Semaglutide

Uses of Semaglutide

Semaglutide is commonly used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with addition of changes to diet and exercise.

How Semaglutide Works

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Semaglutide works by decreasing blood glucese by stimulating insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon production in the body.

Side Effects of Semaglutide

Hypoglycemia, Decreased appetide, Diabetic Retinopathy, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Reduced Weight

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

Patients with mild, moderate or severe renal impairment might not need dose adjustment. However, use of Semaglutide in patients with end-stage renal disease is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor regarding this managements.

Alcohol Not Advisable

Alcohol may affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Generally, it is not advisable to have alcohol with Semaglutide.

Pregnancy Not Safe

Limited data exist for the use of Semaglutide in pregnant women. Therefore, Semaglutide should not be used during pregnancy.

Driving Generally Safe

It is generally safe to drive while on Semaglutide. However, patients who have reduced or absent awareness of warning signs of hypoglycemia or frequent episodes of hypoglycemia must take precautions while driving. It is best to avoid since hypoglycemia may impair the ability to concentrate and react while driving.

Liver Use With Care

No dose adjustment is required in patients with liver impairment. Caution should still be exercised when using Semaglutide with liver impairment.

Lactation Not Advisable

Semaglutide should not be used during breastfeeding

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).