Ozempic FAQS

Ozempic is an unlicensed medication, is it safe to take?

Ozempic is currently not indicated for weight loss, but it is licensed and received a European Marketing Authorisation in February 2018 for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Weight loss was found to be a secondary result for patients taking Ozempic.

Therefore, we prescribe Ozempic ‘offlabel’ which means that a medication is being used in a way that is different to that described in the licence.

An example of ‘off-label’ use is prescribing a medicine for a different illness or condition to that indicated in the licence.

Clinicians may have found that the medicine works well for such condition.

This use may be supported by research groups, but the drug manufacturers has not extended the licence.

However, being ‘off-label’ does not make Ozempic less effective for the purposes of supporting weight loss.

There are currently trials taking place to make the active ingredient in Ozempic, ‘Semaglutide’, a licensed weight loss medication, with the NHS looking to offer this service from the end of 2022.

Doctors only prescribe a medication ‘Offlabel’ when they have assessed a patient individually and decided that it would be safe and effective to do so.

Any doctor with a valid license to practice medicine in the UK can prescribe a medication ‘Off-label’ however it is not common practice seen outside private weight loss clinics such as The Slimming Clinic.

What are the Side Effects of Ozempic?

Like any medication, you may find that you experience some side effects with using Ozempic, however, not everyone will experience side effects.

Very Common

Feeling sick or nauseous – this will go away with time

Diarrhoea* – this will go away with time

Being sick* (physically vomiting)

Low blood sugar – if you are using Ozempic with other antidiabetic medication or insulin

Uncommon

Increased heart rate

Allergic reactions – please seek medical advice immediately if you experience an allergic reaction.

*Please note, if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea with taking Ozempic, please ensure you are taking on adequate fluids to avoid dehydration.

If you have any concerns or are experiencing side effects you are not comfortable with, please speak to the Slimming Clinic as soon as possible.

When should I take Ozempic?

You should take your weekly Ozempic injection on the same day each week, either with or without meals, as prescribed to your by the Slimming Clinic doctor.

What if I miss/forget a dose?

If it has been 5 days or less since your last missed dose, take Ozempic as soon as you remember. Then, take your next scheduled dose on your regularly scheduled day.

If it is more than 5 days, then simply miss that dose and take your next on your regularly scheduled day.

How long will my Ozempic pen last?

Depending on your individual dosage as prescribed to you by the Slimming Clinic doctor, your Ozempic pen should last you approximately 4-6 weeks..

How do I administer Ozempic?

The best places to inject your Ozempic is on the fatty tissue on your body – the main places include the front of your thighs, your stomach or upper arms.

How is Ozempic different to Saxenda?

The main difference between Ozempic and Saxenda is that Saxenda is a daily injection and Ozempic needs to only be injected once-a-week.

This makes Ozempic a more manageable weight loss injection and you are less likely to forget to take it!