Ozempic (semaglutide) is medication that is FDA approved used to treat elevated glucose (blood sugar) levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy (also semaglutide) is FDA approved for weight loss. Both drugs are also approved for reducing cardiovascular risk factors in adults with type II diabetes. Although Ozempic was never studied and approved for weight loss it has been used off-label for weight loss for years before Wegovy was an approved medication.
Ozempic and Wegovy are injected once per week. Wegovy has a higher maximum dose at 2.4 mg per week compared to the Ozempic dose of 2mg. As a result, Wegovy has a higher side-effect profile due to the increased dose.
Side Effects
Side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy appear to be dose related with higher doses causing more side effects. The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal side effects of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation (less common than diarrhea). These can be uncomfortable side effects for a commercial driver and should be considered when starting the medication. The side effects lessen with lower doses and with longer use of the medication.
A more serious side effect for commercial drivers is hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level). Hypoglycemia isn’t very common if you’re taking semaglutide on its own. It becomes more common when combining semaglutide with other diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas such as Glipizide or Glyburide.
Hypoglycemia can impair driving ability since driving is a complex task that requires attention, coordination, and quick reflexes. If semaglutide is started by a driver it is safest if they start in during a break from driving such as a vacation. This gives the driver a chance to get used to the medication and any side effects. They should also consider avoiding the drug unless it is being used as a sole medication for diabetes or weight loss. Although metformin appears safe when taken with semaglutide I would recommend stopping sulfonylureas when driving.
Conclusion
Obesity and type II diabetes are serious problems for drivers and semaglutide can be a valuable medication for treating both. Semaglutide works best when combined with diet and exercise.