Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It also has a new use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to help people lose weight and control their blood sugar levels.
This medication is injected once weekly into your abdomen (belly), thigh, or upper arm. It’s important to change the injection site each time you use it.
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Semaglutide unrefrigerated is a medicine that is used to help control weight in people who have type 2 diabetes. It comes in the form of a pen that you use to inject under the skin. The medication is injected once a week and can be taken with or without food.
Before you start using semaglutide unrefrigerated, talk to your doctor about how many injections you need and how often you should use them. This will help you understand how to use the medicine correctly and safely.
Your doctor may also tell you to stop using it if you have a medical problem, or if your weight continues to get worse. This type of medicine may cause a serious heart condition, so you should talk to your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
This medication can slow your digestion, so it can take longer for your body to absorb certain medicines that you take by mouth (such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal products). It can also increase the amount of a medicine in your blood called lisinopril.
To use semaglutide unrefrigerated, you should store the medication at a temperature between 2degC and 8degC before you open it. The medicine should be kept in its original packaging to protect it from light.
Once you have opened the container, keep it in a cool place, away from strong sunlight. You can place it in your refrigerator, but the medication should be used within 30 days after opening it.
You should never use semaglutide unrefrigerated if it is cloudy, thickened, or contains particles. The expiration date should be clearly printed on the container. It is also a good idea to call your pharmacist to let them know if you have any questions about how to store the medication.
The syringe and needle should be clean and free of odors. They should be placed in a puncture resistant container to prevent contamination from dirt, oil, or other substances. You should only reuse the syringe and needle once for each injection. It is important to remove the needle right after you inject your dose so that it does not get stuck in your syringe or get infected with germs.
Do not mix semaglutide with insulin or other medications that you take by mouth. If you mix these medicines together, they may not work as well and may be unsafe to take.
To avoid getting a stomach upset or diarrhea from this medicine, eat a meal within 30 to 60 minutes after you take it. You can also drink a lot of water to reduce these effects.
Your doctor may also tell you if you should have tests to make sure that your body is absorbing the medicine properly. These tests can include blood counts, thyroid levels, and kidney functions.
You should call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, or swelling in your hands, feet, legs, or abdomen. These signs and symptoms could be a sign of a serious condition called hypoglycemia. These symptoms could also mean you are having an allergic reaction to the medicine or that the medicine has stopped working properly.