Semaglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes (a long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin).
This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Semaglutide is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Semaglutide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage or oral medicine of the day. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a sip of water (up to a half glass or about 120 mL of water). Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
Semaglutide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer)
- multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a rare inherited disorder characterised by cancer in the thyroid gland and other tumours affecting additional glands in the endocrine system)
as Semaglutide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of severe allergic reactions to similar medicines
- stomach or bowel problems e.g. slow food digestion, gastroparesis (delayed emptying of food in the stomach)
- diabetic retinopathy (visual problems related to diabetes)
- severe liver disease
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Semaglutide is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (long-term condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin) or diabetic ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by a high level of blood acid in your body).
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Semaglutide.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you will need to have regular blood tests (e.g. blood sugar level, cholesterol level, kidney function) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
To help control your diabetes, it is important to continue following the diet and exercise recommended by your doctor while you are taking Semaglutide.
If you are taking this medicine with other types of anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms not improve after the second serving.
Semaglutide may cause any of the following side effects: dizziness, constipation, stomach pain or discomfort, indigestion, changes in taste, decreased appetite, weakness, and hair loss.
This medicine commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea which may lead to excessive water loss from the body. Drink plenty of water or other fluids to stay hydrated during treatment.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, or throat
- severe and persistent stomach pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting
- fever, pain in the upper right stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, clay-coloured stools
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed), having thoughts of self-harm
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- blurred vision, floaters, sudden vision loss, pain or pressure in the eye
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- levothyroxine (medicine for thyroid disease)
- rosuvastatin (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- acenocoumarol (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Semaglutide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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