Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Ozempic. It helps keep blood sugar at normal levels in people who have type 2 diabetes. It may have other uses, too. 

Ozempic is given as an injection under the skin. It is given once a week, on the same day of the week. You should take it exactly how your doctor tells you to. You can take the dose with or without food. 

Before giving a dose at home, you should read the Instructions for Use. Also, it's a good idea to give the first injection in front of your health care team, so you feel confident.  

At first, Ozempic can cause stomach upset, like nausea, vomiting and either diarrhea or constipation. These effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away. To help reduce these effects, your doctor will begin with a low dose and increase the dose over a few weeks. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop Ozempic, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

You should talk to your doctor about when you should check your blood sugar. Also, ask how to manage it if is too low or high. 

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects can occur. With Ozempic, these include allergic reactions, vision changes, and problems with the pancreas or kidneys. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for, and when to report them. 

You should store unused Ozempic pens in the refrigerator. You can keep the pen you are using at room temperature. Once you use a pen, you must throw it away after 56 days. 

For best results with Ozempic, be sure to follow your doctor's advice for diet and exercise.