Weekly Weight Loss Injections

SEMAGLUTIDE (SEM a GLOO tide) and TIRZEPATIDE promotes weight loss by correcting insulin resistance as well as reducing food cravings and giving you the feeling of being full. It may also be used to help maintain weight loss. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication for optimal results.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):  Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Endocrine tumors (MEN 2) or if someone in your family had these tumors
• Eye disease, vision problems
• Gallbladder disease
• History of pancreatitis
• Kidney disease
• Stomach or intestine problems
• Thyroid cancer or if someone in your family had thyroid cancer
• An unusual or allergic reaction to semaglutide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

This medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. It is given once every week (every 7 days). Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and pens in a special sharps container.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss your dose for 2 weeks or more, take the next dose at your regular time or call your care team to talk about how to restart this medication.

This medication interacts with insulin and other medications for diabetes.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.

This medication may affect blood sugar levels. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.

If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, such as new or worsening depression, thoughts of harming yourself, anxiety, other unusual or disturbing thoughts, or memory loss, call your care team right away.

Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Losing weight while pregnant is not advised and may cause harm to the unborn child. Talk to your care team for more information.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Change in vision
• Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
• Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Refrigeration (preferred): Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep this medication in the original container until you are ready to take it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

Room temperature: If needed, prior to cap removal, the syringe can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. Protect from light. If it is stored at room temperature, get rid of any unused medication after 28 days or after it expires, whichever is first.