Semaglutide

SEMAGLUTIDE (WEIGHT LOSS): INJECTION (SEM-a-GLOO-tide) USES: This medication is used with a doctor-approved exercise, behavior change, and reduced-calorie diet program to help you lose weight. It is used by certain overweight people, such as those who are obese or have weight-related medical problems. Losing weight and keeping it off can lessen the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life. Semaglutide is similar to a natural hormone in your body (incretin). It works by controlling your appetite.

HOW TO USE: Before using semaglutide and each time you get a refill, read the medication guide and usage instructions that your pharmacist has provided. Learn all the preparation and usage instructions. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually once a week. It may be used with or without food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will start you on a low dose first to decrease your risk of stomach/abdominal side effects and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctors instructions carefully. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen the injury under the skin. Do not inject in an area that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or has scars or stretch marks. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day and time each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Carefully follow the meal plan and exercise program your doctor has recommended. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Side Effects: See also the Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, tiredness, dizziness, or constipation may occur. Nausea usually lessens as you continue to use semaglutide. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Vomiting/diarrhea that doesnt stop may result in dehydration. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as an unusual dry mouth, thirst, or dizziness/lightheadedness. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), vision changes (such as decreased/blurred vision), fast heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as depression or thoughts of suicide), and signs of low blood sugar (sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, tingling hands/feet). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including signs of pancreas or gallbladder disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesnt stop severe stomach/abdominal pain). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

PRECAUTIONS: See also the Warning section. Before using semaglutide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, gallbladder disease, disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), a certain eye problem (diabetic retinopathy), mental/mood disorders (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), and certain stomach/intestinal disorders (gastroparesis, problems digesting food). If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed, and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood sugar (see Side Effects section). Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication(s), exercise program, or diet. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Children may be at greater risk for gallbladder disease, rash, and low blood pressure while using this drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using semaglutide or for 2 months after the last dose. Semaglutide may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription and nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctors approval. Do not use this medication with any other product that contains semaglutide or other medications that are similar to this medication (such as exenatide or dulaglutide).

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose (less than 48 hours away), skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you miss more than 2 doses in a row, ask your doctor if you should restart the medication with a lower dose to reduce your chance of side effects.

STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. This medication is stable when exposed to up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 5 days, so refrigeration is not required for shipping using the validated packaging used for shipment. Keep in original carton to protect from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.