Semaglutide injection is utilized to treat type 2 diabetes. This medication is used in conjunction with diet and exercise to help maintain a healthy blood sugar level. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart or blood vessel disease. GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide are used to stimulate glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Read further on what is Semaglutide Injection?
Your health care provider or pharmacy can provide more information about this medicine’s other uses. Keep reading to know more about What Is Semaglutide Injection.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): OZEMPIC
Obesity caused by certain conditions can be treated with diet, exercise, and Semaglutide Injection. This medicine (Semaglutide Injection) is usually prescribed in these situations, in conjunction with diet and physical activity. It is available in the form of solution as doses. Its important to know what is Semaglutide Injection before you jump on making any decision. Of course it is an weight loss program approved by FDA.
How should Semaglutide Injection medicine be used?
Subcutaneous administration of semaglutide is administered through a prefilled dosing pen as a liquid solution. Semaglutide injection is injected once a week without regard to meals. Semaglutide injection should be administered at any time of day on the same day each week. It is okay to change the day of the week you take your semaglutide as long as it has been at least 48 hours (two days) since your last dose. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you do not understand any part of the prescription label. Take semaglutide injection as directed. Do not increase the amount or take more of it than prescribed by your physician.
Your doctor may increase your semaglutide injection dose after four weeks, starting you on a low dose. After another four weeks, your doctor might increase your dose based on your body’s response to the medicine. Although semaglutide injection controls diabetes and weight loss, it does not cure them. Continue to take semaglutide injection even if you feel well. Do not stop taking semaglutide injection without speaking to your doctor. These instructions come with the medication and describe how to inject it. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are uncertain how to inject this drug.
Be sure to examine the semaglutide solution prior to administering it. It must be free of particles and colourless, as well as clear. If you notice colour, muck, thickness, or particles in the solution, do not use it. The bottle’s expiry date must also be checked. Do not reuse needles or pens, and never share them. After you inject your dose, remove the needle straight away. Dispose of needles in a container that is difficult to puncture. Your doctor or pharmaceutic may tell you how to get rid of the hard-to-puncture container.
Semaglutide can be injected into your upper arm, thigh, or stomach area, and the injection sites should be rotated. You may inject semaglutide and insulin in the same region, but you should avoid injecting them directly next to each other. If the pen has been stored in the fridge, allow it to warm to room temperature before you inject.
Is Semaglutide injection FDA approved?
Yes, Semaglutide injection is FDA approved. So read more about what is Semaglutide Injection.
Wegovy (semaglutide) injection (2.4 mg every week) has been authorised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for weight reduction in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol) in addition to a restricted calorie diet and increased physical activity.
This is the first drug approved for long-term weight management in people with general obesity or who are overweight since 2014. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) between 27 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2 who have at least one weight-related illness are suitable for chronic weight reduction therapy. Read more about this weight loss program approved by FDA.
What if I miss a dose OF Semaglutide Injection?
In case you neglect to take a dose, take it as soon as possible up to five days after the missed dose. Next dose, take it at the regular weekly time. If you’ve missed more than five days, do not take the missed dose. Double or extra doses are not recommended. If you are uncertain about a missed dose, contact your care team for advice.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Immediately notify your care team if you experience any of the following side effects (unless they continue or bother you). In case of side effects not listed here, speak with your physician for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Read more on Semaglutide Injection side effects here.
According to Mayo clinic:
Less common
- Belching
- bloated, full feeling
- excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
- gaseous stomach pain
- heartburn
- passing gas
- recurrent fever
- stomach discomfort, fullness, or pain
- yellow eyes or skin
Rare
- Burning feeling in the chest or stomach
- indigestion
- stomach upset
- tenderness in the stomach area
Incidence not known
- Anxiety
- blurred vision
- chest tightness
- chills
- cold sweats
- confusion
- cool, pale skin
- cough
- darkened urine
- difficulty swallowing
- discouragement
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- feeling sad or empty
- headache
- hives, itching
- increased heart rate
- increased hunger
- irritability
- lack of appetite
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- loss of consciousness
- loss of interest or pleasure
- nausea
- nightmares
- pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- redness of the skin
- seizures
- shakiness
- skin rash
- slurred speech
- tiredness
- trouble breathing
- trouble concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Diarrhea
Less common
- Constipation
- hair loss
Rare
- Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
- change in taste
- loss of taste
Where should I keep my medication?
Pens should be kept away from children because they could ingest them or injure themselves. When a pen is first used, store it at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) or in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) for 56 days. Throw away the pen after 56 days or after the expiration date, whichever occurs first. Store your pen away from light and heat. Do not store the needle attached to the pen. If the needle is left on, medication may leak from the pen.
Proper Use And Precaution For Semaglutide Injection
There are two very important things to consider when you first begin using this drug. First, your blood sugar levels must be checked frequently when you’re using this medicine, especially before and after each meal and before bed. Second, follow your doctor’s meal plan carefully, as it is the most critical part of controlling diabetes.
Exercise frequently and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed. In addition, this drug comes with a Patient Information Sheet and a Medication Guide. Follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. If you need to give semaglutide injections at home, your physician will teach you how to do this.
Be sure to understand how the injection is to be given. You can give the medicine by injecting it under the skin of your stomach, thighs, or upper arm. Keep track of where you inject each injection in order to make sure you use a different part of the body each time.
You should use a different syringe if you mix this medicine with insulin. It’s acceptable to inject these substances in the same area of the body, but shots should not be given one after the other. If you use this drug, inspect the liquid to ensure that it is clear and colorless.
It should be free of particles, discoloration, and cloudy or brownish liquids. Don’t use it if it’s hazy, discolored, or contains particles. Apply it each time you inject your medicine.
You should switch needles each time you inject your medicine. It’s not safe for one pen to be used for multiple individuals. Don’t share needles or pens with other individuals, as this may lead to disease transmission.
It is not necessary to eat or to eat on the day you use this medicine.
What may interact with this medication?
Just like any medication, Semaglutide Injection can also have some kind of interactions. These are some of the medicines that may cause alterations in blood glucose levels: Some medications conceal the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), therefore you may have to monitor your blood sugar more carefully if you are taking one of these medicines.
Your health care provider needs to know about any medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you are taking in addition to this list. Please inform them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. It is possible for some items to interact with your medication.
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