Semaglutide
Description
Semaglutide is a medicine used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type
2 diabetes mellitus. It works by helping the body release insulin when blood sugar is high, slowing stomach emptying to reduce blood sugar spikes after meals, and decreasing liver sugar production. Semaglutide should be taken as prescribed by your doctor, usually before the first meal of the day, and the dose may vary depending on your condition and other diabetes medicines you are taking. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, decreased appetite, and fatigue. It may also cause low blood sugar, especially if used with insulin or sulfonylureas, so regular meals and carrying a fast-acting sugar source are important. Before starting semaglutide, inform your doctor if you have any pancreatic or stomach problems, severe dehydration, or diabetic ketoacidosis, and consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses
- Semaglutide is used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Contraindications
When should one not use Semaglutide
- If you or your family has had thyroid cancer or a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
- If you had a severe allergic reaction to Semaglutide. Severe allergic reactions can include things like difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Semaglutide during pregnancy?
A:
Semaglutide safety during pregnancy is uncertain due to limited data. Animal studies suggest potential risks to fetal development. It is important to discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of taking Semaglutide while pregnant. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy may pose risks to the mother and baby.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Semaglutide while breastfeeding?
A:
The effects of Semaglutide on breastfeeding are unclear. It's not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication as its active ingredient, semaglutide, can be present in rat milk. Consult with a doctor for alternative options.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Semaglutide?
A:
It is uncertain whether Semaglutide affects driving. Do not drive if you experience symptoms that impact concentration or reaction time.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Semaglutide?
A:
No information is available on interactions of alcohol and Semaglutide.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys.
- You have a history of vision problems related to your diabetes.
- You have signs of pancreatitis, like severe abdominal pain, possibly with vomiting. If suspected, stop Semaglutide and seek medical help; if confirmed, don't restart.
- Semaglutide, when used with insulin secretagogues (such as sulfonylureas) or insulin, increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Lowering the dose of these medications may reduce the risk.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
Before taking Semaglutide, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: Levothyroxine (used for thyroid disease), Oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), Insulin, or glimepiride (medicines used to manage diabetes)....
Dosage
Overdose
- If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.
Missed a Dose
You should never miss a dose of this medicine and take the missed dose as soon as possible. Do not take two doses of this medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Ravindra Ghongade
B. Pharm
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Semaglutide a weight loss pill?
A: No, Semaglutide is a medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes that is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar
Q: What is Semaglutide used for?
- Semaglutide is used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps control blood sugar when diet and exercise alone are not enough.
Q: What are the common side effects of Semaglutide?
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, decreased appetite, and fatigue. It may also cause low blood sugar, especially if combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Q: How can I prevent low blood sugar while taking Semaglutide?
- To prevent low blood sugar, eat regular meals and always carry a fast-acting sugar source, such as glucose tablets or sugary candy.
References
Share This With Your Friends
Recent articles
Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
Medicines containing Semaglutide
+ View More Medicines
