Erroneous lifestyle choices and one’s genetic predisposition plays a major role in making them susceptible to one of the most formidable ailments of all time: diabetes. In fact, more than 100 million adults in the country are currently living with diabetes or prediabetes, and these numbers keep escalating every year. Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases that cause an increase in the blood glucose levels either because of inadequate insulin production or because the body’s cells do not respond favorably to the insulin. Sometimes, it can be a combination of both.

Diabetes is a health condition that cannot be cured completely and the blood sugar levels fluctuate as insulin and glucagon hormones go haywire. However, the various advancements in the field of medical science have offered diabetics a new lease of life by helping them bring this serious illness under control. As diabetes is a condition that arises due to the lack of insulin production or the body’s response to it, all the major diabetes treatment methods are focused on supplying the body with enough insulin. For this purpose, various medications like metformin, glyburide, and insulin injections are recommended. These medications when coupled with major lifestyle changes, such as adhering to a balanced diet, weight reduction, and exercises, are known to yield desirable results.

However, there are instances when these treatment methods fail to control the blood sugar level on their own and that’s when the doctor starts treating the patient with Ozempic® (Semaglutide). Ozempic® is a glucagon-like receptor agonist medication prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes, and it is usually recommended when all the other medications fail to bring the blood sugar level to the required level. Unlike other medications, this innovative glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist works by aiding the body to make more insulin and control the blood glucose levels. This medication works wonders by improving both the fasting and post-meal blood glucose concentrations, and the starting dose for adults is 0.25mg, once a week.

Though Ozempic® is an amazing medicine that helps the body improve its insulin production, it might cause certain unforeseen reactions. So, before you begin this particular form of treatment, it is essential to pay attention to the following factors:

Thyroid tumors
When the doctor recommends treatment by Ozempic®, you have a vital role in avoiding any possible health issues. Ozempic® works wonders by helping the body produce its own insulin without any additional insulin being pumped into the system. However, if you or any of your family member ever had thyroid tumors, irrespective of it being benign or malignant, it is advisable to inform the doctor beforehand. If you have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or you suffer from multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, it is advisable to refrain from consuming Ozempic®.

Heart ailments
If you have a pre-existing heart condition, you need to inform your physician about this condition. In certain cases, Ozempic® is known to slightly elevate the heart rate. This can be a problem if you have a heart condition as there are chances that this can alter your heart rhythm and lead to further complications. So, consult with the doctor and do not deviate from the prescribed dosage level as this can affect the effectiveness of this medication.

Hypoglycemia
Often, certain medications react with other medications and this causes undesirable reactions. So, if you take sulfonylurea or insulin to bring high blood sugar levels under control, there are chances that these medications can react with Ozempic® and give rise to certain symptoms of hypoglycemia like a fast heartbeat, hunger, confusion, nervousness, cold sweat, lightheadedness and more. Therefore, if you experience any such symptoms, you need to visit your physician immediately. Your doctor might alter the dosage to ensure that the medicines won’t react with each other and cause further complications.

Kidney function
For people who already experience certain kidney-related complications or have high creatinine levels, it is advisable to consult the physician before opting for Ozempic®. There are instances where changes in the kidney function were observed after consuming Ozempic®. Hence, it is imperative that you inform your doctor right away if you experience the onset of kidney problems, as the doctor can alter the dosage of the medication and monitor the effectiveness of the same.

Do not share the Ozempic® pen between patients
Like every other syringe, you shouldn’t share Ozempic® pens with other patients. Even if the needles are changed, sharing Ozempic® pens with others can increase the risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens that can lead to severe health ailments.

Pregnancy
Similar to many other medications that cannot be administered to pregnant women, even Ozempic® cannot be used to treat pregnant women. If you get pregnant while you were already on this medication, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible for deciding on an alternative treatment method to manage your blood sugar levels.

Breastfeeding
Women who breastfeed their babies are advised against using Ozempic® as it can affect the babies. Therefore, consult with your doctor to change the treatment method so you are able to breastfeed your baby without any complications.

Additionally, it is imperative that you take this medication only if it is prescribed by a licensed practitioner. It is essential that you do not self-medicate as Ozempic® is not an over-the-counter medicine.