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SEMAGLUTIDE (SEM a GLOO tide) promotes weight loss. It may also be used to maintain weight loss. It works by decreasing appetite. It can be used to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people affected by excess weight. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth with water (no more than 4 ounces). Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food, drinks, or other medications. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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-Carbamazepine
-Cyclosporine
-Digoxin
-Insulin and other medications for diabetes
-Levothyroxine
-Phenytoin
-Tacrolimus
-Theophylline
-Warfarin
This medication may affect how other medications work. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your condition does not start to get better or if it gets worse.
Tell your care team if you are taking medication to treat diabetes, such as insulin or glipizide. This may increase your risk of low blood sugar. Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat it.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness that does not go away, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing.
Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies that have a high water content. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active. Talk to your care team right away if you have fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea, or if you sweat a lot while taking this medication. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your care team if you may be or could become pregnant. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy.
Talk to your care team if you are breastfeeding. When recommended, this medication may be taken. Its use during breastfeeding has not been well studied. Your care team may suggest other options.
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If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
-Fast or irregular heartbeat
-Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
-Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
-Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
-Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Constipation
-Diarrhea
-Loss of appetite
-Nausea
-Upset stomach
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container until you are ready to take it. Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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