Description
Semaglutide belongs to the class of medications called human glucagon-like peptides. It is used for chronic (long-term) management of body weight, together with reduced caloric intake and increased physical activity. It may be prescribed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more, or people with a BMI of 27 kg/m² who also have another weight-related illness, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia (high cholesterol). It may also be prescribed for adolescents between 12 and 18 years old who have not experienced adequate weight loss on a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Adolescents must have a body weight greater than 60 kg (132 pounds) and an initial BMI of 30 kg/m² or more.
Semaglutide aids in weight control by affecting sensations of hunger, causing a decrease in appetite and food intake. It slows down the passage of food from the stomach into the intestine, causing the user to “feel full” for longer after a meal. It also decreases the maximum glucose level in the blood and the amount of insulin needed for the body to use the glucose.
The recommended starting dose of semaglutide is 0.25 mg once a week, injected subcutaneously (under the skin) on your abdomen (stomach area ), upper thigh, or upper arm, exactly as instructed by your doctor. After 4 weeks, your doctor will increase the dose to 0.5 mg once weekly, gradually increasing the dose every 4 weeks, to the recommended 2.4 mg weekly. This gradual increase of the dose should minimize side effects on the digestive system.
Semaglutide can be injected at any time of the day, without regard to meals. It should be injected on the same day each week. If it is necessary to change the day of administration, doses must be separated by at least 72 hours.
