IMPORTANT WARNING
Semaglutide injections may carry an increased risk of developing thyroid gland tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare thyroid cancer. Although laboratory animals given semaglutide developed tumors, it is not yet confirmed whether this risk extends to humans. Notify your doctor if you or any family member has a history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a condition that leads to tumors in multiple glands. Your doctor may recommend avoiding semaglutide if this applies to you.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following: a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Ensure all scheduled appointments with your doctor and any required laboratory testing are kept, as your doctor may monitor your body’s response to semaglutide with specific tests.
When beginning treatment with semaglutide or refilling your prescription, your doctor or pharmacist will provide a medication guide with vital information from the manufacturer. Please review this guide carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. For additional details, you may also consult the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website.
Discuss the potential risks of semaglutide treatment with your doctor.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Semaglutide injections (Ozempic) are utilized in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise to help regulate blood sugar levels in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes—a condition where the body fails to utilize insulin properly, making it difficult to manage blood sugar levels effectively when other medications are insufficient.
Additionally, Semaglutide injections (Ozempic) play a role in lowering the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death in adults who have type 2 diabetes. It is important to note that this medication is not intended for treating type 1 diabetes (where the body does not produce insulin) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious complication that may arise from untreated high blood sugar). Semaglutide is not a substitute for insulin in patients who require insulin therapy.
Semaglutide injections (Wegovy) are prescribed to help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death in adults who are overweight or obese. These injections are combined with a personalized low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program to support weight loss in adults facing obesity, particularly those who may also contend with high blood pressure, diabetes, or elevated cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, Semaglutide injections (Wegovy) are also indicated for weight loss in obese children aged 12 years and older, when used alongside a tailored low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise regimen.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as incretin mimetics. It functions by assisting the pancreas in releasing the appropriate amount of insulin when blood sugar levels rise. Insulin facilitates the transport of sugar from the bloodstream into various body tissues, where it is utilized for energy. Additionally, Semaglutide injections help slow the rate of gastric emptying and may reduce appetite, thereby aiding in weight loss.
Over time, individuals with diabetes and elevated blood sugar levels may encounter severe or life-threatening complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney dysfunction, nerve damage, and vision issues. Effective management of diabetes through medications, lifestyle modifications (such as dietary changes, increased physical activity, and smoking cessation), and regular blood sugar monitoring can enhance your overall health and potentially reduce the risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or other complications related to diabetes, such as kidney failure, nerve damage (e.g., numbness or coldness in the legs or feet; decreased sexual function in both men and women), vision impairments, and gum disease.
Your healthcare provider will discuss with you the most effective strategies for managing your diabetes.
How should this medicine be used?
Semaglutide injections are available as a solution (liquid) in a prefilled dosing pen intended for subcutaneous administration (under the skin). Generally, it is injected once a week, regardless of meal times. It is recommended to take semaglutide on the same day each week at a time that works best for you. You may change the injection day as long as at least 2 days (or a minimum of 48 hours) have passed since your last dose. Please follow the directions on your prescription label closely, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Use semaglutide exactly as prescribed. Do not modify your dosage or frequency unless directed by your healthcare provider.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of semaglutide, with plans to increase it after 4 weeks. Depending on your body's response, your doctor may make further adjustments to your dosage after another 4 weeks.
While semaglutide injections are effective for managing diabetes and aiding in weight loss, they are not a cure. It is essential to continue using semaglutide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking semaglutide without first consulting your healthcare provider.
Make sure to thoroughly review the manufacturer’s instructions for use that come with the medication. These instructions detail how to properly administer a dose of semaglutide. If you have any questions about the injection procedure, please feel free to ask your pharmacist or doctor for clarification.
Before administering the injection, always check the semaglutide solution. It should be clear, colorless, and free from any particles. Do not use semaglutide if it appears discolored, cloudy, thick, or contains solid particles. Additionally, do not use semaglutide if the expiration date has passed.
Never reuse needles or share them with anyone else. Always remove the needle immediately after your injection. Dispose of needles in a puncture-resistant container and ask your doctor or pharmacist how to properly discard the container.
You can inject semaglutide in your upper arm, thigh, or abdominal area. Ensure to rotate the injection site with each dose. It is acceptable to inject semaglutide and insulin in the same area of the body, but make sure not to inject them too closely together. If the pen has been stored in the refrigerator, allow it to reach room temperature before injection.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may also be prescribed for other purposes; please ask your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before starting semaglutide, it’s important to take the following precautions:
Notify your doctor and pharmacist if you have a known allergy to semaglutide (Rybelsus, Ozempic, Wegovy), albiglutide (Tanzeum; no longer available in the US), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon, Byetta), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), lixisenatide (Adlyxin, in Soliqua), or any other medications or components found in semaglutide. For a complete list of ingredients, consult your pharmacist or the medication guide.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking or plan to take. This is especially important for oral medications, as semaglutide can affect how your body absorbs them.
Make sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), diabetic retinopathy (diabetes-related eye damage), gallbladder disease, or kidney disease. Additionally, inform your doctor if you have recently experienced diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, or if you are unable to consume liquids, as this can lead to dehydration (significant fluid loss).
If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss this with your doctor. They may advise you to discontinue semaglutide for two months before attempting to conceive.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using semaglutide injections, contact your doctor immediately.
Consult your doctor about any major changes in your diet, exercise regimen, or weight; or if you become ill, develop an infection or fever, experience significant stress, or sustain an injury. These factors can influence your blood sugar levels and the necessary dosage of semaglutide.
Be aware that semaglutide may cause unexpected changes in mental health, including suicidal thoughts, especially when used for weight loss. You, your family, or your caregiver should seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms: depression, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, withdrawal from loved ones, a fixation on death, or any other concerning changes in behavior or mood. Ensure that your family or caregiver is informed about these serious symptoms so they can contact a doctor if you are unable to seek help yourself.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Make sure to adhere to all exercise and dietary guidelines provided by your doctor or dietitian.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you are using semaglutide injections (Ozempic), administer the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it has been more than 5 days since your missed dose, skip it and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not attempt to inject a double dose to compensate for the missed one.
If you are using semaglutide injections (Wegovy) and your next dose is more than 2 days away (48 hours), take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away (48 hours), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. If you have missed a dose of semaglutide (Wegovy) for over 2 weeks, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Semaglutide injections may lead to various side effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or persist:
Certain side effects can be serious. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Semaglutide injections may result in additional side effects. Contact your doctor if you encounter any unusual issues while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can report it to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about the storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in its original container and out of reach of children. Store it in a cool, dark place with the pen cap securely in place, away from light and heat.
Unused semaglutide pens (Ozempic) should be refrigerated (36°F to 46°F [2°C to 8°C]), but avoid placing them near the refrigerator's cooling element. Once a semaglutide pen is in use, it can be stored at room temperature (59°F to 86°F [15°C to 30°C]) or in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the pen; if it has been frozen, do not use it.
When traveling, you can keep active pens at room temperature (59°F to 86°F [15°C to 30°C]), but avoid storing them in a car glove compartment or other hot locations. Remember to note the date you first use a semaglutide pen, and dispose of it after 56 days, even if some solution remains.
For semaglutide pens (Wegovy), store them in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F [2°C to 8°C]). Before removing the cap, the pen can be kept at temperatures between 46°F to 86°F (8°C to 30°C) in its original carton for up to 28 days. Again, do not freeze, and do not use semaglutide that has been frozen.
It's essential to keep all medications out of sight and reach of children, as many containers, including weekly pill boxes and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers, are not child-resistant and can be easily opened by young children. To prevent poisoning, always secure safety caps and promptly place medications in a safe location—out of sight and reach of children.
For more information on safely storing medications, visit http://www.upandaway.org.
Unwanted medications should be disposed of in a manner that prevents pets, children, and others from consuming them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. The most effective way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.
Consult your pharmacist or contact your local waste management department to find out about take-back programs available in your area. For more details on safe disposal, visit the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p.
In case of an emergency/overdose
If an overdose occurs, call the poison control helpline at  (800) 222-1222. information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help.
If someone has collapsed, is experiencing a seizure, has difficulty breathing, or cannot be awakened, immediately contact emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Do not allow anyone else to use your medication. If you have any questions regarding your prescription refills, feel free to reach out to your pharmacist.
It is essential to maintain a written record of all prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications you are taking, including any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.
Make sure to bring this list with you during each doctor's appointment or if you are hospitalized. This information is also crucial to have on hand in case of emergencies.
Brand names
- Ozempic®
- Wegovy®