Description

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Injection-pen presentations can make subcutaneous administration more convenient, but pens and strengths are product-specific and should not be assumed to be interchangeable.

What is a Semaglutide 0.25 mg / 0.5 mg Injection Pen?
A semaglutide 0.25 mg / 0.5 mg injection pen is a pen-format presentation of the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide. These strengths are used in certain treatment regimens. The correct strength, administration schedule and pen instructions must be taken from the exact prescription and product labeling.

How Semaglutide Works
Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors. In approved treatment settings, GLP-1 receptor activation affects glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon secretion, gastric emptying, appetite and satiety.

Why Different Strengths Are Used
Semaglutide treatment is commonly titrated in approved regimens to improve tolerability and reach an appropriate maintenance dose. However, titration schedules differ by product. Do not copy a dosing schedule from another brand, formulation or website.

Using an Injection Pen Safely
Read the Instructions for Use supplied with the exact pen before administration. Verify the product name and strength, use a new needle when required by the device instructions, follow recommended injection-site guidance, and never share an injection pen with another person even if the needle is changed.

Storage
Storage and in-use requirements depend on the specific pen. Follow the package labeling for refrigeration, room-temperature limits, light protection and disposal. Do not use a pen that has been frozen, damaged, contaminated or kept outside its labeled storage conditions.

Important Safety Information
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and is not appropriate for every patient. Approved semaglutide products carry important warnings and contraindications. A healthcare professional should review the patient’s medical history, current medicines and treatment goals before use.

Common adverse reactions reported with approved semaglutide products are mainly gastrointestinal and can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation. Serious reactions can also occur, including pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney injury related to volume depletion, severe gastrointestinal reactions, hypersensitivity reactions and complications of diabetic retinopathy in some patients.

Approved semaglutide labeling includes a boxed warning concerning the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodents. Semaglutide products are contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). The relevance of the rodent findings to humans has not been established.

Tell your healthcare professional about planned surgery or procedures requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation, and discuss pregnancy or plans for pregnancy. This summary is not a substitute for the complete prescribing information for the exact product supplied.

Who Should Speak With a Healthcare Professional Before Use?

• Anyone considering semaglutide should have the exact product, indication and dose assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
• Discuss a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2, previous pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, severe gastrointestinal disease, diabetic retinopathy and serious allergies.
• Tell the prescriber about insulin, sulfonylureas and other medicines that can affect blood glucose, as well as other oral medicines when using oral semaglutide.
• Discuss pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding before treatment. Current FDA labeling advises discontinuation of semaglutide at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy because of its long washout period.
• Tell healthcare providers about semaglutide before planned surgery or deep sedation because GLP-1 receptor agonists delay gastric emptying and pulmonary aspiration has been reported.

The information on this page is provided for general educational and product-information purposes and is not medical advice, diagnosis or a substitute for the prescribing information supplied with the medication. Semaglutide is a prescription medicine and may not be appropriate for everyone. Always follow the exact product label and instructions from a licensed healthcare professional. Seek urgent medical care for a suspected medical emergency.