Semaglutide
This is a compounded formulation of Semaglutide produced by Olympia Pharmaceuticals. The concentration is 5mg/ml.
On the syringe:
5 Units (U) is 2.5 mg
10 Units is 0.5 mg
20 Units is 1 mg
35 U is 1.75 mg
50 units is 2.5 mg
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
For all uses of this drug:
• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• 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 has the same drug in it.
• If you are using another drug like this one. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If using for high blood sugar:
• If you have type 1 diabetes. Do not use this drug to treat type 1 diabetes.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
For all uses of this drug:
• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Follow the diet and exercise plan that your doctor told you about.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• Kidney problems have happened. Sometimes, these may need to be treated in the hospital or with dialysis.
• If you cannot drink liquids by mouth or if you have upset stomach, throwing up, or diarrhea that does not go away, you need to avoid getting dehydrated. Contact your doctor to find out what to do. Dehydration may lead to low blood pressure or to new or worsening kidney problems.
• If you are planning on getting pregnant, talk with your doctor. You may need to stop taking this drug at least 2 months before getting pregnant.
If using for high blood sugar:
• Wear disease medical alert ID (identification).
• Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor.
• Do not drive if your blood sugar has been low. There is a greater chance of you having a crash.
• People taking this drug with other drugs for diabetes may have a raised risk of low blood sugar. Very low blood sugar can lead to seizures, passing out, long lasting brain damage, and sometimes death. Talk with the doctor.
• It may be harder to control blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. A change in physical activity, exercise, or diet may also affect blood sugar.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
For all uses of this drug:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Signs of gallbladder problems like pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; change in stools; dark urine or yellow skin or eyes; or fever with chills.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Change in eyesight.
• Low blood sugar can happen. The chance may be raised when this drug is used with other drugs for diabetes. Signs may be dizziness, headache, feeling sleepy or weak, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, or sweating. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs. Follow what you have been told to do for low blood sugar. This may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or some fruit juices.
• Severe and sometimes deadly pancreas problems (pancreatitis) have happened with this drug. Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain, severe back pain, or severe upset stomach or throwing up.
How is this drug best taken?
• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Take with or without food.
• Take the same day each week.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• This drug is clear and colorless. Do not use if the solution changes color.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
General drug facts
• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Last Reviewed Date
2024-04-19
