Wegovy® (Semaglutide) Tablet

Patient Drug Information
Pharmacy Product Counseling
BPG-WEGOVY-ORAL-PIB-OH01

This medication also comes with a medication guide. 

About your medication: Written information about this prescription drug is being provided to you by the pharmacy. Please read this information before you take this medication.

FDA Warning

  • This medication has been shown to cause thyroid cancer in some animal studies. It is not known if this occurs in humans. If thyroid cancer occurs, it may be deadly if not found and treated early. Call your doctor right away if you notice a lump or neck mass, have trouble breathing or swallowing, or have hoarseness that will not go away.
  • Do not use this medication if you have a health condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you or a family member have been diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer.

Important information about your prescription: 

This medication should only be taken by the patient whose name appears on the prescription label.

Medication information and common side effects 

  • Semaglutide (Wegovy®) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to aid in weight loss in certain adults. 
    • The most common side effects are decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and/or stomach pain.
    • Some patients may also experience pancreas or gallbladder problems. Stop using semaglutide and seek medical attention immediately if you have severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting, that will not subside

       

  • Precautions and Contraindications 
    • Do not take this medication if you are allergic to semaglutide or any inactive ingredient(s). 
    • Stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical care if you have signs of an allergic reaction like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
    • Do not take if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
    • Do not use this medication if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
    • Notify all of your healthcare providers about any new medications you’ve been prescribed. 
    • Notify your provider if you have ever had pancreatitis. Seek medical care immediately if you have severe stomach pain, severe back pain, or severe upset stomach or vomiting.
    • Notify your provider of any signs or symptoms of gallbladder problems such as pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; change in stools; dark urine or yellow skin or eyes; or fever with chills.
    • Notify your provider of any changes in your eyesight or vision.
    • Low blood sugar may occur while taking this medication. The chance may be increased when this medication is used with other medications for diabetes. Some signs and symptoms of low blood sugar include headache, dizziness, confusion, fast heartbeat, shaking, feeling tired or weak, hunger, or sweating. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these signs. Drinking liquid glucose or fruit juice can help relieve these symptoms.  If you are taking additional medications for diabetes, notify your provider as your dose may need to be adjusted.

       

  • Directions for Use 
    • Take one tablet by mouth as directed. Take the tablet first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a small sip (up to 4 ounces) of plain water. Do not substitute any other liquids for water. 
    • After taking, wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications. 
    • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, or chew.
    • Refer to your prescription label for your prescriber’s directions and recommended dose and frequency.
    • Your prescriber may slowly increase the dose of these medications in order to decrease the side effects. The suggested dose titration schedules are provided by your prescriber in your treatment plan. If side effects persist, talk to your pharmacist or medical provider.
  • Missed Dose for Daily Dosing
    • If you miss a dose of your daily oral semaglutide (Wegovy®), skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule for the next dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. Do not take more than the maximum allowable dose indicated on your prescription in a 24 hour period. Check your prescription label for the correct dose prescribed by your medical provider.

       

  • Missed Dose for Every-Other-Day Dosing
    • If you are on an every-other-day schedule and realize you missed a scheduled dose:
    • If it’s still the same day: Take the dose as soon as you remember, as long as your stomach is still empty. Food or drink can significantly reduce absorption.
    • If it’s the next day: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the following scheduled day.
    • If you miss more than 7 days of medication, contact your prescriber. They may recommend restarting at a lower dose to reduce the risk of side effects.

       

    • Storage 

      • Store your medication at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F degrees (20°C to 25°C) in the original packaging provided by the pharmacy until you need it. Do not store in any other container.
      • Keep all medications in a safe and secure place. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
      • Under certain circumstances, a prescription drug’s effectiveness may be affected by exposure to extremes of heat, cold, or humidity. If you are concerned that your medication may have been impacted by exposure to extremes of heat, cold or humidity, please call the pharmacy using the toll-fee number on the label of your prescription product. 

       

    • Disposal of Medications
      • Do not flush unused medication down the toilet or pour in the sink or drain. 
      • Dispose according to local regulations.
      • Check with your local pharmacy for assigned safe medication disposal locations.

Questions
This written information may not cover all possible information. If you have any questions, call the pharmacy to speak with a  pharmacist or reach out to your prescribing provider.

A local or a toll-free telephone service is available, staffed by registered pharmacists, to answer questions about your medication. You can find the number for the pharmacy on the label of your prescription product.
 

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