Medical Information
Last Updated: March 2026
IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Your medical provider may recommend Semaglutide based on a medical review. This document is a summary of product information and does NOT include all possible information and potential side effects. This is not medical advice and does not substitute advice from your healthcare provider.
Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medicine that may help adults with obesity and excess weight who may also have weight-related medical problems lose weight and keep it off. It should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Semaglutide is a synthetic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for chronic weight management for people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or higher.
Semaglutide should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products or any other GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medicines. It is not known if Semaglutide is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight loss products. It is not known if Semaglutide can be used in people who have had pancreatitis. It is not known if Semaglutide is safe and effective for use in children under 18 years of age.
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS — In studies with mice and rats, semaglutide caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Semaglutide will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. Do not use Semaglutide if you or any of your family have ever had MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Semaglutide is self-administered with a needle and syringe as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. Your provider will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include a dose increase every four weeks. Do not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Semaglutide without discussing with your provider first.
Tell your provider all medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.
If you are pregnant: Semaglutide should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
If you are of reproductive potential: Discontinue Semaglutide at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy since the drug can stay in the bloodstream for a long time.
If you are breastfeeding: Semaglutide was found in the milk of lactating rats. We do not recommend taking Semaglutide if you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding with breastmilk.
Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.
The most common side effects are typically mild and usually resolve after the first several weeks of treatment. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, upset stomach, abdominal distension, reflux, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Swelling, redness, and itchiness at the injection site may occur.
Tell your provider right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of kidney problems, vision changes, fast heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), or signs of low blood sugar (sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, tingling hands/feet).
Get medical help right away if you have signs of pancreas or gallbladder disease (such as nausea/vomiting that does not stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain) or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (rash, itching/swelling of the face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing).
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In mice and rats, semaglutide caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether Semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
Semaglutide may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
Semaglutide may lower blood glucose. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause dehydration which may worsen kidney problems. Drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
Stop using Semaglutide right away if you experience swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
If you have type 2 diabetes, tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision.
Tell your provider right away if you have a racing heartbeat while at rest.
Pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
Sharing poses a risk of infection. Always use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each injection.
If you have any current or recent prescriptions for either prescription or brand name weight loss medications, do not take both medications. Taking two or more GLP-1/GIP medications at the same time increases the risk of potentially serious side effects. Notify your provider immediately.
VellaRX provides telehealth services connecting patients with licensed healthcare providers. Medications are prescribed at provider discretion. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Results may vary.
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