Do you also have Type 2 Diabetes? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a pill called Semaglutide. In our country, it is often sold under the brand name Rybelsus. So, today we will briefly talk about this drug, what it does to the body, how to use it exactly, and what things to be careful about when taking it.
Simply put, what is Semaglutide?
This is a medicine that is given to control type 2 diabetes. It mainly works by increasing the insulin level in your body at the right time and reducing the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood. It also helps to reduce the amount of sugar added to the blood by the liver and slows down the digestion of the food we eat in the intestines. Since the digestion rate is reduced, you feel fuller, which makes it easier to control your eating.
The most important thing is that taking this medicine alone is not enough. To get good results, you must also control your diet and exercise along with this medicine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is very important to know your complete health history. If you or anyone in your family has any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? |
|---|---|
| You or someone in your family has thyroid cancer or cancer of the endocrine glands (MEN 2) | Because animal studies have found that this drug may increase the risk of some thyroid cancers. |
| If you have had pancreatitis before | This medicine carries a small risk of causing pancreatitis. |
| Kidney disease | If kidney function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed or it may not be appropriate. |
| Eye diseases, especially diabetic retinopathy | Because sometimes vision problems may increase. |
| Stomach or intestinal problems | Because this medicine slows down digestion, it may cause discomfort to those who already have such problems. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, and ask your doctor to choose the most appropriate treatment for your and your baby's safety. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or dyes | It is very important to inform about any allergies. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to take it exactly as directed . Remember these instructions carefully.
- When to take it? Take it every morning, as soon as you wake up.
- How to take it? It should be taken on an empty stomach. After taking the medicine, do not eat, drink (except water), or take any other medicine for at least 30 minutes .
- What to drink? Swallow the tablet with a few sips of water (maximum 4 ounces, which is a little more than a cup of water). Do not take with tea, coffee, or milk.
- What to do with the pill? Swallow the pill whole . Do not break, crush, or chew it. Doing so may affect the effectiveness of the medicine.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you suddenly forget to take your pill one day, skip that day altogether. That is, don't take the pill that day. The next morning, take just one pill at your usual time. Never take two pills at once to make up for a missed dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, take immediate action. If possible, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine that your doctor has prescribed to you to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications you take may interact with Semaglutide, meaning they may affect each other. In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Digoxin
- Levothyroxine
- Warfarin
Additionally, some medications can affect your blood sugar levels. Some medications can also mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and even herbal products you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medication
- Regular checkups: Go to your doctor at regular intervals and get yourself checked. He or she may order blood tests like HbA1C (A-1-C) to check your blood sugar levels.
- Hypoglycemia: Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (profuse sweating, shaking, extreme hunger, anxiety, rapid heartbeat). Always keep a quick sugary snack (a candy bar, glucose tablet, sugar spoon) nearby.
- Thyroid cancer risk: Although this is very rare, it's good to be aware of it. If you develop a lump or swelling in your neck , a persistent change in your voice , or have difficulty swallowing or breathing , tell your doctor right away.
- Maintain fluid intake: When taking this medicine, especially if you have vomiting or diarrhea, you may lose a lot of water from your body and become dehydrated. This is not good for your kidneys. So drink plenty of water. Drink more fluids when you have a fever or infection.
What side effects can you experience?
Like any medicine, Semaglutide can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Pancreatitis | Severe pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back. The pain may worsen when eating or touching the abdomen. It may also be accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision or other changes. |
| Kidney problems | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Gallbladder problems | Severe pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever. |
| Side effects that are common, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
Take-Home Message
- Take Semaglutide tablets every morning, on an empty stomach, with a few sips of water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.Don't eat or drink anything else.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Always keep something like a candy bar nearby for when you need it.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe stomach pain, a lump in your neck, or difficulty swallowing, call your doctor immediately .
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.
- If you have any questions about this medication, be sure to talk to your doctor before stopping it or changing the dosage.
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