Uses
Semaglutide is used along with a diet and exercise program to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) when other medications did not control the sugar levels well enough. Semaglutide is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that may develop if high blood sugar is not treated). Semaglutide is in a class of medications called incretin mimetics. It works by helping the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. Semaglutide also works by slowing the movement of food through the stomach.
Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Using medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.
Side Effects Of Semaglutide
This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms.
Semaglutide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- decreased appetite
- heartburn
- burping
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- ongoing pain that begins in the upper left or middle of the stomach but may spread to the back, with or without vomiting
- rash; itching; swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing
- decreased urination; swelling of legs, ankles, or feet
- vision changes
Semaglutide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking semaglutide:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus), alibiglutide (Tanzeum; no longer available in US); dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon, Byetta), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza, in Xultophy), lixisenatide (Adlyxin, in Soliqua), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in semaglutide tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. It is especially important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take by mouth because semaglutide may change the way your body absorbs these medications. Also be sure to mention insulin, levothyroxine (Euthyrox, Levo-T, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint, others), sulfonylureas such as glimepiride (Amaryl, in Duetact), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase), tolazamide, and tolbutamide. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), diabetic retinopathy (damage to the eyes caused by diabetes), or kidney disease. Also tell your doctor if you have recently had diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting or if you cannot drink liquids by mouth, which may cause dehydration (loss of a large amount of body fluids).
- tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking semaglutide for 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking semaglutide, call your doctor.
- If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking semaglutide.
- ask your doctor what to do if there is a large change in your diet, exercise, or weight; or if you get sick, develop an infection or fever, experience unusual stress, or are injured. These changes and conditions can affect your blood sugar and the amount of semaglutide you may need.
Dosage Of Semaglutide
Semaglutide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day when you wake up. Take semaglutide with a sip of water (no more than 4 ounces [120 mL]) at least 30 minutes before eating a meal or snack, drinking, or taking any other medications. The drug works best if you eat a meal or snack 30 to 60 minutes after you take the drug. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose, depending on your response to semaglutide. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take semaglutide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than directed by the package label or prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Semaglutide controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take semaglutide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking semaglutide without talking with your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) should be checked regularly to determine your response to semaglutide. Your doctor will also tell you how to check your response to this medication by measuring your blood sugar levels at home. Follow these instructions carefully.
You should always wear a diabetic identification bracelet to be sure you get proper treatment in an emergency.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
