Medicine Information

Semaglo-OB

Name: Semaglo-OB
Brand: Semaglo-OB

Solution for injection (pre-filled pen)1 mgAntidiabetic agents, Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonistsATC: A10BJ06

Generic Name

Semaglutide 1 mg injection

Manufacturer

Acme Pharmaceuticals

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
semaglo ob 1 mg injection	৳ 1,000.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity. It helps to lower blood sugar and reduce body weight.

Uses & Indications

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (as an adjunct to diet and exercise)

Chronic Weight Management (in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity)

Dosage

Adults

For type 2 diabetes, typically initiates at 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then 0.5 mg once weekly. Dose may be increased to 1 mg (as per this drug's strength) once weekly, and then further to 2 mg if needed, based on glycemic response and tolerability.

Elderly

No dose adjustment generally required based on age alone.

Renal_impairment

No dose adjustment needed for mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment. Caution with end-stage renal disease.

How to Take

Administer once weekly by subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The day of weekly administration can be changed if necessary, as long as the time between two doses is at least 2 days.

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimicking the effects of natural GLP-1. It increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decreases glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and increases satiety.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Glucose-lowering effects typically within 1-2 weeks. Weight loss effects appear gradually.

Excretion

Primarily via urine (approximately 66%) and feces (approximately 33%).

Half life

Approximately 1 week (about 165-184 hours).

Absorption

Slow absorption after subcutaneous injection, reaching peak plasma concentrations in 1-3 days. Bioavailability is approximately 89%.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized by proteolytic cleavage of the peptide backbone and sequential beta-oxidation of the fatty acid side chain.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
History of serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any components
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (not indicated for this)
Diabetic ketoacidosis

Drug Interactions

Oral Medications

Semaglutide delays gastric emptying, potentially affecting the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. Monitor for changes in efficacy or adverse reactions of oral medications.

Insulin Secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas) or Insulin

Concurrent use may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Dose reduction of sulfonylureas or insulin may be required.

Storage

Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect from light.

Overdose

In case of overdose, gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting) and hypoglycemia may occur. Supportive treatment should be initiated based on the patient's symptoms.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential fetal harm (based on animal studies). Discontinue at least 2 months before planned pregnancy. Unknown if excreted in human milk; caution advised during lactation.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
History of serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any components
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (not indicated for this)
Diabetic ketoacidosis

Drug Interactions

Oral Medications

Semaglutide delays gastric emptying, potentially affecting the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. Monitor for changes in efficacy or adverse reactions of oral medications.

Insulin Secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas) or Insulin

Concurrent use may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Dose reduction of sulfonylureas or insulin may be required.

Storage

Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect from light.

Overdose

In case of overdose, gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting) and hypoglycemia may occur. Supportive treatment should be initiated based on the patient's symptoms.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 pre-filled pen (contains 1 mg/dose, 4 doses total)

Shelf Life

3 years (unopened, refrigerated); 6 weeks (after first use, at room temperature or refrigerated).

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Approved

Patent Status

Patented

Clinical Trials

Extensively studied in phase 3 clinical trials (e.g., SUSTAIN program for diabetes, STEP program for weight management) demonstrating efficacy and safety.

Lab Monitoring

HbA1c levels
Blood glucose (fasting and postprandial)
Renal function (e.g., creatinine, eGFR) periodically
Lipid profile (periodically)

Doctor Notes

Emphasize gradual dose escalation to mitigate gastrointestinal side effects.
Counsel patients on the importance of diet and exercise in conjunction with treatment.
Monitor for signs of pancreatitis and educate patients on symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.

Patient Guidelines

Follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions carefully.
Do not share your injection pen with others.
Store in the refrigerator, but do not freeze.
Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain).
Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, especially if on other diabetes medications.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed and the next scheduled dose is more than 5 days away, administer the missed dose as soon as possible. If the next scheduled dose is 5 days or less away, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule with the next dose.

Driving Precautions

May cause hypoglycemia, which can impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycemia while driving.