery
- Sweating, chills, and clamminess
- Irritability or impatience
- Headache
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Confusion
- Passing out
- Seizures
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider or the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
How do you treat an Ozempic overdose?
If you think you have overdosed on semaglutide, call your healthcare provider right away and the Missouri Poison Center. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) using a glucometer if one is available. If you have severe symptoms such as confusion, passing out, and/or seizures, call 911.
More questions? Call us!
Ozempic has shown promise as a weight loss aid. But it must be used responsibly and as directed by a healthcare professional. If you’re considering using Ozempic for weight loss, consult your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and to ensure that it aligns with your health goals. Always prioritize your safety and well-being when embarking on any weight loss journey involving medications.
Still have questions about Ozempic or are worried you may have accidentally taken more than what was prescribed? Give the Missouri Poison Center a call at 1-800-222-1222. We are open every day of the year 24/7, and ready to answer your questions and concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accidentally taking a double dose of Ozempic can increase the chance of side effects such as severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, and dehydration. Low blood sugar is more likely when Ozempic is used with insulin or a sulfonylurea diabetes medication, although it can also occur in an overdose.
Semaglutide remains in the body for a long time. Anyone who takes too much Ozempic should call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or contact their healthcare provider for individualized guidance. Call 911 immediately for severe symptoms, including confusion, fainting, or seizures.
Yes, new and unused Ozempic pens should be stored in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F. Once a pen is in use, it may be kept at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F or refrigerated for up to 56 days. Ozempic should never be frozen, and it should be protected from excessive heat and light. After 56 days, an in-use pen should be thrown away, even if medication remains inside.
People should not stop taking Ozempic without first talking to the healthcare provider who prescribed it, especially if they use it to manage type 2 diabetes. Once the medication is stopped, its appetite-suppressing and blood-sugar-lowering effects gradually wear off, which may lead to increased appetite, weight regain, and higher blood sugar levels.
Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but they are not the same FDA-approved product. Ozempic is approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce certain cardiovascular and kidney risks in eligible adults with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in eligible people with obesity or overweight and weight-related health conditions. The products have different approved uses, dosing schedules, and delivery devices, so people should use only the medication and dose prescribed for them.
Referencing content from this page? Please attribute the Missouri Poison Center with either of these links:
https://missouripoisoncenter.org/ or https://missouripoisoncenter.org/can-you-overdose-on-ozempic-for-weight-loss/
Suggested APA citation:
Brady, S. (2023, October 16). Can you overdose on Ozempic for weight loss? Missouri Poison Center. https://missouripoisoncenter.org/can-you-overdose-on-ozempic-for-weight-loss/