Your semaglutide guide.

What is semaglutide, and how does it work?

Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a hormone involved in appetite and blood-sugar regulation. It can help you feel full sooner and slows how quickly your stomach empties. For weight care, it is used alongside nutrition and regular movement. Your response and treatment plan are individual.

How do I take it?

Weekly injections are taken on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food. Follow the instructions for the specific product your provider prescribed.

1. Wash your hands and check your label. Make sure the medicine and dose match your written instructions.
2. If your medicine comes in a vial, clean the vial top and your skin with an alcohol wipe. Use a new, sterile syringe and needle every time.
3. Prepare only the exact dose prescribed, following the instructions for your supply. Ask your pharmacist or provider to show you how to measure it if you are unsure. For a pen, follow its own instructions for use.
4. Inject just under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm as instructed. Use a different injection spot each week.
5. Dispose of used needles and syringes in a sharps container. Never reuse or share needles, syringes, or pens.

Why does my dose go up slowly?

You start low so your body can adjust, which helps limit side effects. Your provider changes the dose gradually based on how you feel and respond. Do not increase it on your own.

What if I miss a dose?

Follow the missed-dose instructions for your prescribed product. Instructions can differ between semaglutide products and formulations, so contact your pharmacist or care team if you are unsure. Never double up. If you miss two or more weekly doses, contact your provider before restarting; your dose may need to change.

What side effects are common?

Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach discomfort are common. Some people also report headache, tiredness, indigestion, dizziness, bloating, belching, gas, heartburn, or hair thinning. Side effects can be more noticeable after a dose increase. Tell your care team if symptoms persist or interfere with eating, drinking, or daily life.

How can I feel my best on treatment?

• Eat smaller meals and stop when you feel full.
• Eat slowly and chew well.
• Go easy on greasy, fried, or very sweet foods if they trigger nausea.
• Sip water throughout the day, especially if you have nausea or diarrhea.
• Prioritize protein and discuss strength training with your care team to help protect muscle.
• Limit alcohol, which can worsen nausea and upset your stomach.

When should I contact my care team right away?

Seek prompt medical advice for any of the following. Stop using semaglutide and seek urgent medical care for severe stomach pain that will not go away, especially if it spreads to your back, with or without vomiting.

• Upper stomach pain, fever, yellow skin or eyes, or pale, clay-colored stools.
• Vomiting or diarrhea that will not stop, very dark urine, or feeling faint.
• A racing or pounding heartbeat that lasts for several minutes.
• A lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing.
• Changes in your vision, especially if you have diabetes.
• Signs of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, or a fast heartbeat, especially if you take insulin or other diabetes medicine. Follow your prescribed low-blood-sugar plan; severe confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness need emergency help.

Who should not take semaglutide?

Do not use semaglutide if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or an ingredient in your medicine.

Tell your provider before treatment if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Do not combine semaglutide with another semaglutide product or another GLP-1 medicine. Also discuss any history of pancreas, gallbladder, kidney, or stomach problems, or diabetic eye disease.

What if I need surgery, a procedure, or anesthesia?

Semaglutide slows stomach emptying, so food or liquid can remain in your stomach even after fasting. This can increase the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs during anesthesia or sedation. Tell your surgeon, anesthesia team, dentist, and endoscopy team that you take it. Follow their plan for medication and fasting; do not decide to skip doses on your own.

What about pregnancy and breastfeeding?

For weight management, stop semaglutide and contact your provider if you become pregnant. Tell your care team if you think you may be pregnant or are planning pregnancy. Semaglutide should be stopped at least two months before a planned pregnancy. Discuss the risks and feeding options with your provider before using it while breastfeeding.

Can I take it with my other medicines?

Give your provider a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Semaglutide can affect how some medicines are absorbed. If you use insulin or other diabetes medicines, your provider may need to adjust your treatment to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.

How should I store my medicine and supplies?

Follow your pharmacy label and the instructions for your specific medicine. Refrigerate it unless those instructions say otherwise. Do not freeze it or use medicine that has been frozen. Protect it from heat and direct sunlight, and do not use it past its expiry or discard date. Use a new syringe and needle for each injection and never share supplies.

How long will I be on it, and what if I stop?

Obesity is a long-term health condition, and many people continue treatment to maintain their results. Weight can return after stopping. Talk with your provider before stopping so you can make a plan together. Follow-up visits are a chance to review your progress, side effects, and goals.