Is injectable Semaglutide safe?
Semaglutide injections (for example, the FDA-approved medications Wegovy® and Ozempic®) have been studied in clinical trials and, when used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider, can have a favorable benefit-risk profile for appropriate patients.
However, “safe” does not mean “risk-free”.
Some of the key safety considerations include:
- Thyroid C-cell tumor risk: In long-term rodent studies, semaglutide caused dose- and duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumours. It is not known whether this occurs in humans, but because of this, semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in persons with MEN2.
- Pancreatitis and gallbladder disease: Cases of acute pancreatitis and gallbladder disease have been observed. If you experience sudden severe abdominal pain (with or without vomiting) while on semaglutide, the medication should be discontinued and you should seek medical care.
- Gastrointestinal/ motility effects: Because semaglutide slows gastric emptying, it may worsen gastroparesis or lead to ileus in susceptible patients. Dosing should be done carefully.
- Use with other medications/conditions: If you have kidney disease, retinopathy, are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, your provider must evaluate if semaglutide is appropriate for you.
- Compounded or unapproved formulations: If you are being prescribed a compounded version of semaglutide, you should be aware that such versions are not FDA-approved, have not been tested to the same standard, and may carry additional risks related to dosing, purity or quality.
What This Means for You
To maximize safety:
- Use the medication exactly as your provider prescribes it (including the titration schedule).
- Report any new or worsening symptoms (for example, a lump in the neck, hoarseness, new abdominal pain, changes in vision).
- Maintain regular follow-up visits so your healthcare provider can monitor your response, adjust the dose, and review side-effects.
- Understand that individual risks vary and your provider will help you weigh the potential benefit (e.g., weight loss, improved metabolic health) against the specific risks in your case.
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. It does not represent medical clearance for any individual to use injectable semaglutide. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider about whether this medication is appropriate for you, given your medical history and other medications.
Compounded versions of semaglutide are not FDA-approved. The FDA has not evaluated compounded semaglutide for safety, effectiveness, or quality.
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