Semaglutide (injection)

Pronunciation: SEM a GLOO tide
Brands: Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy
Other forms: Compounded often with B-12

What is the most important information I should know about Semaglutide?

Call Sanctuary Health Practices at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath.
You should not use Semaglutide if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands), or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.

What is the most important information I should know about Semaglutide?

You should not use Semaglutide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
• multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands); or
• a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer).

Tell Sanctuary Health Practices if you have ever had:
• a stomach or intestinal disorder;
• pancreatitis;
• kidney disease; or
• eye problems caused by diabetes (retinopathy).

In animal studies, Semaglutide caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people. Ask Sanctuary Health Practices about your risk.
Stop using this medicine at least 2 months before you plan to get pregnant. Ask Sanctuary Health Practices for safer medicine to use during this time. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, as is gaining the right amount of weight. Even if you are overweight, losing weight during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Semaglutide.

How should I use Semaglutide?

Follow all directions that were provided and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Semaglutide is usually started at a low dose that is gradually increased every 4 weeks to 30 days. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Semaglutide is injected under the skin, usually once per week at any time of the day, with or without food. Use an injection on the same day each week.
Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask Sanctuary Health Practices if you need help.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call Sanctuary Health Practices if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.
Sanctuary Health Practices will show you where to inject Semaglutide. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
If you choose a different weekly injection day, start your new schedule after at least 2 days have passed since the last injection you gave.
Do not use different brands of Semaglutide at the same time.
Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.
Tell Sanctuary Health Practices if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask Sanctuary Health Practices before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, medical tests, and special medical care.
You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call Sanctuary Health Practices if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you eat or drink less than usual.
Store unopened Semaglutide syringes in the original carton in a refrigerator, protected from light. Do not use past the expiration date. Throw away any Semaglutide syringe that has been frozen.
If needed, you may store an unopened Semaglutide syringe at cool room temperature for up to 28 days. Do not remove the cap until you are ready to use the injection. The syringe contains a single dose. Throw the syringe away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Protect from heat and light. Keep the cap on when not in use. Throw the Semaglutide syringes away after 56 days.
Do not reuse a needle. Place it in a puncture-proof “sharps” container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can and then go back to your regular schedule. If you are more than 5 days late for the injection, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
Do not use two doses of Semaglutide at one time.
Call Sanctuary Health Practices if you miss more than 2 doses in a row of Semaglutide. You may need to restart the medicine at a lower dose to avoid stomach problems.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose may cause severe nausea, vomiting, or low blood sugar.

What should I avoid while using Semaglutide?

Never share a Semaglutide syringe, even if you change the needle. Sharing this syringe can pass infection or disease from person to person.

What are the possible side effects of Semaglutide?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; dizziness, fast heartbeats; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call Sanctuary Health Practices at once if you have:
• vision changes;
• unusual mood changes, thoughts about hurting yourself;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• signs of a thyroid tumor –swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath;
• symptoms of pancreatitis –severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea with or without vomiting, fast heart rate;
• gallbladder problems –upper stomach pain, fever, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• low blood sugar –headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery;
• kidney problems –swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or
• stomach flu symptoms –stomach cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea (may be watery or bloody).
Common side effects may include:
• low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes);
• upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• runny nose or sore throat;
• stomach flu symptoms;
• headache, dizziness, tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call Sanctuary Health Practices for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Semaglutide?

Semaglutide can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.
Tell Sanctuary Health Practices about all your other medicines, especially insulin or other diabetes medicine such as: dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, Byetta, Trulicity, Victoza, and others.
Other drugs may affect Semaglutide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell Sanctuary Health Practices about all other medicines you use.