Semaglutide (Ozempic) 10 Week Supply

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a prescription medication used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is taken by injection under the skin once per week. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Extensive studies support the effectiveness of the product:

• In randomized controlled trials (RCTs), semaglutide has been shown to be effective for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity, with greater weight loss seen at higher doses.
• In the STEP trials, semaglutide 2.4 mg led to mean weight loss of around 15% after 68 weeks of treatment.
• Semaglutide 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg were associated with 9-13% weight loss after 6 months in a real-world retrospective study.
• No major safety concerns have been identified with long-term use based on trials up to 2 years.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide works in a few ways to help control blood sugar levels:

• It helps the pancreas release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar is high. Insulin moves sugar from the blood into cells to be used for energy.

• It slows digestion so that sugar from food enters the blood more slowly. This helps prevent blood sugar spikes after meals.

• It decreases appetite, which can lead to eating less food and potentially losing weight. Weight loss can further improve blood sugar control.

Benefits of Semaglutide

Some key benefits of semaglutide include:

• Lowers A1C levels: A1C is a measure of average blood sugar over 2-3 months. Studies show semaglutide can lower A1C by 1-2% on average.

• Weight loss: People taking semaglutide lost 6-15 pounds on average in clinical trials. Weight loss may continue with ongoing treatment.

• Low risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Semaglutide does not typically cause blood sugar to drop too low when used alone. The risk increases when combined with medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.

• Improved cardiovascular health: Semaglutide may reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

• Convenient weekly dosing: Semaglutide only needs to be injected once per week, making it more convenient than some other diabetes medications.

Lyophilized Semaglutide, Step-by-step reconstitution process

• Gather supplies: Semaglutide powder vial, Bacteriostatic Water Vial, 3-5ml diluent syringe, rubbing alcohol or swabs, sharps container.
  
• Remove vial caps and clean stoppers with alcohol.
• Use a syringe to remove air in steps from semaglutide vial, and gradually adding 5 mL bacteriostatic water to the semaglutide vial.
• Gently swirl to dissolve (do not shake).
• Ensure the solution is clear and store in the refrigerator (2–8°C).

Inject semaglutide at any time of day, with or without food. Try to use around the same time each week.

Dosage Information

• Starting dose: 0.25 mg once weekly
• Maintenance dose: 0.5 or 1 mg once weekly
• Maximum dose: 1 mg once weekly

Injection technique and site

• Inject semaglutide subcutaneously in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using a short pen needle
• Rotate injection sites each week to reduce risk of skin reactions
• Pinch skin and insert needle perpendicularly, not at an angle
• After fully depressing plunger, keep needle under skin for 6 seconds then withdraw
• Dispose of needle in sharps container after single use. Never reuse needles
• Inspect site for any bleeding or irritation. Report signs of infection to provider

Storage and handling

• Unopened semaglutide vials can be stored at room temperature up to 86°F for 30 days
• After reconstitution, semaglutide solution should be refrigerated between 36-46°F and discarded after 56 days
• Do not freeze reconstituted semaglutide or store near freezer compartment
• Bring to room temperature before injecting if refrigerated
• Keep vials in original carton until use to protect from light
• Do not use if solution is cloudy, colored, or contains particles

Side Effects of Semaglutide

The most common side effects of semaglutide are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain

These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve over the first few weeks of treatment. Taking semaglutide with food may help reduce gastrointestinal effects.

Less common side effects include dizziness, headache, fatigue, back pain, reactions at the injection site, and increased heart rate.

Important Safety Information

Semaglutide may cause gallstones, kidney problems, low blood sugar, vision changes, and severe allergic reactions. Possible risk of thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancers, however research is inconclusive. Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how semaglutide affects you.

Do not use semaglutide if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions and all medications you take.

Pregnancy Category C – it is unknown if semaglutide may harm an unborn baby. Discuss use during pregnancy with your doctor. Semaglutide may pass into breast milk and harm a breastfeeding infant. Talk to your doctor about breastfeeding while using this medication.

Is Semaglutide Right for You?

Semaglutide may be a good option if you have type 2 diabetes and have not reached your target A1C with other medications like metformin. It can be used alone or combined with other diabetes drugs. Talk to your doctor to find out if semaglutide is appropriate for you. Controlling blood sugar levels can reduce the risk of diabetes complications.