warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Ozempic (Subcutaneous)?

You should not use semaglutide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands); or
a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a stomach or intestinal disorder;
pancreatitis;
kidney disease; or
eye problems caused by diabetes (retinopathy).

In animal studies, semaglutide caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Stop using this medicine at least 2 months before you plan to get pregnant. Ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use during this time. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, as is gaining the right amount of weight. Even if you are overweight, losing weight during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Ozempic or Wegovy.

You should not breastfeed while using Rybelsus.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Ozempic (Subcutaneous)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; dizziness, fast heartbeats; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

vision changes;
unusual mood changes, thoughts about hurting yourself;
pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
signs of a thyroid tumor--swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath;
symptoms of pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea with or without vomiting, fast heart rate;
gallbladder problems--upper stomach pain, fever, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery;
kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or
stomach flu symptoms--stomach cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea (may be watery or bloody).

Common side effects may include:

low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes);
upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating;
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
diarrhea, constipation;
runny nose or sore throat;
stomach flu symptoms; o
headache, dizziness, tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Ozempic (Subcutaneous) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Ozempic or Wegovy.

You should not breastfeed while using Rybelsus.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Ozempic (Subcutaneous)?

Use Ozempic (Subcutaneous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Semaglutide is usually started at a low dose that is gradually increased every 4 weeks to 30 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Rybelsus (oral) is taken by mouth, usually once per day when you first wake up and at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything. Take with no more than 4 ounces of water. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Eat within 30 to 60 minutes after taking Rybelsus.

Ozempic and Wegovy are injected under the skin, usually once per week at any time of the day, with or without food. Use an injection on the same day each week.

Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.

Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject semaglutide. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

If you choose a different weekly injection day, start your new schedule after at least 2 days have passed since the last injection you gave.

Do not use different brands of semaglutide at the same time.

Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.

Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, medical tests, and special medical care.

You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you eat or drink less than usual.

Store Rybelsus in the original package at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Store unopened Ozempic or Wegovy injection pens in the original carton in a refrigerator, protected from light. Do not use past the expiration date. Throw away an injection pen that has been frozen.

If needed, you may store an unopened Wegovy pen at cool room temperature for up to 28 days. Do not remove the cap until you are ready to use the injection pen. The pen contains a single dose. Throw the pen away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

The Ozempic injection pen contains more than one dose. After your first use, store the pen with the needle removed in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Protect from heat and light. Keep the cap on when not in use. Throw the pen away 56 days after the first use, or if less than 0.25 mg is shown on the dose counter.

Do not reuse a needle. Place it in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Ozempic (Subcutaneous)?

For Rybelsus: Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time.

For Ozempic: Use the medicine as soon as you can and then go back to your regular schedule. If you are more than 5 days late for the injection, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

For Wegovy: Use the medicine as soon as you can and then go back to your regular schedule. If your next dose is due in less than 2 days (48 hours), skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

Do not use two doses of semaglutide at one time.

Call your doctor if you miss more than 2 doses in a row of Wegovy. You may need to restart the medicine at a lower dose to avoid stomach problems.