Semaglutide Solution for injection [Weight Management]

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 medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. It is given once every week (every 7 days). Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and pens in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

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.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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
• Change in vision
• Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
• Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• 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
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• 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):

• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Upset stomach

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Refrigeration (preferred): Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep this medication in the original container until you are ready to take it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

Room temperature: If needed, prior to cap removal, the pen can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. Protect from light. If it is stored at room temperature, get rid of any unused medication after 28 days or after it expires, whichever is first.

It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, follow the directions in the MedGuide.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Eye disease caused by diabetes
• History of depression or other mental health conditions
• Kidney disease
• Pancreatic disease
• Personal or family history of MEN 2, a condition that causes endocrine gland tumors
• Personal or family history of thyroid cancer
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• An unusual or allergic reaction to semaglutide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

• Insulin and other medications for diabetes

If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss your dose for 2 weeks or more, take the next dose at your regular time or call your care team to talk about how to restart this medication.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.

This medication may affect blood sugar levels. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Losing weight while pregnant is not advised and may cause harm to the fetus. Talk to your care team for more information.