The U.S. FDA has approved higher Ozempic® (semaglutide) dosing to improve glycemic control in adults who have type 2 diabetes. Ozempic, which previously had a recommended maintenance dose of 0.5mg or 1mg per week, is now approved for a dose of 2mg per week.

• Initially approved in 2017, Ozempic is indicated:
  • As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults who have type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults who have type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.
• Ozempic is administered by subcutaneous injection. Patients and caregivers can inject Ozempic at home once trained in proper technique. Recommended dosing is as follows:
  • Initiate at 25mg once weekly for four weeks, and then increase to 0.5mg once weekly.
  • If the patient requires additional glycemic control after at least four weeks on 5mg, the dosage can be increased to 1mg once weekly.
  • If, after at least four weeks on 1mg, the patient requires further glycemic control, the dosage can be increased to 2mg once weekly.
• Manufacturer Novo Nordisk will make a new single-patient-use pen available that delivers 2mg per injection. Ozempic is also available in a pen that delivers 0.25mg and 5mg doses, and a pen that delivers 1mg doses.