Gambit

Ozempic® (Semaglutide)

Ozempic®

This new treatment has everyone talking.

Dosage options: 0.25mg – 1mg per week. 2mg or 4mg per injectable pen

Ozempic®

This new treatment has everyone talking.

Dosage options: 0.25mg – 1mg per week. 2mg or 4mg per injectable pen

Ozempic®

*Your information is secured and encrypted at-rest and in-transit.
*You will only be charged for the applicable doctor consult and fees. The medication will not be charged until the doctor has deemed that the treatment is applicable to you.
*A member of our Allied Health Team will reach out to advise you of your eligibility and next steps.
*To start the process for weight management, payment must be completed for all doctor consults, lab requisition fees and service fees.
*Includes 3 month prescription if approved and access to our clinicians.
*100% refundable if you are declined the prescription after a medical review

What is Ozempic®?

Ozempic® (generic name: semaglutide) is a medication typically used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimics the effects of the hormone GLP-1 in the body. GLP-1 is naturally produced in the gut and helps regulate glucose levels. By mimicking the effects of GLP-1, Ozempic can help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. Ozempic is typically taken once a week as an injection.

Ozempic® for Weight Management

Because a common side effect of Ozempic® is weight loss, it may sometimes be used to slow down weight gain, or increase weight loss. In conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Gambit can provide you a personalized treatment regime for your weight management goals.

What if I'm not Diabetic?

While Ozempic® was developed as a medication to treat Type 2 diabetes, non-diabetics can use Ozempic® safely after consulting with a licensed healthcare practitioner. Ozempic® should be avoided by those who have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome.

Important Safety Information

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What is OZEMPIC® used for?
  • OZEMPIC® contains the active substance semaglutide. It is used to lower blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes.
  • OZEMPIC® is used on its own if your blood sugar level is not properly controlled by diet and exercise alone and you cannot use metformin.
  • OZEMPIC® is used in combination with one or more other medicines for diabetes when they are not enough to control your blood sugar levels. These other medicines may include: oral antidiabetics (such as metformin, sulfonylurea, or sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor medicines) or insulin.
  • It is important that you keep following any diet and lifestyle advice from your doctor, pharmacist or nurse while using OZEMPIC®.
  • OZEMPIC® is not a substitute for insulin. OZEMPIC® should not be used in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or IDDM), or for treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
How does OZEMPIC® work? OZEMPIC® belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists). OZEMPIC® helps your body make more insulin when your blood sugar is high. What are the ingredients in OZEMPIC®? Medicinal ingredients: semaglutide. One mL solution for injection contains 1.34 mg or 2.68 mg semaglutide. Non-medicinal ingredients: disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, and water for injections. OZEMPIC® comes in the following dosage forms: OZEMPIC® is supplied as a clear and colourless solution for injection in a pre-filled pen. OZEMPIC® is available in a carton of 1 disposable, pre-filled, multi-dose pen delivering doses of 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg, including 6 NovoFine® Plus needles. This pack size is intended to be used for dose escalation and maintenance treatment at the 0.5 mg dose. The pen contains 1.5 mL solution. OZEMPIC® is available in a carton of 1 disposable, pre-filled, multi-dose pen delivering only doses of 1 mg, including 4 NovoFine® Plus needles. This pack size is intended to be used for maintenance treatment at the 1 mg dose only. The pen contains 3 mL solution. Ozempic® is available in a carton of 1 disposable, pre-filled, multi-dose pen delivering only doses of 2 mg, including 4 NovoFine® Plus needles. This pack size is intended to be used for maintenance treatment at the 2 mg dose only. The pen contains 3 mL solution. Do not use OZEMPIC® if:
  • You are allergic to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
  • You or a member of your family has ever had medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).
  • You have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take OZEMPIC®. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
  • or a member of your family has or has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • Have type 1 diabetes.
  • Have ever had diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).
  • Have ever had an allergic reaction to OZEMPIC®.
  • Have a high heart rate (fast pulse).
  • Have ever had pancreatitis.
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • Have end stage renal disease.
  • Have gastrointestinal (digestive) problems, including severe vomiting, diarrhea and/or dehydration.
  • Have hepatic (liver) disease.
  • Have diabetic retinopathy.
Other warnings you should know about: Children and adolescents OZEMPIC® is not recommended in children and adolescents under 18 years as the safety and efficacy in this age group have not yet been established. Pregnancy and breastfeeding Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. OZEMPIC® should not be used during pregnancy and for at least two months before a planned pregnancy because it is not known if it may affect your unborn child. If you could become pregnant while using OZEMPIC®, it is recommended to use contraception. Do not use this medicine if you are breast-feeding. This is because it is not known if OZEMPIC® passes into breast milk. Driving and using machines Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may affect your ability to concentrate. Avoid driving or using machines if you get any signs of low blood sugar. See What are possible side effects from using OZEMPIC® for the warning signs of low blood sugar. Talk to your doctor for further information. Severe and on-going stomach pain which could be due to acute pancreatitis If you have severe and on-going pain in the stomach area – see a doctor straight away as this could be a sign of acute pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas). Dehydration During treatment with OZEMPIC®, you may experience feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), and diarrhea. These side effects can cause dehydration (loss of fluids). It is therefore important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) Fast improvements in blood sugar control may lead to a temporary worsening of diabetic eye disease. This may require treatment or lead to a loss of vision. You should inform your doctor if you have diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) or if you experience eye problems during treatment with OZEMPIC®. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines. In particular, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are using medicines containing any of the following:
  • Sulfonylurea
  • Insulin
Combining these medicines with OZEMPIC® might increase the risk of getting low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Please see What are possible side effects from using OZEMPIC® for the warning signs of low blood sugar. Your doctor may tell you to lower your regular dose levels of these drugs when adding OZEMPIC® treatment. The following may interact with OZEMPIC®: The following list includes some, but not all, of the drugs that may increase your heart rate. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication with OZEMPIC®:
  • Drugs to treat hypertension.
  • Drugs to treat heart failure.
  • Drugs to treat HIV infection.
  • Drugs to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
  • Drugs to suppress appetite/cause weight loss.
  • Decongestants.
  • Drugs to treat asthma.
How to take OZEMPIC®: OZEMPIC® is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Do not inject it into a vein or muscle. The best places to give the injection are the front of your thighs, the front of your waist (abdomen), or your upper arm. Before you use the pen for the first time, your doctor or Diabetes Nurse Educator will show you how to use it. Detailed instructions for use are on the other side of this leaflet. Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure. You should use OZEMPIC® once a week on the same day each week if possible. You can give yourself the injection at any time of the day – regardless of meals. To help you remember to inject OZEMPIC® once a week only, it is recommended to note the chosen weekday (e.g. Wednesday) on the carton. You can also write the date on the carton every time you have injected OZEMPIC®. If necessary you can change the day of your weekly injection of OZEMPIC® as long as it has been at least 2 days since your last injection of OZEMPIC®. Do not stop using OZEMPIC® without talking to your doctor. If you stop using it, your blood sugar levels may increase.

Usual dose:

When you first start using OZEMPIC®, the starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week for four weeks. After four weeks you should increase your dose to 0.5 mg once a week. Talk to your doctor before increasing your dose. Your doctor may increase your dose to 1 mg once a week if your blood sugar is not controlled well enough with a dose of 0.5 mg. Your doctor may increase your dose to 2 mg once a week if your blood sugar is not controlled well enough with a dose of 1 mg. Do not change your dose unless your doctor has told you to.

Overdose:

If you use more OZEMPIC® than you should, talk to your doctor straight away. You may get side effects such as feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), or diarrhea.

Missed Dose:

If you forgot to inject a dose and:
    • It is 5 days or less since you should have used OZEMPIC®, use it as soon as you remember. Then inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.
    • It is more than 5 days since you should have used OZEMPIC®, skip the missed dose. Then inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.
Do not take an extra dose or increase the dose to make up for a missed dose.

What are possible side effects from using OZEMPIC®?

These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking OZEMPIC®. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional. Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
    • Feeling sick (nausea) – this usually goes away over time
    • Diarrhea – this usually goes away over time
    • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when OZEMPIC® is used with a sulfonylurea or insulin.
The warning signs of low blood sugar may come on suddenly. They can include: cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, feeling sick (nausea) or very hungry, changes in vision, feeling sleepy or weak, feeling nervous, anxious or confused, difficulty concentrating or shaking. Your doctor will tell you how to treat low blood sugar and what to do if you notice these warning signs. Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
    • Being sick (vomiting)
    • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when OZEMPIC® is used with an oral antidiabetic other than a sulfonylurea
    • Indigestion
    • Inflamed stomach (‘gastritis’) – the signs also include stomach ache, feeling sick (nausea), or being sick (vomiting)
    • Reflux or heartburn – also called ‘gastro-esophageal reflux disease’ (GERD)
    • Stomach pain
    • Bloating of the stomach
    • Constipation
    • Burping
    • Gall stones
    • Feeling dizzy
    • Feeling tired
    • Weight loss
    • Less appetite
    • Gas (flatulence)
    • Increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase)
    • Complications of diabetic eye disease (retinopathy)
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
    • Change in the way food or drink tastes
    • Fast pulse
    • Injection site reactions – such as bruising, pain, irritation, itching and rash
    • Allergic reactions like rash, itching or hives
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions, angioedema). You should seek immediate medical help and inform your doctor straight away if you get symptoms such as breathing problems, swelling of face, lips, tongue and/or throat with difficulty swallowing and a fast heartbeat.
Serious side effects and what to do about them
Symptom / effectTalk to your healthcare professionalStop taking drug and get immediate medical help
Only if severeIn all cases
COMMON Diabetic retinopathy complications – complications of diabetic eye disease/diabetic eye problemscheck
UNCOMMON Pancreatitis (severe and ongoing pain in the stomach area which could be a sign of inflamed pancreas)checkcheck
Severe hypoglycemia* (low blood sugar) symptoms: feeling confused, fits and passing outcheckcheck
RARE Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction, angioedema) symptoms: breathing problems, swelling of face, lips, tongue and/or throat with difficulty swallowing and a fast heartbeatcheckcheck
*The risk of severe hypoglycemia may be higher when you also take other diabetes medications. If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.

Storage:

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the pen label and carton after ʻEXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Before opening: Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep away from the cooling element. During use:
  • You can keep the pen for 8 weeks when stored at a temperature below 30°C or in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze.
  • When you are not using the pen, keep the pen cap on in order to protect it from light.
Do not use this medicine if the solution is not clear and colourless. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

If you want more information about OZEMPIC®:

    • Talk to your healthcare professional
    • Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug- products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website (www.novonordisk.ca), or by calling 1-800-465-4334.
This leaflet was prepared by Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. Last Revised 2022 OZEMPIC®, NovoFine® and NovoTwist® are trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S and used under license by Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. © 2022 Novo Nordisk Canada Inc