Compounded Semaglutide Injection

Medication Description

Semaglutide Injection – Clear liquid solution (concentration and dose will vary per your prescription)

Drug Forms: Compounded Subcutaneous Injectable Solution

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide (Pronunciation: sem a GLOO tide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

• Allergy to Semaglutide or any of the additives
• History of medullary thyroid cancer or other thyroid C-cell cancer
• History of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• History of pancreatitis
• History of diabetic retinopathy
• History of gallbladder disease
• History of depression, suicidal thoughts, or actions
• Upcoming surgery or medical procedure
• Pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding

How should I use this medicine?

Follow the package directions provided by the pharmacy and your prescriber. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Injections are typically given once weekly, on the same day each week.

• Visually inspect the vial, making sure not to use it if it’s cloudy or contains any particulates.
• Let the vial warm to room temperature before injecting.
• Wash your hands and clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
• Wipe the rubber stopper on top of the vial with an alcohol wipe. Draw the correct dose into the syringe.
• Pinch the skin at your chosen injection site, making sure to rotate injection sites (the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).
• Insert the needle at the angle indicated by your prescriber for your injection type.
• Inject slowly and steadily, then remove the needle.
• Dispose of all used needles and syringes immediately in an FDA-cleared sharps container. Visit safeneedledisposal.org to find a drop-off location.

What if I miss a dose?

• If your next scheduled dose is more than 5 days away, administer the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If your next scheduled dose is less than 5 days away, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take two doses close together to make up for a missed dose.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

• A lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath (possible signs of a thyroid tumor)
• Severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting (possible sign of pancreatitis)
• Signs of gallbladder problems: pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Signs of new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in mood or behavior
• Vision changes (relevant to patients with diabetic retinopathy)
• Blood levels monitored for B12 and CBC as your prescriber deems necessary

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• Abdominal pain or indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Injection site reactions
• Headache, fatigue, or dizziness

What serious side effects prompt immediate attention?

Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:

• A lump or swelling in the neck, vocal hoarseness that will not go away, or trouble breathing or swallowing
• Severe abdominal pain that will not go away, with or without vomiting
• Signs of gallbladder problems
• Signs of kidney problems or urinary complications
• Eyesight changes
• Signs of low blood sugar
• Worsening behavioral or mood changes, including thoughts of self-harm

You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions. An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and/or trouble breathing.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Semaglutide, or any component of the formulation. Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

What may interact with this medicine?

• Semaglutide may slow gastric emptying, which could interfere with the absorption of other oral medications
• Insulin and sulfonylureas — increased risk of low blood sugar
• Anesthesia — consult your provider before any medical procedure
• Discuss your full medication regimen with your health care provider to determine the best therapy for you

This is not a complete list of all possible interactions. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take, especially before starting or stopping any new medication.

Additional Information

• Store medication under refrigeration and protect from light unless otherwise directed by your pharmacy label.
• Do not share this medication with others to whom it was not prescribed.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use after the expiration date or Beyond Use Date on your label.
• If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.

Reporting Side Effects

If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions. You can report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Pharmacy are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.