What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is part of a family of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonist. They mimic the actions of a hormone naturally found in the body called Glucagon-Like-Peptide. In fact, Semaglutide is 94% identical to naturally found GLP-1.
What is Semaglutide used for?
Semaglutide is used in the treatment of Diabetes. It is also used to treat obesity and has demonstrated great efficacy in weight management.
Semaglutide is related to Liraglutide which is also a GLP-1 analogue. Liraglutide is sold under the brand name Victoza when it is used to treat Diabetes. And sold under the brand name Saxenda when it is used for weight management.
Semaglutide also used to treat Diabetes is sold under the brand name Ozempic which comes in an injectable form. And under the brand name Rybelsus which is an oral form.
Semaglutide in injectable form used in weight management is currently sold under the brand name Wegovy in the US.
Semaglutide comes in 2 forms
Injectible form
An injectable form which patients self-inject once a week. It comes in a convenient self-injecting pen with needles included. The injection technique is very simple and is much like an insulin injection. Most patients do not experience any pain with the injection. There may be some redness or bruising at the injection site.
Oral form
Semaglutide also comes in the form of an oral tablet. The tablet is to be taken every morning on an empty stomach with half a glass of water. No food or drink is allowed for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine. You should also not take your other regular medicines with Semaglutide. Wait for at least 3 minutes after taking Semaglutide to take your other medicines.
How does Semaglutide work?
Semaglutide works by decreasing apettite and increasing satiety. In this way it improves control over eating and reduces food cravings. Consequently it leads to decrease energy intake and hence weight loss. Because with reduced energy intake the body converts to a ketone energy system, most of the weight loss caused by Semaglutide is from fat mass.
How effective is Semaglutide?
The US FDA has called Semaglutide a “game changer” in the fight against obesity. In nearly one third of patients, Semaglutide resulted in almost as much weight loss as obesity surgery.
How to store Semaglutide?
Semaglutide in its injectable form should be stored in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C. However, once you have started using the pen, it can be stored under 30°C for up to 6 weeks.
In other words, keep your un-used pens in the fridge. The pen that you have already started using does not need to be kept in the fridge. But do not leave it under direct sunlight or excessively warm places like in your car.
What are the side effects of Semaglutide?
The commonest side effects experienced by patients on Semaglutide are nausea, diarrhea and constipation.
Here are a few practical tips to prevent or minimize such side effects.
Nausea
- Do not eat if you do not feel hungry
- Do not force yourself to continue eating once you are full
- Eat smaller portions
- Reduce fatty meals
- Drink plenty of water
Diarrhea
- Drink plenty of water to remain well hydrated
- Reduce the consumption of dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheese
- Reduce fat intake in meals
Constipation
- Drink plenty of water
- Increase fibre intake
- Take a pro-biotic supplements
- Take magnesium tablets
- Exercise regularly
In Summary
Semaglutide is a safe and effective medicine for both the treatment of Diabetes as well as for weight loss. It comes in both injectible and oral forms.
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