Semaglutide Safety Information
Important safety information for GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy prescribed through YouthFuel for weight management. Read this information carefully before and during treatment.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. When used for weight management, semaglutide helps you feel fuller sooner and longer after meals, reducing overall calorie intake.
YouthFuel prescribes compounded semaglutide administered via subcutaneous injection, typically once weekly. Your provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on your health profile and treatment response.
Contraindications
Do NOT take semaglutide if you:
- Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). GLP-1 receptor agonists have caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. While not confirmed in humans, this is a serious precaution.
- Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to semaglutide or any component of the formulation.
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Semaglutide may cause fetal harm. Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
- Have a history of pancreatitis. Use with extreme caution if you have risk factors for pancreatitis.
- Have severe gastrointestinal disease, including gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Boxed Warning: Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
In rodent studies, semaglutide caused dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans. Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a lump in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath).
Dose Titration Schedule
Semaglutide is started at a low dose and gradually increased to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Your YouthFuel provider will guide you through this process. A typical titration schedule is:
| Phase | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 0.25 mg/week | 4 weeks |
| Month 2 | 0.5 mg/week | 4 weeks |
| Month 3 | 1.0 mg/week | 4 weeks |
| Month 4 | 1.7 mg/week | 4 weeks |
| Month 5+ | 2.4 mg/week | Maintenance |
Your provider may adjust this schedule based on your tolerance and response. Never increase your dose without your provider's approval.
Common Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common with semaglutide, especially during dose escalation. Most side effects improve over time as your body adjusts.
Very Common (more than 1 in 10)
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
Common (up to 1 in 10)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Bloating and gas
- Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling)
- Hair thinning (usually temporary)
Tips to Manage GI Side Effects
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
- Avoid fatty, greasy, or spicy foods, especially early in treatment
- Stay well hydrated with water and clear fluids
- Eat slowly and stop eating when you feel full
- Contact your provider if symptoms are severe or persistent
Serious Side Effects
Stop taking semaglutide and contact your provider immediately or seek emergency care if you experience:
- Pancreatitis: Severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening.
- Gallbladder problems: Upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), or clay-colored stools may indicate gallstones or cholecystitis.
- Kidney injury: Decreased urination, swelling in feet or ankles, fatigue, or confusion. Dehydration from nausea/vomiting/diarrhea can worsen kidney function.
- Hypoglycemia: Especially if combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and dizziness.
- Allergic reactions: Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; severe rash, itching, or hives; rapid heartbeat; fainting.
- Thyroid tumors: A lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath.
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior: New or worsening depression, anxiety, mood changes, or thoughts of self-harm. Report any changes in mood to your provider.
Drug Interactions
Inform your YouthFuel provider of all medications and supplements you take. Semaglutide can affect how other medications are absorbed.
Oral Medications
Semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which may affect the absorption of other oral medications. Take time-sensitive medications (such as oral contraceptives or antibiotics) as directed by your provider. Monitoring may be needed when starting or changing semaglutide doses.
Insulin and Sulfonylureas
Combining semaglutide with insulin or sulfonylureas increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Your provider may need to reduce the dose of these medications when starting semaglutide.
Warfarin and Other Anticoagulants
Semaglutide may affect INR levels in patients taking warfarin. More frequent INR monitoring is recommended when starting or adjusting semaglutide therapy.
Thyroid Medications (Levothyroxine)
Delayed gastric emptying may alter levothyroxine absorption. Thyroid function tests should be monitored during the titration period.
Monitoring Requirements
Your YouthFuel provider may recommend the following monitoring during treatment:
- Regular check-ins to assess treatment response, side effects, and overall well-being
- Blood work including metabolic panel, lipid panel, and A1C (if diabetic) at baseline and periodically
- Kidney function monitoring, especially if you experience significant GI symptoms
- Heart rate monitoring (semaglutide may cause a modest increase in resting heart rate)
- Weight and body composition tracking to assess treatment effectiveness
Injection Instructions
- Inject once weekly, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food
- Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites each week.
- Store in the refrigerator (36-46 degrees F / 2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
- If you miss a dose and it has been less than 5 days, take it as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on your regular day.
- Dispose of used needles in an FDA-cleared sharps container. Do not dispose of needles in household trash.
Questions About Your Treatment?
Contact your YouthFuel care team through your patient portal or reach us directly.
Email: support@youth-fuel.com|Phone: (239) 217-1535
Last updated: March 16, 2026