Injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, or GLP-1s, began as diabetes medications
For longer-term use broadly defined as more than three weeks NICE guidance highlights the need for: Gradual dose reduction to prevent adrenal insufficiency Bone protection with calcium, vitamin D, and potentially bisphosphonates if long-term use is anticipated Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood glucose, and weight Steroid treatment cards patients on long-term steroids should carry a blue NHS Steroid Treatment Card to alert healthcare professionals in emergencies NHS Steroid Emergency Card patients at risk of adrenal crisis (e.g., those on prolonged or high-dose courses) should also carry a Steroid Emergency Card, as recommended by the MHRA (Drug Safety Update, 2020) [26] It is also worth noting that high-dose short courses or repeated courses of prednisolone may warrant tapering or additional monitoring based on clinical judgement, even if the individual course is less than three weeks
If you are scheduled to have surgery, ask about holding medication
Inspect the semaglutide pen to ensure the medication is clear and colorlessdo not use if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles
By week 12 of the experimental treatment period, the patients administered doses of semaglutide from 0.8-1.6 mg experienced a decrease in weight ranging from -3.4 to -4.8 kg