Pronunciation: Semaglutide - sem-a-gloo-tide
Brand Names:
Ozempic®
0.25 mg/dose
0.5 mg/dose
1 mg/dose
2 mg/dose
Rybelsus® (tablet form)
Wegovy®
0.25 mg/dose
0.5 mg/dose
1 mg/dose
1.7 mg/dose
2.4 mg/dose
Important Safety Information:
This drug has been shown to cause thyroid cancer in some animals. It is not known if this happens in humans. If thyroid cancer occurs, it may be deadly if not found and treated early. Call your doctor right away if you have a neck mass, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or hoarseness that does not go away.
Do not use this drug if:
You have a health problem called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
You or a family member have had thyroid cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this drug used for?
Ozempic® Prefilled Pens and Rybelsus® Tablets:
Used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (type 2 diabetes).
Wegovy® Prefilled Pens:
Used to help with weight loss in certain people.
What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?
For all uses of this drug:
If you are allergic to this drug, any of its components, or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Inform your doctor about the allergy and the symptoms you have experienced.
If you have ever had pancreatitis.
If you have or have ever had depression or thoughts of suicide.
If you are using another drug that contains the same active ingredient.
If you are using another drug similar to this one. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
For high blood sugar:
Do not use this drug if you have type 1 diabetes.
Note:
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications (prescription or over-the-counter, natural products, vitamins) and health problems.
Ensure it is safe for you to take this drug with all your medications and health conditions.
Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without consulting your doctor.
What should I know or do while I take this drug?
Inform all your healthcare providers that you are taking this drug. This includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Follow the diet and exercise plan prescribed by your doctor.
Have blood work checked as instructed by your doctor.
Talk with your doctor before consuming alcohol.
Kidney problems have occurred. Sometimes, these may need to be treated in the hospital or with dialysis.
If you cannot drink liquids by mouth or if you have persistent upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea, you need to avoid becoming dehydrated. Contact your doctor for guidance. Dehydration may lead to low blood pressure or worsen kidney problems.
Do not share pen or cartridge devices with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices may transmit infections from one person to another, including infections you may not know you have.
Note: If you are planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. You may need to stop taking this drug at least two months before becoming pregnant.
Wear a medical alert identification.
Check your blood sugar as directed by your doctor.
Do not drive if your blood sugar is low. There is a greater chance of having an accident.
It may be harder to control blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Changes in physical activity, exercise, or diet may also affect blood sugar.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
Weight loss during pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking this drug or if you wish to become pregnant, call your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
What are some side effects that require immediate medical attention?
Signs of an allergic reaction:
Hives
Itching
Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
Fever
Wheezing
Tightness in the chest or throat
Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
Unusual hoarseness
Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of kidney problems:
Inability to pass urine
Change in the amount of urine passed
Blood in the urine
Significant weight gain
Signs of gallbladder problems:
Pain in the upper right abdomen, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades
Changes in stools
Dark urine
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Fever with chills
Severe dizziness or fainting
Rapid heartbeat
Changes in eyesight
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur. The risk may be increased when this drug is used with other diabetes medications. Symptoms may include:
Dizziness
Headache
Feeling sleepy or weak
Shaking
Fast heartbeat
Confusion
Hunger
Sweating
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs. Follow your doctor's instructions for treating low blood sugar, which may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or some fruit juices.
Severe pancreas problems (pancreatitis) have occurred with this drug. Call your doctor right away if you have:
Severe stomach pain
Severe back pain
Severe upset stomach or vomiting
New or worsening behavior or mood changes, such as depression or thoughts of suicide.
⚠️ Warning: Although it may be rare, some people may experience very serious side effects when taking a drug. Contact your doctor or seek medical help immediately if you have any of the following signs or symptoms.
What are some common side effects?
While all drugs may cause side effects, many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if any of these side effects bother you or do not go away:
Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Headache
Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak
Nose or throat irritation
Bloating
Burping
Nausea
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as prescribed by your doctor. Read all provided information and follow instructions closely.
Tablets (Rybelsus®):
Take at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or medication of the day.
Take with plain water only. Do not take with more than 4 ounces (120 mL) of water.
Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
Continue taking this drug as instructed by your doctor or healthcare provider.
Prefilled Syringes or Pens (Ozempic®, Wegovy®):
Wash your hands before and after use.
Administer as a subcutaneous injection into the fatty tissue of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
If you are self-injecting, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the injection.
Take the drug on the same day each week, with or without food.
Rotate the injection site with each dose.
If the solution is cloudy, leaking, has particles, or changes color, do not use it.
Continue taking this drug as instructed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you feel well.
Dispose of needles in a proper sharps disposal container. Do not reuse needles or other items. Follow local regulations for disposal.
Attach a new needle before each dose.
Remove the needle after each injection. Do not store the device with the needle attached.
Replace the cap after administering your dose.
If you are also using insulin, you may inject this drug and the insulin in the same area of the body but not right next to each other.
Do not mix this drug in the same syringe with insulin.
This product may make a clicking sound as you prepare the dose. Do not prepare the dose by counting the clicks, as this could lead to incorrect dosing.
For Weight Loss (Wegovy®):
Each pen is for one-time use only. Use it immediately after opening. Discard any remaining medication after the dose is given.
Do not use this drug if it has been dropped or is broken.
Do not get this product wet.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Tablets (Rybelsus®):
Skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time or extra doses.
Prefilled Syringes or Pens:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible.
For Ozempic®:
Use the missed dose within 5 days after the missed injection.
If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
For Wegovy®:
If the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, use the missed dose as soon as possible.
If the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
If you miss doses for more than 2 weeks, use the next scheduled dose. Consult your doctor about how to restart your treatment.
Do not double doses.
How should I store and dispose of this drug?
Tablets (Rybelsus®):
Store in the original container at room temperature.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.
Ozempic® Prefilled Syringes or Pens:
Do not use if it has been frozen.
After opening, store in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Discard any unused medication after 56 days.
Protect from heat and light.
Wegovy® Prefilled Pens:
Store unopened pens in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Unopened containers may be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. Discard any unused medication after this time.
Store in the outer carton to protect from heat and light.
All Products:
Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired drugs properly.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed.
Consult your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Additional Notes:
If your symptoms or health problems do not improve or worsen, contact your doctor.
Do not share your medications with others and do not take someone else's medications.
Some medications may have additional patient information leaflets. If you have questions, consult your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Be prepared to provide information about what was taken, how much, and when it occurred.