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Ozempic®

Semaglutide

Simone Kouwenberg arts The Body Clinic

The information on this page is medically approved by
Drs. Simone Kouwenberg

What is Ozempic

Ozempic (Semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which act on the body’s natural GLP-1 receptors to help regulate blood sugar levels. Ozempic works by stimulating insulin production and decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. This helps keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range and can reduce risk factors of diabetes such as heart disease, stroke and kidney damage.

Can I use Ozempic to lose weight?

Ozempic is primarily intended for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and not for weight loss. If you want to use injections for weight loss, we recommend using Saxenda. Saxenda is intended for the treatment of Obesity and you must inject it, just like Ozempic. Saxenda is from the same pharmaceutical company as Ozempic: Novo Nordisk.

Saxenda is the medication used in the treatment Medical weight loss with injections of The Body Clinic. You will not only receive Saxenda, but also guidance from a doctor and a nutrition coach.

The drug Wegovy, also from pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, has not yet been launched on the Dutch market. Novo Nordisk has plans to launch its services in several European countries, including the Netherlands, in the future. However, no date has yet been announced when Wegovy will come to the Netherlands. The Body Clinic will also offer this when Wegovy becomes available.

The differences between Ozempic and Saxenda

  • The same pharmaceutical company
    Ozempic and Saxenda are products of the same pharmaceutical company: Novo Nordisk.
  • Active substance
    Ozempic contains the active ingredient Semaglutide and Saxenda contains Liraglutide.
  • Use-case
    Ozempic is used for the treatment of Diabetes type 2, whereas Saxenda is used for the treatment of obesity.
  • Inject
    An important difference is that Ozempic has to be injected once a week and Saxenda has to be injected daily.
  • FDA approved
    Both drugs are FDA-approved specifically for obese individuals.
  • Side effects
    Finally, both drugs show different side effect profiles, although none seem severe enough to require discontinuation.

The differences between Ozempic and Wegovy

  • The same pharmaceutical company
    Ozempic and Wegovy are products of the same pharmaceutical company: Novo Nordisk.
  • Active substance
    Ozempic and contains the same active ingredient Semaglutide.
  • Use-case
    Ozempic is used for the treatment of Diabetes type 2, whereas Wegovy is used for the treatment of obesity.
  • Dosis
    The dosis to be injected between Ozempic and Wegovy differ because of their use-case.
  • Inject
    Ozempic and Wegovy are to be injected once a week.
  • FDA approved
    Both drugs are FDA-approved specifically for obese individuals.
  • Side effects
    Finally, both drugs show different side effect profiles, although none seem severe enough to require discontinuation.

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is an active ingredient in Ozempic that stimulates insulin production from pancreatic beta cells. It also reduces appetite, delays gastric emptying and decreases glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells which leads to lower glucose production from the liver. Additionally, semaglutide helps promote weight loss by reducing hunger signals between meals; this could be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese since losing excess weight can help improve control over their condition.

Where can you buy Wegovy

Ozempic is available by prescription from a doctor only. The medication comes in pre-filled pens containing either 0.5mg or 1mg doses of semaglutide; it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Ozempic pen so make sure you read all information provided with your purchase carefully before use.

If you are looking to use Ozempic for weight loss we strongly recommend you to use the Saxenda or Wegovy. While Ozempic is meant for the treatment of Diabetes type 2, Saxenda or Wegovy are meant for the treatment of obesity.

Wegovy has not yet been launched on the Dutch market. The pharmacist Novo Nordisk has plans to launch its services in several European countries, including the Netherlands, in the future. However, no exact date has yet been announced for when Wegovy will come to the Netherlands. Until then you can use the medicine Saxenda from the same pharmaceutical company.

Wegovy price

There is still little to say about the price of Wegovy in the Netherlands, because the product is not yet available on the Dutch market. The price of Wegovy in the United States is typically between $600 and $800 per month with no insurance coverage applied ($7200 – $9600 per year).

Who is Wegovy suitable for?

Ozempic is suitable for adults living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus who need additional help controlling their blood sugar level because: lifestyle changes alone had not been successful enough; other anti diabetic medicines have not been effective enough; they cannot take certain types of oral anti diabetic medicines due to intolerance/side effects experienced previously etc.. However, please note that only a healthcare professional can decide if this treatment option will work best for you based on individual circumstances so please speak to them directly about it if you think it might be right fit for you.

Can I get Ozempic only on doctor’s prescription in the Netherlands?

Yes, you can only get Ozempic with a valid doctor’s prescription in the Netherlands. It is important to visit your doctor if you decide to use this medication as they will be able to provide advice and guidance regarding dosage and any potential side effects that may occur.

How does Ozempic work?

Ozempic is an injectable medication that helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin production. The medication works by targeting specific receptors in the pancreas which stimulate the release of insulin when glucose levels rise. This helps reduce blood sugar levels and improve glucose control.

The substances contained in Ozempic

The active ingredient of Ozempic is semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). GLP-1 RAs act on specific receptors found on pancreatic cells which help increase insulin secretion when needed. In addition, semaglutide slows down digestion, reducing calorie absorption from food.

Is Ozempic safe?

Ozempic is approved by the FDA and the Department of Health. Ozempic has been proven safe for most people when taken as prescribed by their healthcare provider. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking this medication unless instructed otherwise by their healthcare provider.

Side effects Ozempic

The most common side effects of Ozempic are

  • headache,
  • fatigue,
  • nausea,
  • diarrhea
  • and upset stomach.

Other possible side effects may include dizziness, sleep disturbances, anxiety, or depression, among others.

Rare side effects sometimes associated with taking Ozempic include allergic reactions such as skin rashes or hives. However, if you experience serious side effects while taking Ozempic, contact your doctor for medical advice as soon as possible.

A full list of side effects can be found in the information leaflet inside the pack of your Ozempic pen.

Where do you inject Ozempic?

  • Ozempic is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
  • The best places to inject are
    •  at the front of your thighs,
    • the front of your waist (abdomen)
    • or your upper arm.
  • Before you use the pen for the first time, your doctor or nurse will show you how to use the pen.

Make an appointment

For a treatment or a free and non-committal consultation you can contact us at our central telephone number or fill in the contact form on our appointments page.

Monday – Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00

Amsterdam, Haarlem, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Den Bosch, Den Haag, Duiven en Groningen