A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medication that's used with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults who have type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Ozempic is available in single-patient-use injectable pens:
Fact Table | |
---|---|
Formula | C187H291N45O59 |
License | EU EMA, US FDA |
Bioavailability | 89% |
Legal status | Rx-Only |
Chemical Name | Semaglutide |
Elimination half-life | 7 days |
Dosage (Strength) | 2mg (0.25/0.5mg per dose), 4mg (1 mg per dose) (Pen Injector) |
Pregnancy | Should not be used |
Brands | Ozempic |
Protein binding | More than 99% |
PubChem CID | 56843331 |
MedlinePlus | a618008 |
ChEBI | 167574 |
ATC code | A10BJ06 |
DrugBank | DB13928 |
KEGG | D10025 |
Routes of administration | Subcutaneous |
Carefully read and follow the instructions that come with your Ozempic prescription. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any questions or concerns you have.
Ozempic should be injected underneath the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. You should alternate the site with each injection. Your healthcare provider should teach you how to properly inject the pen and dispose of it.
The recommended starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week. You may administer it at any time of the day, with or without food. After 4 weeks, your doctor may decide to increase your dose to 0.5 mg once a week. After 4 weeks of being on the 0.5 mg dose, your doctor may increase your dose as necessary.
Storage:Before using your Ozempic pen for the first time, you should store it in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8° C). Do not freeze it.
After your first use, you can store it for 56 days at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15° to 30°C). Keep the pen away from excessive heat and sun exposure.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient contained in Ozempic. Inactive ingredients include disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may be additional ingredients for pH balance.
ContraindicationsDo not use Ozempic if you are allergic to the medication or to any of its components.
Do not use Ozempic if you or a member of your family has medullary thyroid cancer.
Do not use Ozempic if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
Like all medications, Ozempic can cause side effects. The most common include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. However, these are not the only side effects that can occur during Ozempic treatment.
Contact your doctor right away if you have side effects that bother you or won't go away.
With a valid prescription from your doctor, you can buy Ozempic online at a competitive price at Canadian Pharmacy Online.
Reference:
Ozempic (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Plainsboro, NJ: Novo Nordisk Inc; 2022.