Semaglutide/Tirzepatide Information for Clients

How do I take this medication?

This is a once weekly subcutaneous injection. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Use exactly as directed. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; dizziness, fast heartbeats; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include:

low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes).
upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating.
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite.
diarrhea, constipation.
stomach flu symptoms.
headache, dizziness, tiredness.

Call your provider at once if you have:

vision changes.
unusual mood changes, thoughts about hurting yourself.
pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
signs of a thyroid tumor--swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath.
symptoms of pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea with or without vomiting, fast heart rate.
gallbladder problems--upper stomach pain, fever, clay-colored stools
low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery.
kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or
stomach flu symptoms--stomach cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea (may be watery or bloody).

Before Taking this Medicine

You should not use Semaglutide/Tirzepatide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands)
A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer)
Diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
Have diabetes type 1
Plan to become pregnant in the next 3 months

Tips

Stop using Semaglutide/Tirzepatide at least 2 months before you plan to get pregnant. Ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use during this time.
Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
If you choose a different weekly injection day, start your new schedule after at least 2 days have passed since the last injection you gave.
If you miss a dose for more than 5 days, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not use different brands of Semaglutide/Tirzepatide at the same time.
Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.
Tell your provider if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your provider before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, medical tests, and special medical care.
You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you eat or drink less than usual.
Use the medicine as soon as you can and then go back to your regular schedule. If your next dose is due in less than 2 days (48 hours), skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store unopened pens in a refrigerator between 36- and 46-degrees F. Do not freeze. Protect from light and heat. Throw away your used medication after 28 days or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your provider.