Semaglutide Disclaimer
Compounded Semaglutide Disclaimer
Compounded medications can be prescribed under federal law, although they are not approved by the FDA and have not undergone thorough safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing assessments. Your provider affiliated with IVY RX may suggest specific doses of compounded semaglutide following your medical evaluation.
Caution: Potential Risk of Thyroid Tumors
Research on mice and rats has indicated that semaglutide (the active component in Wegovy and Ozempic) may lead to thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. The impact of semaglutide on human thyroid health remains unclear. Notify your provider if you notice any swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues, as these may signal thyroid cancer.
Avoid using semaglutide if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Indications for Semaglutide Use
Semaglutide is used as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for long-term weight management alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for individuals with an initial BMI:
- 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity)
- 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia)
Usage Restrictions:
- Do not combine semaglutide with other semaglutide products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
- Co-administration with other weight-loss products has not been evaluated.
- Semaglutide is not recommended for patients with a history of pancreatitis or those with type 1 diabetes.
Who Should Avoid Semaglutide?
Avoid semaglutide if:
- You or anyone in your family has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2.
- You are allergic to semaglutide.
Administration Guidelines
Semaglutide can be taken with or without food and is self-administered via subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once weekly. For proper dosage guidance, refer to your treatment plan or consult your IVY RX provider for a regimen that may include dose increases every four weeks. Do not modify your dosage or discontinue semaglutide without your provider's consent.
What to Discuss with Your Provider Before Use
Inform your IVY RX provider about all medications you are currently taking, including prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Important interactions to note include:
- Medications for diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas.
- Semaglutide may delay gastric emptying, affecting the absorption of orally administered medications.
- Other GLP-1 receptor agonists or weight-loss products.
Provide a full medical history, especially if you've had:
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Thyroid cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney issues
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Mental health concerns, including depression or suicidal thoughts
Inform your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Pregnancy: Semaglutide is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
- Reproductive Potential: Discontinue semaglutide at least 2 months prior to planned pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding: Consult your provider if you are breastfeeding.
Failing to disclose accurate health information may lead to serious health risks.
Serious Side Effects to Monitor
Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience:
- Symptoms of thyroid tumors (lump in neck, hoarseness, etc.).
- Severe abdominal pain (indicative of pancreatitis).
- Gallbladder issues (pain, jaundice).
- Signs of low blood sugar (dizziness, sweating).
- Symptoms of kidney problems (dehydration).
- Severe allergic reactions (swelling, rash, difficulty breathing).
- Vision changes if you have type 2 diabetes.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Mental health changes including suicidal thoughts.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar in diabetes patients
Report Side Effects
You are encouraged to report any adverse effects to FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. For complete safety information, consult the full Consumer Medical Information.