Before using Ozempic
Ozempic has a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Animal studies showed an increased risk of thyroid cancer in animals given semaglutide (the active drug in Ozempic). Animal studies don’t always predict what happens in humans. It isn’t known for certain whether Ozempic increases the risk of thyroid cancer in humans.
Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Ozempic if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). MTC is a type of thyroid cancer. They also typically won’t prescribe the drug if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). MEN2 is a genetic (inherited) condition that may lead to thyroid cancer.
While using Ozempic, tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of thyroid cancer. Examples include trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, and a lump in your neck. If you have these symptoms, your doctor may give you tests to check for thyroid cancer.
Other warnings
In addition to boxed warnings, Ozempic has other warnings.
If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before using Ozempic:
if you have a kidney problem, such as kidney failure
if you have diabetic retinopathy (eye damage related to diabetes)
if you have a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
if you’re pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
if you’re breastfeeding or thinking of breastfeeding
if you’ve had an allergic reaction to Ozempic or any of its ingredients
if you have a planned surgery that requires general anesthesia or heavy sedation
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about using Ozempic for weight loss.
Is there a 6-week weight loss plan for Ozempic?
The manufacturer of Ozempic has not provided a 6-week weight loss plan for the drug. This is because Ozempic is not approved as a weight loss drug by the FDA. The drug is currently FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce specific cardiovascular risks in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, your doctor may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. (Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)In this case, they can advise whether a specific 6-week weight loss plan is recommended.
If you want to use Ozempic for weight loss, talk with your doctor. They’ll determine whether Ozempic may be safe or effective for you if used off-label for weight loss.
Can Ozempic be used for weight loss in someone who doesn’t have diabetes?
Possibly, if a doctor recommends it.
Currently, Ozempic is only approved for use in people with type 2 diabetes. However, doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. For this purpose, they may prescribe the drug to someone who does not have type 2 diabetes. If you have questions about using Ozempic for weight loss, talk with your doctor.
How quickly does Ozempic work for weight loss?
How quickly Ozempic works for weight loss will vary from person to person. It may take several weeks after your first injection to notice weight loss with the drug.
If you have questions about what to expect when Ozempic is used off-label for weight loss, talk with your doctor.
Will I have to take Ozempic long term for weight loss?
Yes, you’ll likely take Ozempic long term for weight loss.
This is because weight lost while taking Ozempic may return after stopping the drug, according to some studies
For this reason, your doctor may recommend the long-term use of Ozempic to help you lose weight and maintain weight loss.
If you have questions about how long you’ll use Ozempic for weight loss, talk with your doctor. - Source: Science Medical Daily
Did you know?
Loss
Ozempic works for weight loss by reducing your appetite. As a result, you may consume fewer calories.
Animal studies showed an increased risk of thyroid cancer in animals given semaglutide (the active drug in Ozempic). Animal studies don’t always predict what happens in humans. It isn’t known for certain whether Ozempic increases the risk of thyroid cancer in humans.
Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Ozempic if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). MTC is a type of thyroid cancer. They also typically won’t prescribe the drug if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). MEN2 is a genetic (inherited) condition that may lead to thyroid cancer.
While using Ozempic, tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of thyroid cancer. Examples include trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, and a lump in your neck. If you have these symptoms, your doctor may give you tests to check for thyroid cancer.
Other warnings
In addition to boxed warnings, Ozempic has other warnings.
If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before using Ozempic:
if you have a kidney problem, such as kidney failure
if you have diabetic retinopathy (eye damage related to diabetes)
if you have a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
if you’re pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
if you’re breastfeeding or thinking of breastfeeding
if you’ve had an allergic reaction to Ozempic or any of its ingredients
if you have a planned surgery that requires general anesthesia or heavy sedation
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about using Ozempic for weight loss.
Is there a 6-week weight loss plan for Ozempic?
The manufacturer of Ozempic has not provided a 6-week weight loss plan for the drug. This is because Ozempic is not approved as a weight loss drug by the FDA. The drug is currently FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce specific cardiovascular risks in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, your doctor may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. (Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)In this case, they can advise whether a specific 6-week weight loss plan is recommended.
If you want to use Ozempic for weight loss, talk with your doctor. They’ll determine whether Ozempic may be safe or effective for you if used off-label for weight loss.
Can Ozempic be used for weight loss in someone who doesn’t have diabetes?
Possibly, if a doctor recommends it.
Currently, Ozempic is only approved for use in people with type 2 diabetes. However, doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. For this purpose, they may prescribe the drug to someone who does not have type 2 diabetes. If you have questions about using Ozempic for weight loss, talk with your doctor.
How quickly does Ozempic work for weight loss?
How quickly Ozempic works for weight loss will vary from person to person. It may take several weeks after your first injection to notice weight loss with the drug.
If you have questions about what to expect when Ozempic is used off-label for weight loss, talk with your doctor.
Will I have to take Ozempic long term for weight loss?
Yes, you’ll likely take Ozempic long term for weight loss.
This is because weight lost while taking Ozempic may return after stopping the drug, according to some studies
For this reason, your doctor may recommend the long-term use of Ozempic to help you lose weight and maintain weight loss.
If you have questions about how long you’ll use Ozempic for weight loss, talk with your doctor. - Source: Science Medical Daily
Did you know?
Loss
Ozempic works for weight loss by reducing your appetite. As a result, you may consume fewer calories.
