Health Library

Semaglutide (By injection)

Semaglutide (sem-a-GLOO-tide)

Treats type 2 diabetes. Lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart or blood vessel disease. Also used to help lose weight and keep the weight off in patients with obesity caused by certain conditions.

Brand Name(s):

Ozempic 0.25 MG or 0.5 MG Doses, Ozempic 1 MG Doses, Ozempic 2 MG Doses, Wegovy

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is given into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If you use insulin in addition to this medicine, do not mix them into the same syringe. You may give the shots in the same area (including your stomach), but do not give the shots right next to each other.
• Check the liquid in the pen. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Never share medicine pens with others under any circumstances. Sharing needles or pens can result in transmission of infection.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose:
  • Ozempic®: If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If you miss a dose for more than 5 days, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
  • Wegovy®: If you miss a dose, and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, use it as soon as possible. If you miss a dos, and the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose of this medicine for more than 2 weeks, use it on the next scheduled dose. Ask your doctor about how to restart your treatment.
• Store your new, unused medicine pen in its original carton in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may store the opened Ozempic® pen in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 56 days or the opened Wegovy® pen in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 28 days. Throw away the pen after you use it for 56 days for Ozempic® or 28 days for Wegovy®, even if it still has medicine in it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines may affect how semaglutide works. Tell your doctor if you are using other diabetes medicine (including glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, or insulin) or any oral medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not use this medicine for at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, pancreas problems, diabetes, digestion problems, or a history of diabetic retinopathy or depression.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of thyroid tumor
  • Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
  • Gallbladder problems, including cholelithiasis, cholecystitis
  • Low blood sugar (when used with other diabetes medicine)
  • Kidney problems
  • Eye or vision problems, including diabetic retinopathy
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased risk for depression or thoughts of suicide
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision or any other change in vision
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, blood in your urine
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, passing gas, stomach upset or bloating, yellow eyes or skin
• Unusual moods or behaviors, depression, thoughts of hurting yourself or others

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea
• Headache, dizziness
• Redness, itching, bump, swelling, or any changes in your skin where the shot was given
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024