Semaglutide

💊 What is Semaglutide used for?

• •Along with diet and exercise, to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes
• •To lower the risk of major heart problems, such as heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease, in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease
• •To lower the risk of kidney function decline, end-stage kidney disease, and death from heart disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease

How it works

The label describes semaglutide as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a medicine that copies a natural hormone called GLP-1. The label says it stimulates insulin release when blood glucose is high and slows how fast the stomach empties. The label does not describe every detail of how it works.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says to use it once a week, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food. It is injected under the skin of the stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. It must not be injected into a muscle or a vein. Change the injection site each time. The dose is usually started low and raised step by step over several weeks, as directed. The label says to read the Instructions for Use that come with the medicine, and that your healthcare provider should show you how to use it before your first dose. The label says not to mix it with insulin in the same injection and not to share the pen with anyone.

Comes as

• •Clear, colorless injection in single-patient-use pens with multiple weekly doses: 2 mg/3 mL, 4 mg/3 mL, and 8 mg/3 mL
• •Single-dose prefilled syringes: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1 mg per 0.5 mL

⚠️ Semaglutide side effects

🛑 Who should not take Semaglutide, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You or any of your family have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
• 🚨You have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• 🚨You have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in the medicine.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your provider if you have or have had problems with your pancreas.
• •Tell your provider if you have a history of diabetic retinopathy (eye damage from diabetes).
• •Tell your provider if you have severe stomach problems, such as slowed stomach emptying (gastroparesis) or problems digesting food.
• •Tell your provider if you are scheduled for surgery or procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). The label says this has been linked to pulmonary aspiration with GLP-1 medicines.
• •Tell your provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed.
• •Tell your provider about all medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •Talk with your provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it, especially if you take insulin or sulfonylureas.
• •The label says it is not known if this medicine is safe and effective in children.

🔀 Semaglutide with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Insulin or sulfonylureas (insulin secretagogues): the label says these together may raise the risk of low blood sugar, including severe low blood sugar. The label says the dose of these medicines may need to be reduced when starting semaglutide.
• •Oral medicines: the label says semaglutide slows stomach emptying and may affect how oral medicines are absorbed. It says caution should be used. In clinical pharmacology trials, it did not affect absorption of oral medicines to any clinically relevant degree.
• •Insulin: the label says not to mix insulin and semaglutide in the same injection. It may be given in the same body area, but not right next to each other.

Alcohol and food

The label says it may be taken with or without food. The label does not give information about alcohol.

🤰 Semaglutide in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says it is not known if semaglutide will harm an unborn baby. Animal studies showed possible risks to the fetus. The label says it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. The Medication Guide says to stop using it at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant, and to talk with your provider about the best way to control blood sugar if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant.

Breastfeeding

The label says it is not known if semaglutide passes into breast milk. It says to talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using it.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label excerpt does not include storage temperature instructions. Check the carton and the Instructions for Use, or ask your pharmacist. The label says to visually check the medicine before use. It should look clear and colorless, and it should not be used if particles or a change in color are seen.

If a dose is missed

The label says to take a missed dose as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, the label says to skip the missed dose and take the next dose on the regular scheduled day. You can then go back to your usual weekly schedule. The label also says you may change the day of the week for your dose if the time between two doses is at least 2 days.

If too much is taken

The label says to call your healthcare provider or the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, or go to the nearest emergency room right away, if you take too much. The label says a long period of observation and treatment may be needed because the medicine stays in the body for a long time (about 1 week).

🗒️ Questions to ask about Semaglutide

• Am I at risk for thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid carcinoma because of my personal or family history?
• What symptoms should I watch for that could mean a pancreas or gallbladder problem?
• How should I manage my blood sugar if I take insulin or a sulfonylurea with this medicine?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Does this medicine affect any of my other medicines, including pills I take by mouth?
• What should I do before a surgery or a procedure that uses anesthesia?
• What plan should I follow if I plan to become pregnant?

❓ Semaglutide: frequently asked questions