Ozempic is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon secretion, which leads to lower blood sugar levels [1].

The chemical structure of semaglutide is similar to that of human GLP-1, which is a hormone produced by the body to regulate blood sugar levels. This similarity allows semaglutide to bind to the GLP-1 receptor and activate it, which leads to its therapeutic effects [2].

According to the FDA-approved label for Ozempic, the most common side effects of the medication include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. These side effects are generally mild to moderate in severity and tend to improve over time [2].

While the chemical structure of semaglutide may play a role in the medication's side effects, it is not the only factor that determines the likelihood or severity of adverse reactions. Other factors, such as dosage, patient characteristics, and co-administration with other medications, can also impact the occurrence and severity of side effects [3].

In summary, while the chemical structure of semaglutide in Ozempic may contribute to its therapeutic effects, it is not the sole determinant of the medication's side effects. Other factors, such as dosage and patient characteristics, can also play a role. The most common side effects of Ozempic are generally mild to moderate in severity and tend to improve over time [1][2][3].

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/OZEMPIC
[2] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf
[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ozempic-face