Ozempic Weight Loss Injection UK

According to Ahrefs database, Ozempic UK is searched by around 88,000 people monthly in the UK., with many asking where they can buy Ozempic in the UK. However, you should know that you can't buy Ozempic directly (otc), as it is not licensed for use in the UK.

But you can buy another version of Ozempic for weight loss, known as Wegovy online from Ashcroft Pharmacy.

Ozempic and Wegovy contain same drug-Semaglutide, In the UK Wegovy is licensed for weight loss up to 2.4mg, allowing for more pronounced weight loss.

In contrast, Ozempic's 2mg dose is limited to managing type 2 diabetes. Wegovy’s specific approval for weight loss makes it the better choice for those seeking significant results.

Saxenda, Ozempic, and Wegovy are all GLP-1 agonists, containing similar active ingredients and delivered via daily subcutaneous injections to help suppress appetite. Mounjaro Pens are the most effective in this class, achieving up to 20% weight loss, compared to 14% with Ozempic. If your goal is weight loss, Wegovy is the preferred choice, as Ozempic may not be accessible.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a once-weekly injection that belongs to a drug class called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. It contains semaglutide and was only licensed by the FDA in 2017 to treat type 2 diabetes in adults.

It is also used for weight loss as off-label (off-label means when the drug is approved for one condition but is also prescribed to treat another condition). Some doctors might not prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss.

However:

• Ozempic is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.
• It is not known whether Ozempic is safe for use in children under 18 years.
• Ozempic is not suitable for people with pancreatitis.

❇️ Specifications of Ozempic

The key specifications of Ozempic are:

Generic name: Semaglutide injection
Brand name: Ozempic
Pronunciation: oh-ZEM-pick
Drug class: GLP-1 Agonists, incretin mimetics, antidiabetic
Dosage form: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg dose pen
How is it used: Pre-filled injection that is administered under the skin
Availability: Prescription only
Generic form: Not available 
Ozempic tablets: Not available; Ozempic comes only in injection form.

What is Ozempic used for?

Ozempic is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to:

• ✅ Manage type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin production and regulating blood glucose levels after meals.
  
  
• ✅ Lower the risk for major cardiovascular events, including heart attack or stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and existing cardiovascular disease.
  
  
• ✅ Improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  

Moreover:

Ozempic is also used as an off-label for weight loss as it has the ability to suppress appetite and promote feelings of fullness. 

The same active ingredient (semaglutide) is sold in a higher dose formulation under the brand name Wegovy, FDA-approved for chronic weight management in people with obesity or overweight conditions.

How does Ozempic work for weight loss if it's meant for diabetes?

Actually, Ozempic is not an intended medication for weight loss; it  is a prescription only treatment that is used to maintain type 2 diabetes but is also being talked about for how it helps with weight loss.

Ozempic injection, formulated with semaglutide as its active ingredient, mimics a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing cravings.

By enhancing feelings of fullness, slowing down the stomach-emptying process, and reducing hunger, Ozempic leads you to eat fewer calories , and in this way, you lose weight.

While it is not approved by the FDA for weight loss in people without diabetes, but clinical trials have shown that people can lose significant amounts of pound when used in combination with a balanced eating habit and daily physical exercise. 

However, this should only be used under medical supervision since it carries the risk of side effects such as nausea and vomiting and serious complications, including pancreatitis.

How to take Ozempic injections?

You must take Ozempic fat loss injections according to your doctor’s instructions to enhance its effectiveness and lower the risk of adverse effects such as:

• ✅ Wash your hands with soap and water.
  
  
• ✅ Check your pen to ensure it is not expired and that the liquid inside it is clear and colorless.
  
  
• ✅ Remove the pen cap, attach a new needle, and remove needle caps (outer and inner caps).
  
  
• ✅ Prime your pen by turning the dose selector to the “flow check” symbol and pressing the button until the drop of liquid appears on the tip of the needle. 
  
  
• ✅ Now select the desired dose and confirm the dose in the window on the pen.
  
  
• ✅ Select the injection site, such as the upper arms, thighs, or abdomen.
  
  
• ✅ Clean the chosen area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
  
  
• ✅ Inject the dose subcutaneously (under the skin) of your selected area. 
  
  
• ✅ After administration, dispose of the used needle in a sharps bin.

⚠️ Please Note:

•  Rotate the injection site each time to avoid irritation or infections.
• Take Ozempic on the same day and time each week to maintain consistency. 
• You can take Ozempic with or without food. 
• Never share your pen with others, as the device can pass disease or infection to other people. 
• If you still have any questions, consult your doctor for personalized advice. 

Ozempic Dosage for Weight Loss

Ozempic comes as a prefilled, disposable injectable pen. Its dosage varies from person to person based on an individual's factors. So take Ozempic according to your doctor’s instructions to avoid serious effects. The standard dose of Ozempic include:

At first, doctors prescribe 0.25 mg subcutaneous injection once weekly for 4 weeks. The lower dose helps your body adjust to the new medicine and reduces the risk of adverse effects. Moreover, 0.25 mg dosage is not effective for weight loss or glycemic control; it is intended for treatment initiation. 

After 4 weeks, the doctor increases the dose by 0.5 mg per week for the next 4 weeks. Most people can manage blood sugar levels or weight loss at 0.5 mg; however, if needed, the dosage is increased to 1 mg once weekly for the next 4 weeks.  

If further needed, your doctor can increase the dosage to 2 mg once weekly, depending on your needs. The maximum recommended dosage for Ozempic is 2 mg once weekly. 

Since Ozempic is not licenced by the FDA for weight loss, you must use it under medical supervision to enhance safety and effectiveness. 

What if I miss my Ozempic dose?

If you forget to take an Ozempic injection, take it within 5 days. If it is more than 5 days, skip the missed one and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take double or extra doses to make up for the missed one. 

What happens if I stop taking Ozempic?

If you stop taking Ozempic abruptly, its outcomes, such as weight management and improved blood sugar level, may diminish over time. The blood glucose will rise as the medication’s effect on appetite regulation and insulin production wanes.

Moreover, the weight loss you have achieved may also reverse as the appetite-suppressing effect is no longer active.

So, do not stop taking Ozempic unless your doctor tells you to do so. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen. 

Best alternatives to Ozempic UK

If Ozempic does not suit you, you can opt for its alternatives, such as:

Ozempic vs Wegovy

Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide and mimic the GLP-1 hormone, regulating your appetite, blood sugar level, and weight. However, they differ in many ways, such as:

• ✅ Ozempic is approved for managing blood sugar levels and lowering the risk of cardiovascular problems in people with type 2 diabetes.
  
  
• ✅ It is prescribed for weight loss as off-label. On the other hand, Wegovy is an FDA-approved drug for weight loss in people dealing with obesity or those overweight with weight-related conditions such as hypertension.
  
  
• ✅ Wegovy is more effective than Ozempic. Wegovy offers a higher dose for significant weight reduction, whereas Ozempic focuses on blood sugar control with moderate weight loss benefits.

The selection depends on your current health, underlying medical condition, and other factors. So, consult your doctor for better advice.

Ozempic vs Mounjaro

Ozempic and Mounjaro are reliable drugs for weight loss; their notable differences are:

• Ozempic contains semaglutide as an active ingredient, while Mounjaro contains tirzepatide.
  
  
• Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Mounjaro is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist.
  
  
• Both medications are approved for the management of type 2 diabetes and manage weight loss off-label.
  
  
• The selection depends on your tolerability and accessibility. Consult your doctor to determine the best option according to your health needs.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro

Mounjaro and Wegovy are both weight loss meds that work with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Mounjaro has tirzepatide, and Wegovy has semaglutide. They help control hunger and manage blood sugar to support weight loss.

In contrast to each other’s effectiveness, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) show different results in clinical trials.

✅ The SURMOUNT-1 trial for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) was conducted over 72 weeks, with the findings published in 2022.

According to the SURMOUNT-1 trial, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may lead to greater weight loss compared to Wegovy (semaglutide).

After 72 weeks, participants using Mounjaro experienced a 22.5% reduction in their body weight compared to their initial weight.

✅ The STEP-1 trial for Wegovy reported up to a 15% weight loss over 68 weeks with a 2.4 mg maintenance dose.

The same Wegovy study found that up to 85% of patients lost at least 5% of their starting weight.

In terms of cost, each Mounjaro or Wegovy pen lasts for 4 weeks of treatment, and both medications are similarly priced. You can check Mounjaro uk price and Wegovy price in UK at Ashcroft Pharmacy.

Ozempic vs Saxenda

Ozempic and Saxenda are both weight loss medications and GLP-1 receptor agonists, effective in weight management. Their key differences include:

• ❇️ Ozempic contains semaglutide as an active ingredient, while Saxenda contains liraglutide.
  
  
• ❇️ Ozempic is used for weight loss as off-label while Saxenda is an approved medication for weight loss. 
  
  
• ❇️ Ozempic is a once-weekly injection, while Saxenda is taken once daily.
  
  
• ❇️ The selection between these two drugs depends on your needs, budget, and convenience. Consult your doctor to make the right decision and avoid serious side effects. 

Other approved and regulated weight loss pills available in the UK include:

Orlistat tablet: Unlike Ozempic, it works by blocking some of the fat in your food from being absorbed, helping reduce calorie intake.

Xenical: A branded version of Orlistat that works in the same way to support weight loss.

Mysimba Tablet: Contains naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride, targeting appetite regulation differently from Ozempic.

Ozempic Injection: The Bottom Line on Weight Loss

Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, but in the UK, it can sometimes be prescribed off-label for weight loss. However, not all doctors will prescribe it, and cheaper treatments may be suggested first. If you have diabetes, talk to your GP. For non-diabetics, alternatives like Mounjaro or Wegovy might be better options.

Author

How to store Ozempic?

You must store Ozempic, out of reach of children and pets. Moreover:

• Keep this medicine in its original container, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Store the unused pen in the refrigerator at 36-46 degrees F or 2-8 degrees C.
• After use, store the pen at room temperature (59-86 degrees F or 15-30 degrees C). 
• Do not use frozen medicine.
• Do not store it in the bathroom.
• Discard the pen once its expiry date has passed.

Warnings

Important Safety Information

Don’t share your Ozempic pen with anyone, even if you use a new needle. It can spread serious infections.

About Ozempic side effects

Like other drugs, Ozempic fat loss injections cause side effects in some people, such as:

Common side effects

These include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain 
• Nausea 
• Upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Gas
• Bloating
• Burping
• Heartburn 
• Sore throat or runny nose
• Headache
• Dizziness

These side effects may go away within a few days as your body settles with the new drug. If they persist or get worse, consult your doctor immediately.

Managing common/mild side effects: Key tips:

You can manage common side effects at home in such a way that:

• Eat in small portions
• Eat slowly
• Do not lie down immediately after eating food.
• Consume low-fat foods such as rice, toast, and crackers.
• Do not eat fried, greasy, or sugar food.
• Drink ice-cold or clear liquids
• Eat food that contains water, such as gelatin or soup.

What are the bad side effects of ozempic

 If you experience any of these effects, seek emergency help or visit your doctor immediately. 

These include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Pancreatitis 
• Diabetic retinopathy (a diabetic condition that damages your eyes)
• Gallbladder disease (inflammation of gallbladder and gallstones)
• Boxed warning (risk of thyroid cancer or thyroid tumors)
• Allergic reactions (itching, hives, or swelling of lips, throat, face, or tongue)
• Kidney problems 
• Mood changes
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Stomach paralysis or signs of ileus, such as stomach cramps, bloating, or diarrhea

Once your order has been approved by our UK medical team it will be dispatched via Royal mail. All orders are sent using a tracked and signed for service.

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