Patient leaflet - Ozempic 0.5 mg solution for injection in Pre-filled pen
1. What Ozempic® is and what it is used for
Ozempic® contains the active substance semaglutide. It helps your body reduce your blood sugar level only when blood sugar is too high and can help prevent heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It also helps to slow down deterioration of kidney function in patients with T2DM by a mechanism beyond blood glucose lowering.
Ozempic® is used to treat adults (aged 18 years and older) with type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise is not enough:
•
diabetes medicine) or
on its own – when you cannot use metformin (another
•
enough to control your blood sugar levels. These may be medicines you take by mouth or inject such as insulin.
with other medicines for diabetes – when they are not
It is important that you continue with your diet and exercise plan as told by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
2. What you need to know before you use Ozempic®
Do not use Ozempic®
•
ingredients of this medicine (listed in section
if you are allergic to semaglutide or any of the other
6).
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using this medicine.
This medicine is not the same as insulin and you should not use it if:
•
does not produce any insulin
you have type 1 diabetes – a condition where your body
•
diabetes with high blood sugar, breathing difficulty, confusion, excessive thirst, a sweet smell to the breath or a sweet or metallic taste in the mouth.
you develop diabetic ketoacidosis – a complication of
Ozempic® is not an insulin and should therefore not be used as a substitute for insulin.
If you know that you are due to have surgery where you will be under anaesthesia (sleeping), please tell your doctor that you are taking Ozempic®.
Stomach and gut problems and dehydration
During treatment with this medicine, you may feel sick (nausea) or be sick (vomiting), or have diarrhoea. These side effects can cause dehydration (loss of fluids). It is important that you drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. This is especially important if you have kidney problems. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Severe and on-going stomach pain which could be due to acute pancreatitis
If you have ever had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) which may cause severe pain in the stomach and back which does not go away; see section 4.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
Combining a sulfonylurea or an insulin with this medicine might increase the risk of getting low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia). Please see section 4 for the warning signs of low blood sugar levels. Your doctor may ask you to test your blood sugar levels. This will help your doctor decide if the dose of the sulfonylurea or insulin needs to be changed to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.
Diabetic eye disease (retinopathy)
If you have diabetic eye disease and are using insulin, this medicine may lead to a worsening of your vision, and this may require treatment. Tell your doctor if you have diabetic eye disease or if you experience eye problems during treatment with this medicine. In case you have potentially unstable diabetic eye disease, it is not recommended that you use Ozempic® 2
mg.
Sudden changes to your eyesight
If you notice a sudden loss of vision or rapidly worsening eyesight during treatment with semaglutide, urgently contact your doctor. This may be caused by a very rare side effect called non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) (See section 4: Serious side effects). Your doctor will refer you for an eye examination by an ophthalmologist and you may have to stop treatment with semaglutide.
Patients with delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis)
If you have slow (delayed) stomach emptying (called gastroparesis), use of Ozempic® may lead to serious or severe gastrointestinal adverse events. Talk to your doctor before using Ozempic®.
Children and adolescents
This medicine is not recommended in children and adolescents aged under 18
have not yet been established.
years as the safety and efficacy in this age group
Other medicines and Ozempic®
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including herbal medicines or other medicines you bought without a prescription.
In particular, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are using medicines containing any of the following:
•
reduce blood clotting (oral anti-coagulants). You may need frequent blood tests to check how quickly your blood clots.
Warfarin or other similar medicines taken by mouth to
•
reduce the dose of insulin and will recommend you to monitor your blood sugar more frequently, in order to avoid hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes that occurs when the body is unable to break down glucose because there is not enough insulin).
If you are using insulin, your doctor will tell you how to
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
This medicine should not be used during pregnancy, as it is not known if it affects an unborn baby. Therefore, use of contraception is recommended while using this medicine. If you wish to become pregnant, discuss how to change your treatment with your doctor as you should stop using this medicine at least 2 months in advance. If you become pregnant while using this medicine, talk to your doctor right away, as your treatment will need to be changed.
Do not use this medicine if you are breast-feeding, as it is unknown if it passes into breast milk.
Driving and using machines
Ozempic® is unlikely to affect your ability to drive and use machines. If you use this medicine in combination with a sulfonylurea or insulin, low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) may occur which may reduce your ability to concentrate. Do not drive or use machines if you get any signs of low blood sugar. See section 2, ‘Warnings and precautions’ for information on increased risk of low blood sugar and section 4 for the warning signs of low blood sugar. Talk to your doctor for further information.
Sodium content
This medicine contains less than 1
dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
mmol sodium (23 mg) per
3. How to use Ozempic®
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure.
How much to use
•
The starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week for four weeks.
•
0.5
After four weeks your doctor will increase your dose to
mg once a week.
•
your blood sugar is not controlled well enough with a dose of 0.5
Your doctor may increase your dose to 1 mg once a week if
mg once a week.
•
your blood sugar is not controlled well enough with a dose of 1
Your doctor may increase your dose to 2 mg once a week if
mg once a week.
Do not change your dose unless your doctor has told you to.
How Ozempic® is given
Ozempic® is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Do not inject it into a vein or muscle.
•
thighs, the front of your waist (abdomen), or your upper arm.
The best places to give the injection are the front of your
•
nurse will show you how to use it.
Before you use the pen for the first time, your doctor or
Detailed instructions for use are on the other side of this package leaflet.
When to use Ozempic®
•
each week if possible.
You should use this medicine once a week on the same day
•
day – regardless of meals.
You can give yourself the injection at any time of the
To help you remember to inject this medicine once a week only, it is recommended to note the chosen weekday (e.g. Wednesday) on the carton and to write the date on the carton every time you have injected it.
If necessary you can change the day of your weekly injection of this medicine as long as it has been at least 3
your last injection of it. After selecting a new dosing day, continue with once a week dosing.
days since
If you use more Ozempic® than you should
If you use more Ozempic® than you should, talk to your doctor straight away. You may get side effects such as feeling sick (nausea).
If you forget to use Ozempic®
If you forgot to inject a dose and:
•
it as soon as you remember. Then inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.
it is 5 days or less since you should have used Ozempic®, use
•
skip the missed dose. Then inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.
it is more than 5 days since you should have used Ozempic®,
Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop using Ozempic®
Do not stop using this medicine without talking to your doctor. If you stop using it, your blood sugar levels may increase.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Serious side effects
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
•
should tell your doctor if you get eye problems, such as changes in vision, during treatment with this medicine.
Complications of diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) – you
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
•
severe pain in the stomach and back which does not go away. This is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. You should see a doctor immediately if you experience such symptoms.
Inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis) which could cause
Stop using this medicine and seek urgent medical help if
you experience: Severe, persistent pain in the stomach area (abdomen), with or without nausea and vomiting. This could be a sign of acute pancreatitis, which is serious and potentially life-threatening.
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1
000 people)
•
You must get 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.
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions, angioedema).
Very Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10 000 people)
•
ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which may cause loss of vision without any pain. You should urgently contact your doctor if you notice sudden or gradually worsening eyesight (see section 2: “Sudden changes to your eyesight”).
A medical condition of the eye called non-arteritic anterior
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
•
symptoms such as stomach ache, bloating, vomiting etc.
Bowel obstruction. A severe form of constipation with additional
Other side effects
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
•
Feeling sick (nausea) – this usually goes away over time
•
Diarrhoea – this usually goes away over time
•
used with medicines that contain a sulfonylurea or insulin
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) when this medicine is
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
•
Being sick (vomiting)
•
with oral diabetes medicine other than sulfonylurea or insulin
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) when this medicine is used
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.
Low blood sugar is more likely to happen if you also take a sulfonylurea or insulin. Your doctor may reduce your dose of these medicines before you start using this medicine.
•
Indigestion
•
ache, feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
Inflamed stomach (‘gastritis’) – the signs include stomach
•
disease’ (GERD)
Reflux or heartburn – also called ‘gastro-esophageal reflux
•
Stomach pain
•
Bloating of the stomach
•
Constipation
•
Burping
•
Gall stones
•
Dizziness
•
Tiredness
•
Weight loss
•
Less appetite
•
Gas (flatulence)
•
Increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase)
•
Headache.
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
•
Change in the way food or drink tastes
•
Fast pulse
•
itching and rash
Injection site reactions – such as bruising, pain, irritation,
•
Allergic reactions like rash, itching or hives
•
A delay in the emptying of the stomach.
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
•
Change in skin sensation.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via
Yellow Card Scheme
Website: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Ozempic®
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 ’EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Before opening:
Store in a refrigerator (2
from the cooling element. Keep the pen cap on in order to protect from light.
°C–8 °C). Do not freeze. Keep away
During use:
•
temperature below 30
away from the cooling element. Do not freeze Ozempic® and do not use it if it has been frozen.
You can keep the pen for 6 weeks when stored at a
°C or in a refrigerator (2 °C–8 °C)
•
order to protect from light.
When you are not using the pen, keep the pen cap on in
Do not use this medicine if you notice that the solution is not clear and colourless or almost 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.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Ozempic® contains
•
The active substance is semaglutide.
•
semaglutide. One pre-filled pen contains 2 mg semaglutide in 1.5 mL solution. Each dose contains 0.5 mg of semaglutide in 0.37 mL.
1.5 mL: One mL solution for injection contains 1.34 mg
•
semaglutide. One pre-filled pen contains 2 mg semaglutide in 3 mL solution. Each dose contains 0.5 mg of semaglutide in 0.74 mL.
3 mL: One mL solution for injection contains 0.68 mg
•
propylene glycol, phenol, water for injections, sodium hydroxide/hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment). See also section 2, ‘Sodium content’.
The other ingredients are: disodium phosphate dihydrate,
What Ozempic® looks like and contents of the pack
Ozempic® is a clear and colourless or almost colourless solution for injection in a pre-filled pen.
1.5 mL: Each pre-filled pen contains 1.5 mL of solution, delivering 4 doses of 0.5 mg.
3 mL: Each pre-filled pen contains 3 mL of solution, delivering 4 doses of 0.5 mg.
Ozempic® 0.5
following pack sizes:
mg solution for injection is available in the
1 pen and 4 disposable NovoFine® Plus needles.
3 pens and 12 disposable NovoFine® Plus needles.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk A/S
Novo Allé
DK-2880 Bagsværd
Denmark
0.5 mg
Solution for injection in pre-filled pen semaglutide
This leaflet was last revised in 11/2025.
Ozempic® and NovoFine® are trademarks owned by Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark
© 2025
Novo Nordisk A/S
8-9512-01-002-7
Instructions on how to use Ozempic® 0.5
injection in pre-filled pen
mg solution for
Please read these instructions carefully before using your Ozempic® pre-filled pen. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about how to inject Ozempic® correctly.
Start by checking your pen to make sure that it contains Ozempic® 0.5
then look at the illustrations below to get to know the different parts of your pen and needle.
mg,
If you are blind or have poor eyesight and cannot read the dose counter on the pen, do not use this pen without help. Get help from a person with good eyesight who knows how to use the Ozempic® pre-filled pen.
Your pen is a pre-filled dial-a-dose pen. It contains 2
semaglutide, and you can only select doses of 0.5
unused pen contains four doses of 0.5
mg of
mg. One
mg.
Use the table inside the lid of the carton to keep track of how many injections you have taken and when you took the injections.
Your pen is designed to be used with 30G, 31G, and 32G disposable needles up to a length of 8 mm.
NovoFine® Plus needles are included in the pack.
Please note: Your pen may differ in size from the pen shown in the picture. These instructions apply to all Ozempic® 0.5 mg pens.
Important information
Pay special attention to these notes, as they are important for safe use of the pen.
Ozempic® pre-filled pen and needle (example)
- 1. Prepare your pen with a new needle
•
Check the name and coloured label of your pen, to make sure that it contains Ozempic® 0.5
This is especially important if you take more than one type of injectable medicine. Using the wrong medicine could be harmful to your health.
mg.
•
Pull off the pen cap.
•
Check that the solution in your pen is clear and colourless. Look through the pen window. If the solution looks cloudy or coloured, do not use the pen.
•
Take a new needle.
Check the paper tab and
the outer needle cap for damages that could affect sterility. If any damage is seen use a new needle.
•
Tear off the paper tab.
Make sure to attach the
needle correctly.
•
straight onto the pen.
Push the needle
•
tight.
Turn until it is on
by two caps. You must remove both caps. If you forget to remove both caps, you will not inject any solution.
•
Pull off the outer needle cap and keep it for later. You will need it after the injection, to safely remove the needle from the pen.
•
Pull off the inner needle cap and throw it away. If you try to put it back on, you may accidentally stick yourself with the needle.
A drop of solution may appear at the needle tip. This is normal, but you must still check the flow, if you use a new pen for the first time. See step
with each new pen’.
2 ‘Check the flow
Do not attach a new needle to your pen until you are ready to take your injection.
Always use a new needle for each injection.
This may prevent blocked needles, contamination, infection and inaccurate dosing.
Never use a bent or damaged needle.
- 2. Check the flow with each new pen
•
use, go to step 3 ‘Select your dose’. Only check the flow before your first injection with each new pen.
If your pen is already in
•
the flow check symbol ( ) right past ‘0’. Make sure the flow check symbol lines up with the pointer.
Turn the dose selector to
•
needle pointing up.
Hold the pen with the
Press and hold in the dose button until the dose counter returns to
with the dose pointer.
‘0’. The ‘0’ must line up
A drop of solution should
appear at the needle tip.
A small drop may remain at the needle tip, but it will not be injected.
If no drop appears, repeat step
each new pen’ up to 6
the needle and repeat step
new pen’ once more.
2 ‘Check the flow with
times. If there is still no drop, change
2 ‘Check the flow with each
Dispose of the pen and use a new one if a drop of solution still does not appear.
Always make sure that a drop appears at the needle tip before you use a new pen for the first time. This makes sure that the solution flows.
If no drop appears, you will not inject any medicine,
even though the dose counter may move. This may indicate a blocked or damaged needle.
If you do not check the flow before your first injection with each new pen, you may not get the prescribed dose and the intended effect of Ozempic®.
- 3. Select your dose
•
Turn the dose selector to select 0.5
mg.
Keep turning until the
dose counter stops and shows 0.5
mg.
Only the dose counter and dose pointer will show that 0.5
mg has been selected.
You can only select 0.5
contains less than 0.5
0.5 is shown.
mg per dose. When your pen
mg, the dose counter stops before
The dose selector clicks differently when turned forwards, backwards or past 0.5
mg. Do not count the pen clicks.
Always use the dose counter and the dose pointer to see that 0.5
before injecting this medicine.
mg has been selected
Do not count the pen clicks.
Only doses of 0.5 mg must be selected with the dose selector.
0.5
ensure that you get a correct dose.
mg must line up precisely with the dose pointer to
How much solution is left
•
To see how much solution is left, use the dose counter: Turn the dose selector until the dose counter stops.
If it shows 0.5,
at least 0.5 mg is left in your pen.
If the
dose counter stops before 0.5 mg, there is not enough solution left for a full dose of 0.5 mg.
If there is not enough solution left in your pen for a full dose, do not use it. Use a new Ozempic® pen.
- 4. Inject your dose
•
your skin as your doctor or nurse has shown you.
Insert the needle into
•
Make sure you can see the dose counter. Do not cover it with your fingers. This could interrupt the injection.
•
the dose button. Watch as the dose counter returns to
The
must line up with the dose pointer. You may then hear or feel a click.
Press and hold down
‘0’.
‘0’
•
dose button while keeping the needle in your skin.
Continue pressing the
•
keeping the dose button pressed.
Count slowly to 6, while
•
earlier, you may see a stream of solution coming from the needle tip. If so, the full dose will not be delivered.
If the needle is removed
•
Remove the needle from your skin. You can then release the dose button.
If blood appears at the
injection site, press lightly.
You may see a drop of solution at the needle tip after injecting. This is normal and does not affect your dose.
Always watch the dose counter to know how many mg you inject. Hold the dose button down until the dose counter returns to
‘0’.
How to identify a blocked or damaged needle
–
continuously pressing the dose button, you may have used a blocked or damaged needle.
If ‘0’ does not appear in the dose counter after
–
not received any medicine – even though the dose counter has moved from the original dose that you have set.
In this case, you have
How to handle a blocked needle
Change the needle as described in step injection’ and repeat all steps starting with step
‘Prepare your pen with a new needle’. Make sure you select the full dose you need.
5 ‘After your
1
Never touch the dose counter when you inject. This can interrupt the injection.
- 5. After your injection needle after each injection to ensure convenient injections and prevent blocked needles. If the needle is blocked, you will not inject any medicine.
•
Lead the needle tip into the outer needle cap on a flat surface without touching the needle or the outer needle cap.
covered, carefully push the outer needle cap completely on.
Once the needle is
•
Unscrew the needle and dispose of it carefully as instructed by your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or local authorities.
The needle is covered
•
Put the pen cap on your pen after each use to protect the solution from light.
When the pen is empty, throw it away without a needle on as instructed by your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or local authorities.
Never try to put the inner needle cap back on the needle. You may stick yourself with the needle.
Always remove the needle from your pen immediately after each injection.
This may prevent blocked needles, contamination, infection, leakage of solution and inaccurate dosing.
Further important information
•
out of the sight and reach of others, especially children.
Always keep your pen and needles
•
Never share your pen or your needles with other people.
•
be very careful when handling used needles to prevent needle injury and cross-infection.
Caregivers must
Caring for your pen
Treat your pen with care. Rough handling or misuse may cause inaccurate dosing. If this happens you might not get the intended effect of this medicine.
•
Do not leave the pen in a car or another place where it can get too hot or too cold.
•
Do not inject Ozempic® which has been frozen. If you do that, you might not get the intended effect of this medicine.
•
Do not inject Ozempic® which has been exposed to direct sunlight. If you do that, you might not get the intended effect of this medicine.
•
Do not expose your pen to dust, dirt or liquid.
•
Do not wash, soak or lubricate your pen. It may be cleaned with a mild detergent on a moistened cloth.
Always dispose of the
•
Do not drop your pen or knock it against hard surfaces. If you drop it or suspect a problem, attach a new needle and check the flow before you inject.
•
Do not try to refill your pen. Once empty, it must be disposed of.
•
Do not try to repair your pen or pull it apart.
A
A
A
A
A
Flow check symbol selected
0.5 mg selected
B
B
B
B
C
Count slowly:
C
C
1-2-3-4-5-6
D
Outer needle cap
Pen cap
D
Inner needle cap
E
Needle
A
Paper tab
Pen window
Dose counter stopped: 0.5 mg left
F
Pen label
Dose counter
Dose pointer
Dose selector
Flow check symbol
VV-LAB-135340 1.0 .
Dose button