Semaglutide can be a game changer for patients who want to lose weight and manage the health concerns that can arise because of obesity, but not everyone is a good candidate for this drug. Additionally, some medications and different foods interact poorly with Semaglutide, and alcohol and tobacco can also cause complications when used with Semaglutide, especially when taken in combination with other medications. Make sure to talk openly and honestly with your doctor during your initial consultation and disclose all medications and any lifestyle choices that could complicate treatment.
Patients with some medical conditions may face greater risks of potentially dangerous side effects when using Semaglutide for weight loss. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you may have, especially if you have or have had depression, type one or type two diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis or retinopathy, problems with digestion, or kidney disease. While Semaglutide treatment might still be recommended for patients with these conditions, additional accommodations or safeguards might be needed. Men with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, and any patients with thyroid cancer or a history of thyroid cancer, should avoid using Semaglutide. Additionally, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether Semaglutide is safe for patients with pancreatitis or a history of this inflammatory condition of the pancreatitis.
To ensure the safety of Semaglutide treatment, make sure to adhere to the dietary recommendations provided by your doctor, and check your blood sugar at the recommended intervals, especially at bedtime and before and after meals. Test as directed for sugar in your blood or urine, and make sure to get plenty of exercise to support your weight loss goals, metabolism, and overall health. Some doctors prescribe oral Semaglutide while others use a subcutaneous injection to deliver medication. If your doctor uses an injection method, you’ll learn exactly how to administer the medication and should follow all instructions clearly to ensure safe, effective delivery.
If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor, and don’t use Semaglutide for at least two months before becoming pregnant. Your medical team can provide counseling for contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment, and your doctor will check your progress at regular office visits and evaluate your overall health with blood and urine tests, including tests for pregnancy when relevant, so make sure to adhere to the prescribed schedule for these visits.
Make sure to follow instructions related to alcohol use, which can dangerously lower the blood sugar and cause serious health concerns, and don’t take any medications other than Semaglutide unless they’re approved by your doctor. This includes, but isn’t limited to, over-the-counter medications like aspirin and medications for asthma, colds, allergies, and sinus problems. You and your doctor will also review specific instructions for continued care and you’ll learn about possible side effects, learning which ones are more common and which require prompt medical attention.
If you have any sudden or extreme stomach pain, constipation, chills, nausea or vomiting, fever, or lightheadedness, see your doctor as soon as you can, as these symptoms might indicate swelling in the pancreas and require timely medical attention. Issues with the gallbladder also require prompt intervention and symptoms include indigestion, severe nausea, a feeling of excessive fullness, or yellowing in the eyes and skin. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy face an increased risk of this condition developing again while using Semaglutide and should be conscientious about the symptoms of this condition. Patients with an allergic response to Semaglutide should stop using the drug immediately.