Do you have Type 2 Diabetes? Your doctor has probably prescribed you a weekly injection. It's likely to be Semaglutide, which goes by the brand name Ozempic. Since so many people are talking about this drug these days, let's talk about what it is, how it works, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is Semaglutide?
Simply put, Semaglutide is a drug that increases your body's insulin levels when needed and lowers blood sugar levels. It is mainly used to treat Type 2 Diabetes.
Not only that, this medicine helps our body in several other ways.
- It reduces the amount of sugar added to the blood by our liver.
- It slows down the rate at which the food we eat moves through the intestines. This helps control the sudden spike in blood sugar levels after eating. It also makes it easier to control your eating because you feel full even after eating a small amount.
- More importantly, this medicine also helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, which can occur over time in people with diabetes.
But remember this well. This medicine is not magic. In addition, you must definitely add good diet and proper exercise to your life. Only then will you be able to get the most out of this medicine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will ask you some questions. It is important for your safety that you tell the truth without hiding anything. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to inform your doctor about it.
| Your situation or problem | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| If you or someone in your family has had thyroid cancer or a glandular cancer called MEN 2 . | This is important to assess risk, as some studies have shown a link between this drug and certain types of thyroid cancer. |
| If you have previously had pancreatitis . | Because this medication carries a small risk of causing pancreatitis, it is important to know the previous history. |
| Kidney disease or stomach problems (e.g., conditions more serious than gastritis). | Under these circumstances, it may be necessary to change the dosage of the medication or determine if it is inappropriate. |
| If you have vision problems or diabetes affecting your eyes (Diabetic Retinopathy). | Sometimes rapid control of blood sugar levels can cause temporary changes in vision. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant , or breastfeeding . | This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It may affect the unborn baby. |
| If you have an allergy to semaglutide or any other medicine, food, or dye. | This is essential to prevent an allergic reaction. |
How to use this vaccine correctly?
This is a subcutaneous injection. It is usually given in the upper thigh, abdomen, or upper arm . It is designed so that you can give it to yourself at home. Your doctor or nurse will explain how to do it.
- Schedule: This vaccine should be given once a week . Choose the same day every week. For example, let's say every Sunday morning.
- Rotate injection sites: Don't inject in the same place every time. If you inject in the stomach one time, inject in the thigh the next time. Even if you inject in the same area, rotate the injection sites a little. This is called ``rotating injection sites''.
- Use with Insulin: If you are also taking insulin injections, never mix the two injections together. When injecting both, do not inject them in the same area too close together.
- Disposing of sharps: Never throw used sharps and syringes in the trash. This can be a danger to others. Put them in a special plastic container (sharps container) that comes with them. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about one.
- If you take too much of this medicine: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
What do you do if you forget to get vaccinated one day?
This is something that happens to many people. Don't worry.
- If you miss a dose on the day it is due, take it as soon as you remember within the next 5 days . Then take your next dose on your regular weekly schedule.
- But if it's been more than 5 days since your scheduled dose, don't make up for the missed dose. Skip it altogether and just get your next dose on your scheduled day. Never take two doses at once.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
You need to think a little more about your health while taking this medicine.
- Drink plenty of water: Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while taking this medicine. This can cause dehydration, which can lead to dehydration. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Check your blood sugar levels regularly: Learn how to monitor your blood sugar at home. Know the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and what to do when they occur.
- If you have low blood sugar: If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, sweating, palpitations), quickly take some sugar, a piece of candy, or a sweet drink. Always keep something like that nearby.
- Other medications: It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (medicines for other conditions, vitamins, herbal remedies, dietary supplements). Some medications may interact with this vaccine.
- Don't share your pen: Never share your injection pen with anyone else. Even if you share the needle, you can still spread blood-borne diseases like HIV or Hepatitis.
- HbA1C test: Your doctor will do a blood test called HbA1C every 3-6 months. This will look at how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past few months.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medication, Semaglutide can cause some side effects. While most of these are minor, it is important that you are aware of some serious symptoms.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Pancreatitis | Severe pain starting in the middle of the abdomen and radiating to the back, pain that worsens when eating, fever, and vomiting. |
| Thyroid tumor | A lump or tumor in the neck, difficulty swallowing, and a change in voice. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Gallbladder problems | Severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Nausea | Vomiting |
| Diarrhea (stomach ache) | Stomach pain |
| Appetite | Constipation |
Take-Home Message
- Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection used to treat type 2 diabetes. It also helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
- To get the most out of this medicine, proper diet and exercise are essential.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any medical conditions you have, especially thyroid, pancreas, and kidney problems.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Keep something like a candy bar nearby to take in case of an emergency.
- Never share your injection pen with anyone else.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, this medicine is not recommended. Talk to your doctor about this.
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