Semaglutide is used to lower the risk of death from heart attack and stroke in people with heart disease who are overweight or obese. It is also used by certain overweight people (such as those who are obese or have weight-related medical problems) to help lose weight. Semaglutide is used along with a doctor-approved exercise, behavior change, and reduced-calorie diet program. Losing weight and keeping it off can lessen the many health risks of being overweight, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life. Semaglutide is similar to a natural hormone in your body (incretin). It works by controlling your appetite.
This medication has been found to cause a certain type of thyroid tumor (thyroid C-cell tumors) in rats and mice. It is unknown if this medication can cause similar tumors in humans. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of treatment with this medication. This medication should not be used by people with a personal/family history of a certain type of cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma) or by people with a certain inherited disease (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 or MEN 2). While using this medication, tell your doctor right away if you notice any signs or symptoms of thyroid tumors, including unusual growth or lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, or unusual/lasting hoarseness.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using semaglutide and each time you get a refill. Learn all preparation and usage instructions. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually once weekly. It may be used with or without food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will start you on a low dose first to decrease your risk of stomach/abdominal side effects, and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject in an area that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or has scars or stretch marks.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day and time each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Carefully follow the meal plan and exercise program your doctor has recommended.
Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, tiredness, dizziness, or constipation may occur. Nausea usually lessens as you continue to use semaglutide. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Vomiting/diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in dehydration. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual dry mouth/thirst or dizziness/lightheadedness.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), vision changes (such as decreased/blurred vision), fast heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), signs of low blood sugar (sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, tingling hands/feet).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: signs of pancreas or gallbladder disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning section.
Before using semaglutide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, gallbladder disease, disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), a certain eye problem (diabetic retinopathy), mental/mood disorders (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), certain stomach/intestinal disorders (gastroparesis, problems digesting food).
If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood sugar (see Side Effects section). Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication(s), exercise program, or diet.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be at greater risk for gallbladder disease, rash, and low blood pressure while using this drug.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using semaglutide and for 2 months after the last dose. Semaglutide may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Do not use this medication with any other product that contains semaglutide or other medications which are similar to this medication (such as exenatide, dulaglutide).
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, blood glucose, heartbeat, weight) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 48 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you miss more than 2 doses in a row, ask your doctor if you should restart the medication with a lower dose to reduce your chance of side effects.
Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.