Introduction
Semaglutide is an injectable medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. Here are the key points about using semaglutide once a week for diabetes and weight loss:
– Semaglutide belongs to the class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone to increase insulin production and reduce appetite.
– For type 2 diabetes, semaglutide is taken as a once-weekly injection under the brand names Ozempic or Rybelsus (oral).
– Semaglutide is approved under the brand name Wegovy for chronic weight management as a once-weekly 2.4 mg subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
– Clinical trials have shown that semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly, combined with a low-calorie diet and exercise, can lead to significant and sustained weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight.
– In a 68-week study, participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight with semaglutide 2.4 mg compared to 2.4% with placebo.
– After 2 years, around 50% of participants maintained at least 10% weight loss with semaglutide.
– Common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. Side effects are typically mild and subside over time.
– Semaglutide is not a cure for obesity or diabetes. It must be used alongside diet and exercise for managing these chronic conditions long-term.
how long does it take for semaglutide injection to start working
According to the sources provided, semaglutide injection typically starts showing effects on weight loss and blood sugar control within the first few weeks of treatment, but it may take longer to reach full therapeutic effects. Here are the key points:
- Semaglutide is initiated at a low dose of 0.25mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks. The dose is then gradually increased every 4 weeks until reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4mg per week by week 16.
- Weight loss is usually observed from the first assessment at week 4 onward with semaglutide treatment. However, maximum weight loss is generally not achieved until around 60 weeks (1 year) of treatment.
- In clinical trials, the mean weight loss at 68 weeks (around 1.5 years) was 14.9% with semaglutide 2.4mg compared to 2.4% with placebo.
- For diabetes control, semaglutide starts lowering blood sugar levels within the first few weeks, but it may take 4-5 weeks to reach steady-state concentrations and full glycemic efficacy after the dose is increased to 0.5mg or higher.
- Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are most common when initiating semaglutide but often improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
what are the common injection sites for semaglutide injection
The common injection sites for administering semaglutide injection are:
- Abdomen/Stomach area:
This is one of the most recommended and commonly used sites for semaglutide injections. Inject at least 2 inches away from the belly button, avoiding the area around the waistline. - Thighs:
The front of the thighs, about midway between the hip and knee, can be used for semaglutide injections. Avoid injecting into the inner thigh area. - Upper arms:
The fleshy area on the back of the upper arms, around 3 inches below the shoulder and above the elbow, is suitable for injections.
How often should I rotate my injection sites for semaglutide
You should rotate your injection sites for semaglutide with each weekly dose. Here are the key points on rotating injection sites for semaglutide:
- Do not inject into the same area twice in a row. Rotate the injection site every time you take your weekly semaglutide dose.
- Recommended injection sites are the abdomen (stomach area at least 2 inches away from the belly button), the front of the thighs, and the upper arms.
- Rotate between these three areas – abdomen, thighs, and upper arms – each week when injecting semaglutide.
- For example, if you inject into your abdomen one week, inject into a different area like your thigh the following week.
- Rotating sites helps prevent lipohypertrophy (lump formation under the skin) and ensures your skin remains healthy after each injection.
- Avoid injecting into the same spot repeatedly, as this can cause irritation, pain, or impair absorption of the medication.
- Also avoid injecting into areas that are bruised, tender, red, or have scars or stretch marks.
What should i do if I experience injection-site reactions after semaglutide injection
If you experience injection-site reactions after administering semaglutide injection, here are the recommended steps to take:
- Monitor the reaction closely. Common injection-site reactions include redness, swelling, itching, pain or skin discoloration at the injection site.124
- For mild reactions like minor redness or swelling, you can continue using semaglutide but rotate the injection site for your next dose to a different area like the thigh or upper arm.24
- If the reaction is more severe, such as significant pain, swelling, bruising or hardened lumps/nodules developing under the skin, contact your healthcare provider promptly.13
- Describe the reaction in detail to your provider – the size, appearance, duration of the reaction, and any associated symptoms like itching or warmth.13
- Do not inject your next semaglutide dose into an area with an ongoing severe reaction. Wait until the reaction resolves before injecting that area again.3
- Your provider may recommend taking an over-the-counter oral antihistamine or using a cold compress to help relieve injection site reactions.3
- In rare cases of severe allergic reactions like trouble breathing or swelling of the face/throat, seek immediate medical attention.4
- Follow your provider’s guidance – they may adjust your semaglutide dose, switch injection devices, or have you discontinue use if reactions persist or worsen.
What are the side effects of semaglutide injection
The most common side effects of semaglutide injection (brand names Ozempic, Wegovy) include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain/stomach pain
- Constipation
Other potential side effects of semaglutide injection are:
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating/gas
- Indigestion/heartburn
- Injection site reactions (redness, itching, swelling)
More serious but rare side effects that require medical attention include:
- Signs of thyroid tumor (lump in neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing/breathing)
- Symptoms of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever)
- Signs of kidney problems (change in urine output, swelling)
- Vision changes/blurred vision
- Allergic reactions (rash, trouble breathing, swelling of face/throat)
The gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting are most common when starting semaglutide but often improve over time. Beginning with a low dose and gradually increasing can help reduce these effects.
Other Reading:
Semaglutide Weight Loss
Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Semaglutide injection may increase the risk that you will develop tumors of the thyroid gland
Weight loss drug could reduce heart attack risk by 20%, study finds | Medical research | The Guardian
Written by Charm-retirement.com
Written by CHARM-retirement.com
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