Semabest 8mg Injection is used to:

• Improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: It may be used as monotherapy when metformin-based treatment is considered inappropriate because of intolerance or contraindications.

• Add to other diabetes medicines: It may be used together with other medicines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Semabest is not used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Semabest 8mg Injection contains Semaglutide, which activates GLP-1 receptors.

It increases insulin release and reduces glucagon release in a glucose-dependent manner, helping lower blood sugar. It also causes a delay in stomach emptying, particularly after meals.

Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products you take.

• Insulin or sulfonylureas: May increase the risk of hypoglycaemia when used with Semaglutide. Your doctor may reduce the dose of these medicines.

• Oral medicines: Semaglutide delays stomach emptying and may affect the rate at which some oral medicines are absorbed.

• Other GLP-1 receptor agonists: Do not use Semabest with another Semaglutide-containing medicine or another GLP-1 receptor agonist unless specifically prescribed.

• Warfarin or other coumarin derivatives: More frequent INR monitoring may be needed when Semaglutide treatment is started.

• Store Semabest 8mg Injection in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C before use.

• Do not freeze.

• Do not use Semabest if it has been frozen.

• Protect the pen from light.

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

• Follow the product packaging instructions regarding storage after first use.

Use Semabest 8mg Injection exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

The usual starting dose of Semaglutide is 0.25mg once weekly. After 4 weeks, the dose may be increased to 0.5mg once weekly. After at least 4 weeks at 0.5mg, it may be increased to 1mg once weekly and, when required, to 2mg once weekly. Doses higher than 2mg per week are not recommended for this indication.

Semabest is injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm once weekly, at any time of the day, with or without food.

The 8mg in the pen is the total product strength and is not an 8mg weekly dose.

Do not inject Semabest into a vein or muscle. Follow the instructions provided for the prefilled pen and use a new needle as directed. Do not share the pen or needles with another person.

If you miss a dose, administer it within 5 days if possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip it and take the next dose on your regular day.

Common side effects of Semabest 8mg Injection may include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Indigestion

• Abdominal distension

• Headache

• Dizziness

Gastrointestinal effects are among the most commonly reported side effects of Semaglutide.

Serious side effects:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain, which may indicate acute pancreatitis.

• Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat or difficulty breathing.

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, which may cause dehydration and deterioration of kidney function.

• Sudden loss of vision, which requires urgent ophthalmological assessment.

• Worsening diabetic retinopathy, particularly in patients with diabetic retinopathy who are also using insulin.

• Hypoglycaemia, particularly when Semabest is used with insulin or sulfonylureas.

• Symptoms of thyroid tumours, such as a neck lump, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing or persistent hoarseness, require medical assessment.

Seek medical attention promptly if serious symptoms occur.

• Use Semabest exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• Remember that the 8mg pen strength is not the same as an 8mg weekly dose.

• Do not increase the dose faster than prescribed.

• Keep your scheduled diabetes follow-ups and monitoring appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you have diabetic retinopathy.

• Stay hydrated if you develop vomiting or diarrhoea.

• Use a new needle as instructed and do not share the pen.

• Tell your doctor before surgery or deep sedation.

• Seek immediate medical attention for severe, persistent abdominal pain or sudden vision loss.