Ozempic® 0.5 mg Injection Pen — Basic Pre-injection Health Check Included

What is Ozempic®?
Ozempic® is a prescription medicine developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Its active ingredient is semaglutide, which belongs to a class of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Ozempic® may help improve insulin secretion, support more stable blood glucose control and assist with metabolic health management under medical supervision.
Ozempic® is supplied as a pre-filled injection pen and is usually administered once weekly. Since 2017, Ozempic® has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and is used in many regions worldwide, including Hong Kong.
A basic pre-injection health check is required before starting the programme. This includes:
 
 Liver function test 
 Kidney function test 
 Fasting blood glucose 
 HbA1c 
 Urinalysis 
 Basic physical examination

This programme must be used under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals and prescribed by a doctor.
If required, a nurse may assist with the first injection.
A one-to-one registered dietitian consultation service is also available to support your weight management plan.*

Ozempic® may be considered for adults who:

Have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above

Have a BMI of 27 kg/m² to below 30 kg/m², with relevant metabolic or health concerns

Have a busy urban lifestyle and find it difficult to maintain regular exercise

Frequently experience a large appetite, snack cravings or late-night eating habits

Suitability must be assessed by a doctor based on your medical history, current health condition and treatment needs.
Ozempic® may not be suitable for individuals who:

Have previously had an allergic reaction to semaglutide or other GLP-1 receptor agonists

Have severe gastrointestinal disease

Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Have a history of severe acute pancreatitis

Have severe liver or kidney impairment or failure

Have medullary thyroid carcinoma — MTC — or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 — MEN 2

A doctor’s assessment is required before starting treatment.
Ozempic® is usually injected once weekly. It is recommended to inject it on the same day each week to maintain a regular schedule.

Ozempic® is administered by subcutaneous injection. The recommended injection areas are the front of the abdomen, the outer thigh or the upper arm.

Prepare the injection pen
Take out the injection pen and check that the solution is clear and free from visible particles. Attach a new needle.

Set the dose
Turn the dose selector to the dose instructed by your doctor.

Clean the injection site
Clean the injection area with an alcohol swab.

Inject the medication
Insert the needle vertically into the skin and press the injection button until the indicator shows that the injection is complete.

Hold for a few seconds
Keep the needle under the skin for approximately 6 seconds after injection to help ensure the dose has been fully delivered.

Dispose of the needle safely
Remove the used needle immediately after use and dispose of it properly in a sharps container.

Ozempic® is not usually started at a full treatment dose. The dosage is adjusted gradually according to the patient’s tolerability and treatment response. This gradual approach may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects and improve tolerability.

Doctors commonly start with 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks. This starting dose is mainly used to help the body adjust to the medicine. After the first 4 weeks, the dose may be increased to 0.5 mg once weekly.

If the doctor considers that further adjustment is needed, and the patient is tolerating the medicine well, the dose may be increased further according to clinical assessment.

The doctor will make individual adjustments based on blood glucose levels, body weight changes, overall health condition and medication response.
Ozempic® is a prescription medicine and may cause the following common side effects, which are usually mild and more likely to occur during the initial adjustment period:

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhoea or constipation

Dizziness or tiredness

Reduced appetite

Mild redness or swelling at the injection site

These symptoms commonly occur at the beginning of treatment. As the body adjusts to the medication, they may gradually improve for many users.

Less common but more serious side effects may involve gallbladder disease or pancreatitis. Close monitoring during treatment is therefore important, and medical advice should be sought promptly where needed.

If you experience any side effects, especially if the symptoms are severe or persistent, please speak to your doctor.
How to Store Ozempic®

Before Opening

Store at 2°C to 8°C in a refrigerator

Do not freeze

Do not place in the freezer

Avoid placing the pen near the cooling element or ice compartment to prevent freezing

After Opening / During Use

The pen may be stored at room temperature, not above 30°C, or in a refrigerator

Keep away from direct sunlight and high temperatures

Replace the pen cap after use to help prevent contamination

Do not use the injection solution if it becomes discoloured, cloudy or contains visible particles or sediment.
During treatment, blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels may need to be monitored, particularly for patients with metabolic conditions or chronic illnesses.

As body weight or blood glucose levels change, the dosage of existing medicines may need to be reviewed and adjusted by a doctor where clinically appropriate.

The use of other weight management medicines at the same time is generally not recommended unless advised by a doctor, as this may affect treatment response or increase the risk of side effects.

Ozempic® is a personalised prescription medicine. It should not be shared with others. You should not adjust the dosage or stop treatment by yourself. Please follow your doctor’s instructions and attend regular follow-up appointments.
Q1: Is Ozempic® Injection Pen only suitable for adults?

Ozempic® should only be used after assessment by a qualified doctor. The dosage and method of use must follow the doctor’s instructions.

Before starting an Ozempic® programme, a detailed medical assessment is recommended.

Q2: How long does it take to see weight management results with Ozempic®?

Results vary from person to person and may depend on factors such as body composition, health condition, diet, lifestyle habits and dosage adjustment.

Your doctor will review your progress and adjust the treatment plan where clinically appropriate.

Q3: Does Ozempic® need to be injected continuously?

Ozempic® should be used according to the prescribed dosage and schedule.

If you experience any discomfort or side effects after injection, please inform your doctor promptly. Your doctor may provide suitable advice or adjust your treatment plan according to your condition.

Q4: Can I eat freely after using Ozempic®?

No. Ozempic® may support weight management by helping to reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying and increase the feeling of fullness.

However, it should be used alongside a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits. It is not intended to replace appropriate dietary management, physical activity or medical follow-up.

Q5: Where can I purchase Ozempic® in Hong Kong?

Ozempic® is regulated in Hong Kong under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance and is classified as a prescription medicine.

If you are considering Ozempic® or would like to learn more, please consult a doctor at a registered medical centre or clinic to ensure safe and appropriate use.

Q6: What should I do if I miss an Ozempic® injection?

If you forget a dose, you may take the missed dose within 5 days from the missed injection date.

If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose.

Do not take two doses in the same week to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.