Semaglutide Medication Information

Get detailed information on Semaglutide, including pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and instructions on how and when to take it and when to avoid it.

The updated prescription information on Semaglutide provides an overview of possible side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage tips.

You'll also find brand names used in india and internationally, along with pricing details. For further clarification, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Semaglutide

Pronunciation : SEM-a-GLOO-tide

Therapeutic Classification : Antidiabetics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Semaglutide

India :

Ozempic

Overview of Semaglutide

• Semaglutide is an anti-diabetic drug which was approved by US FDA in December 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Why is Semaglutide Prescribed? (Indications)

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist which is prescribed to treat adult patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes along with diet and exercise to improve glucose control.

When should Semaglutide not be taken? (Contraindications)

Semaglutide should not be used in patients with-

• Allergy to semaglutide
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Pancreatitis
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
• Children below 18 years of age
• Pregnancy. It should be stopped at least two months before a planned pregnancy

What is the dosage of Semaglutide?

• The initial recommended adult dose is 0.25 mg once in a week.
• In case of ineffective glycemic control after 4 weeks, the dose can be increased to 0.5 mg once a week.
• If adequate glycemic control is not achieved after another 4 weeks, the dose can be further increased to 1 mg once in a week.
• The maximum recommended dose is 1 mg per week.

How should Semaglutide be taken?

• Semaglutide injection is administered by subcutaneously (just under the skin) of the upper arm, abdomen or thigh once in a week.
• The injection should be taken on the same day each week at any time of the day.

Missed a Dose?

• If a dose is missed, take the missed dose within 5 days from the missed dose schedule.
• If the dose is missed for more than 5 days, skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose.

What are the warnings and precautions for Semaglutide?

• Patients should report signs and symptoms of pancreatitis such as severe stomach pain radiating to the back and if present, the treatment with semaglutide injection should be discontinued immediately.

• Patients with a previous history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored to check for the eye-related disease progression.

• Treatment with semaglutide injection should be stopped immediately if a severe allergic reaction occurs and patients must be treated appropriately.

• Semaglutide injection may cause a serious decrease in the blood sugar level when used along with other antidiabetic drugs, which may require a dose reduction.

• Caution is required while using in patients with kidney disease and monitoring kidney function is necessary to avoid the complications.

What are the side effects of Semaglutide?

Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, low blood sugar level
Skin: Injection site reactions such as pain, swelling and discomfort
Others: Increased level of amylase and lipase, pancreatitis, gallstones, fatigue, taste disturbances, dizziness, abnormal heart rate, allergic reaction

What are the other precautions for Semaglutide?

• Semaglutide should not be mixed along with insulin.
• Semaglutide injection should be checked for any discoloration or the presence of particulate matter and should be discarded if present.
• Do not share the injection pen with anyone even if the needle has been changed to avoid the transmission of blood-related pathogens.
• Women of childbearing age should stop semaglutide injection before 2 months of a planned pregnancy.
• Store the pen always without a needle attached to it and use a new needle for each injection.

What are the Drug Interactions of Semaglutide?

• Semaglutide injection causes a delay in gastric emptying which may interfere with the absorption of orally administered medicines.
• When taken with other anti-diabetic agents, it may result in low blood sugar level which can be overcome by reducing the dose of other anti-diabetic drugs.

What are the storage conditions for Semaglutide?

• Semaglutide injection should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. After the first use, the injection pens can be stored at a room temperature around 15°C to 30°C for a maximum duration of 56 days.
• If it is kept at a room temperature for more than 56 days the injection has to be discarded.
• Do not keep in a freezer.
• The injection should be protected from excess light and moisture.