What are Semaglutide / Tirzepatide (GLP-1) Medication?

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are compound medications used to assist with weight loss treatment. They have demonstrated their efficacy in reducing appetite and food intake through clinical trials. By activating brain receptors responsible for hunger and satiety, they induce a sensation of fullness and diminishes the desire to eat.

COMMON BRAND NAMES:  Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy. 

 

What should I tell my NOVA Weight Loss Team before I take this medication?

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 depression or mental health disease
  • History of pancreatitis
  • Kidney disease
  • Stomach or intestine problems
  • Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
  • 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

What may interact with this medication?

  • Insulin and other medications for diabetes

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your NOVA Weight Loss Team 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.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your NOVA Weight Loss 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 NOVA Weight Loss 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 NOVA Weight Loss 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 NOVA Weight Loss Team right away.

Women should inform their NOVA Weight Loss 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 NOVA Weight Loss Team for more information.

How should I use this medication?

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 NOVA Weight Loss Team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and pens in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or NOVA Weight Loss Team to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or NOVA Weight Loss Team if you have questions.

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

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

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

What if I miss a dose?

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 NOVA Weight Loss Team to talk about how to restart this medication.

Source: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23611-semaglutide-injection-weight-management