5 Important Things to Know About Semaglutide
Here are 5 important things to know about semaglutide:
It treats type 2 diabetes and can help with weight loss. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which is a fancy way of saying it mimics a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. By increasing insulin levels and slowing down digestion, semaglutide can help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It can also promote weight loss by reducing appetite and feelings of hunger.
It is administered as an injection. Semaglutide comes as a prefilled pen that you inject under your skin once a week. The injection site can be your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
It can cause side effects. The most common side effects of semaglutide are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few weeks.
It is not for everyone. Semaglutide is not right for everyone. You should not take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of pancreatitis, or are allergic to any of the ingredients in semaglutide.
It’s important to talk to your doctor. Semaglutide is a prescription medication, so it is important to talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you. They can discuss the benefits and risks of semaglutide and help you decide if it is the right treatment for you.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about semaglutide:
- Semaglutide is a relatively new medication, so the long-term effects are still unknown.
- Semaglutide is not a cure for type 2 diabetes or obesity. It is important to continue with a healthy diet and exercise program while taking semaglutide.
- Semaglutide can interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
