Semaglutide is a weight loss medicine. It is used to help reduce body weight in obese or overweight adults who have weight-related medical problems.
This medicine is meant to be used as part of a comprehensive weight management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle change.
Use Semaglutide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area) at any time of the day, with or without meals. Try to administer it at the same time each day.
How to use the pre-filled pen:
- This medicine comes with a device called an injection pen. Prepare the injection pen as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Attach the needle to the injection pen. Ensure that the needle is screwed on securely.
- Dial the correct dose.
- Swab the injection site area with alcohol.
- Hold the injection pen with your thumb over the injection button.
- Press the injection pen against your body using the subcutaneous (under the skin) injection method.
- Use your thumb to push the injection button until it stops. Continue to hold the injection button in that position while slowly counting to 5 to get a full dose.
- Withdraw the injection pen from your body.
- Remove the needle from the pen. Never store the injection pen with the needle attached.
- Reset your pen as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Throw away the used needle. Recap your pen and store between 2-8°C or at room temperature below 30°C.
- Use a new needle in every administration of this medicine.
Remember to rotate the choice of injection site area. Do not inject into the same area all the time. Do not inject near the navel (belly button). New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site.
Do not dilute or mix this medicine with any other insulin formulation.
Do not share your Semaglutide injection with anyone else.
Your doctor will also discuss the use of this medicine as different brands and preparations of Semaglutide may only be used for a specific condition. Do not change from one brand to another.
Do not use this medicine for any conditions other than what is prescribed by your doctor.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your response to the medication.
If you miss a dose and it is 5 days or less since you have used Semaglutide, use it as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If it is more than 5 days since you have used this medicine, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use 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).
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using Semaglutide.
For as long as you are using 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.
If you are using 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, hair loss, and redness, itching or rash at the injection site.
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.
If you have not yet opened it, store Semaglutide in a refrigerator between 2-8°C. Do not allow it to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Once opened, available products of this medicine may vary with its storage requirements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist on how to properly store this medicine.
Do not use this medicine if it has changed colour, has a frosted appearance or if you see lumps floating in the liquid or stuck to the side of the glass.
Keep this medicine away from the reach of children.
Make sure you know how to store your medicine. Semaglutide may become ineffective if not stored properly. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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