Semaglutide Injection (Weight Loss Shot): What Is It? Who
Is It For? How Is It Used? What Are Its Side Effects?
In this article, we will examine the details regarding this
topic. Semaglutide is a weekly injection used to aid weight loss. It is
intended for adults with obesity or those who are overweight. Common side
effects include nausea and digestive issues. While using this medication,
individuals should consult a physician for regular check-ups.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide promotes weight loss and can also help maintain
weight loss. It works by reducing appetite. In individuals affected by excess
weight, it may be used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Additionally, it can be used in the treatment of liver disease caused by fat
accumulation in the liver. Diet and exercise modifications are frequently
combined with this medication.
This medication may also be used for other purposes. Anyone
with questions regarding this topic should consult a physician or pharmacist.
What Should You Tell Your Doctor Before Using
Semaglutide?
Before starting this medication, your doctor needs to know
if any of the following conditions are present:
- Diabetes.
- Diabetes-related
eye disease.
- Gallbladder
disease.
- Current
depression or a history of depression.
- Current
pancreatitis or a history of pancreatitis.
- Upcoming
surgery.
- Kidney
disease.
- Personal
or family history of a condition called MEN 2, which causes tumors in the
endocrine glands.
- Personal
or family history of thyroid cancer.
- Stomach
or intestinal problems, such as difficulty digesting food.
- Suicidal
thoughts, plans, or attempts.
- An
unusual or allergic reaction to semaglutide, other medications, foods,
dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy
or trying to become pregnant.
- Breastfeeding.
How Should Semaglutide Be Used?
This medication is injected subcutaneously (under the skin).
You will receive training on how to prepare and administer the medication. It
should be used according to the instructions on the prescription label. It is
administered once a week (every 7 days) and should be continued unless your
doctor tells you to stop.
It is important to place used needles and pens in a special
sharps container. They should not be thrown into the regular trash. If a sharps
container is not available, consult a pharmacist or doctor to obtain one.
A special medication guide will be provided by the
pharmacist with each prescription and refill. This information should be read
carefully every time.
This medication comes with instructions for use. Information
on how to use it should be obtained from a pharmacist, and instructions should
be followed carefully. For any questions, consult a pharmacist or doctor.
Discuss the use of this medication in children with a
doctor. Although it may be prescribed to children as young as 12 under certain
circumstances, precautions must be applied.
If an overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center
or emergency room immediately.
This medication is for the prescribed individual only and
must not be shared with others.
What Should Be Done If a Dose Is Missed?
If a dose is missed and there are more than 2 days until the
next scheduled dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If less than 2
days remain before the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the
regular schedule. Do not take a double or extra dose. If a dose is missed for 2
weeks or longer, take the next dose at the regular time or consult a doctor on
how to restart the medication.
What Can Semaglutide Interact With?
- Insulin
and other medications used to treat diabetes.
This list may not include all possible interactions. Provide
your doctor with a complete list of all medications, herbal products,
over-the-counter drugs, or nutritional supplements being used. Inform your
doctor about smoking, alcohol consumption, or any illegal drug use, as certain
substances may interact with this medication.
What Should You Watch Out for While Using Semaglutide?
Consult your doctor regularly to evaluate the progress of
your treatment. Inform your doctor if the condition does not improve or
worsens.
Inform your doctor if taking medications for diabetes, such
as insulin or glipizide, as this may increase the risk of low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia). Learn the signs of low blood sugar and how to manage it.
Discuss cancer risks with your doctor, as the risk for
certain types of cancer may be higher when using this medication. Contact your
doctor immediately if a mass or swelling in the neck, persistent hoarseness,
difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath develops.
Ensure adequate fluid intake while using this medication by
drinking water frequently and consuming fruits and vegetables with high water
content. Increase water consumption during hot weather or physical activity.
Contact a doctor immediately if fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea, or
excessive sweating occurs, as excessive fluid loss can make using this
medication dangerous.
Inform your doctor if undergoing surgery or a medical
procedure.
If pregnancy is possible or intended, do not use this
medication without speaking to a doctor beforehand. Your doctor can help
determine the appropriate option. Weight loss is not recommended during
pregnancy.
Consult a doctor regarding breastfeeding. The medication may
be used when advised, though its safety during breastfeeding has not been
sufficiently studied, and alternative options may be suggested.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Semaglutide?
Side effects that should be reported to a doctor as soon as
possible include:
- Allergic
reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips,
tongue, or throat.
- Vision
changes.
- Dehydration:
Increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or dizzy, headache, dark yellow
or brown urine.
- Rapid
or irregular heartbeat.
- Gallbladder
issues: Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever.
- Kidney
damage: Decreased urination, swelling in the ankles, hands, or feet.
- Pancreatitis:
Severe stomach pain radiating to the back or worsening after eating or
when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting.
- Mood
shifts: Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of
depression.
- Thyroid
cancer: A new lump or mass in the neck, pain or difficulty swallowing,
breathing difficulty, hoarseness.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention
include:
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Loss
of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Stomach
discomfort.
If these side effects persist or become bothersome, report
them to your doctor.
This list may not cover all possible side effects. Contact a
doctor for medical advice regarding side effects.
How Should Semaglutide Be Stored?
Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
- Refrigerated
storage (preferred): Store in the refrigerator, but do not freeze.
Keep the medication in its original packaging until ready to use. Discard
any unused medication after the expiration date.
- Room
temperature storage: If necessary, the pen may be stored at room
temperature for up to 28 days before removing the cap. Protect from light.
If stored at room temperature, discard unused medication after 28 days or
after the expiration date, whichever comes first.
Dispose of the medication properly and as soon as possible
when no longer needed or expired. This can be done in two ways:
- Take
the medication to a drug take-back program. Consult a pharmacy or hospital
to locate a disposal site.
- If a
take-back program is unavailable, follow the disposal instructions in the
user manual.
The information provided here is a summary and may not
contain all possible details. Anyone with questions about this medication
should contact a doctor or pharmacist.