How should I use semaglutide?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Semaglutide is usually started at a low dose that is gradually increased every 4 weeks to 30 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Rybelsus (oral) is taken by mouth, usually once per day when you first wake up and at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything. Take with no more than 4 ounces of water. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Eat within 30 to 60 minutes after taking Rybelsus.
Ozempic and Wegovy are injected under the skin, usually once per week at any time of the day, with or without food. Use an injection on the same day each week.
Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.
Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject semaglutide. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
If you choose a different weekly injection day, start your new schedule after at least 2 days have passed since the last injection you gave.
Do not use different brands of semaglutide at the same time.
Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.
Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, medical tests, and special medical care.
You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you eat or drink less than usual.
Store Rybelsus in the original package at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Store unopened Ozempic or Wegovy injection pens in the original carton in a refrigerator, protected from light. Do not use past the expiration date. Throw away an injection pen that has been frozen.
If needed, you may store an unopened Wegovy pen at cool room temperature for up to 28 days. Do not remove the cap until you are ready to use the injection pen. The pen contains a single dose. Throw the pen away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
The Ozempic injection pen contains more than one dose. After your first use, store the pen with the needle removed in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Protect from heat and light. Keep the cap on when not in use. Throw the pen away 56 days after the first use, or if less than 0.25 mg is shown on the dose counter.
Do not reuse a needle. Place it in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.