Semaglutide 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
• 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
• 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):

• Constipation
• 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
• Gallbladder disease
• Have or have had depression
• Have or have had pancreatitis
• Having surgery
• Kidney disease
• Personal or family history of MEN 2, a condition that causes endocrine gland tumors
• Personal or family history of thyroid cancer
• Stomach or intestine problems, such as problems digesting food
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt
• 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. 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.