What is Ozempic used for?

Ozempic is a brand name for the prescription medication semaglutide, which is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is not recommended for treating type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by stimulating insulin secretion and lowering glucagon secretion when blood glucose levels are high. Additionally, Ozempic slows gastric emptying, which contributes to its ability to potentially reduce appetite and body weight in some patients, although it's not approved as a weight loss drug. Administered via subcutaneous injection, it is often prescribed when oral medications do not provide adequate blood sugar control.