Semaglutide Prefilled Pens

Generic name: Semaglutide Prefilled Pens [ sem-a-GLOO-tide ]
Brand name: Ozempic
Drug class: Incretin Mimetics (GLP-1 Agonists)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 30, 2024.

Uses of Semaglutide Prefilled Pens:

• It is used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes).
• It is used to lower the chance of heart attack, stroke, and death in some people.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Semaglutide Prefilled Pens?

• If you are allergic to this medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens); any part of this medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Acidic blood problem or type 1 diabetes.
• If you have ever had pancreatitis.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens).

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 medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens) 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 Semaglutide Prefilled Pens?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 new or worse kidney problems.
• Do not share pen or cartridge devices with another person even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices may pass infections from one person to another. This includes infections you may not know you have.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Semaglutide Prefilled Pens) best taken?

Use this medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• 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.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Keep taking this medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Attach new needle before each dose.
• Take off the needle after each shot. Do not store this device with the needle on it.
• 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.
• Put the cap back on after you are done using your dose.
• If you are also using insulin, you may inject this medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens) and the insulin in the same area of the body but not right next to each other.
• Do not mix this medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens) in the same syringe with insulin.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your normal time.
• If it has been more than 5 days since the missed dose, skip the missed and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses within 48 hours of each other.

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:

• 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 a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• 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.
• Change in eyesight.
• Low blood sugar can happen. The chance may be raised when this medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens) 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.

What are some other side effects of Semaglutide Prefilled Pens?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

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.

How do I store and/or throw out Semaglutide Prefilled Pens?

• Store unopened pens in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Do not use if it has been frozen.
• After opening, store in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw away any part not used after 56 days.
• Protect from heat and light.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• 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.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens) is refilled. If you have any questions about this medicine (semaglutide prefilled pens), please talk with the doctor, 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.

Frequently asked questions

• Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?
• How does semaglutide work for weight loss?
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• Does taking Ozempic affect your face?
• How much does semaglutide cost?
• Why does Ozempic cause a dry mouth or taste changes?

View more FAQ

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer