Semaglutide

Hypoglycaemic excluding Insulin · GLP- 1 agonist

Indications

Insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise. As monotherapy when metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications.

Dosage

Inj: Adults: SC: Initially 0.25 mg once a wk for 4 wks. After 4 wks, increase dose to 0.5 mg once wkly. After at least 4 wks, the dose can be increased to 1 mg once wkly to further improve glycaemic control. Max: 1 mg wkly. When added to metformin and/or thiazolidinedione therapy/or to a SGLT-2, their current dose can be continued without alteration. When added to existing treatment of sulfonylurea or insulin, their dose should be reduced. Tab: Adults: Initially 3 mg once daily for 30 days. Increase to 7 mg once daily after 30 days on the 3 mg dose. If additional glycemic reduction is needed, after at least 30 days on the 7 mg dose, the dose may be increased to 14 mg once daily.

Administration

Administer via SC route in the abdomen, in the thigh or in the upper arm. Do not administer via IM or IV route. Injection site can be altered without dose adjustment.

Adverse Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Type 1 DM, diabetic ketoacidosis. Precautions: Pancreatitis. Impaired renal function. Diabetic retinopathy treated with insulin.

Advice to Patient

Take once weekly at any time of the day, with or without meals. If a dose is missed , take as soon as possible and within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take next dose on the scheduled day. You may change the day of the week you take this medication as long as the gap between two doses is not less than 3 days. Take tablet on an empty stomach with a sip of plain water. Swallow whole tab. Do not split, crush or chew.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Steady state exposure was achieved following 4-5 weeks of once weekly administration. Metabolism: Via enzyme neutral endopeptidase (NEP). Bioavailability: Absolute: 89%. Half-life elimination: Around 1 week. Time to peak, plasma: 1-3 days post dose. Excretion: Urine (2/3rd of dose). Faeces (1/3rd of dose).

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

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