Is it okay to miss a dose of semaglutide (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist)?

Managing Missed Doses of Semaglutide

If you miss a dose of semaglutide, you should take it as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular once-weekly dosing schedule. 1

Guidelines for Missed Doses

• If you miss a single dose of semaglutide, administer it as soon as possible within 5 days of the missed dose 1
• If more than 5 days have passed since the missed dose, skip that dose and resume your regular once-weekly schedule 1
• For 2 consecutive missed doses, clinical judgment is required for subsequent dosing 2
• If you have tolerated semaglutide well previously, resuming at the same dose can be considered after missing 1-2 doses 2
• If you've experienced side effects previously, your provider may consider lowering your next dose after missed doses 2
• If 3 or more consecutive doses are missed, restarting the titration schedule should be considered 2

Importance of Adherence

• Semaglutide has a half-life of approximately 7 days, which allows for once-weekly dosing 3
• Consistent dosing helps maintain steady blood levels and therapeutic effects 3
• It takes 4-5 weeks to reach steady state with semaglutide, highlighting the importance of regular dosing 3
• Missing multiple doses may impact glycemic control and weight management benefits 2

Common Side Effects and Management

• Gastrointestinal side effects are common with semaglutide, including nausea (15-20% with higher doses), vomiting, and diarrhea 2
• These side effects are typically dose-dependent and more frequent with higher doses 2
• Side effects are usually most prominent during initiation and dose escalation periods 2
• Slow dose titration helps minimize gastrointestinal adverse effects 2

Special Considerations

• If you're planning surgery requiring general anesthesia, inform your healthcare provider that you're taking semaglutide, as it may affect gastric emptying 1
• Semaglutide should not be used with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors 2
• Use caution when taking semaglutide with insulin or insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas) due to potential hypoglycemia risk 2
• Semaglutide may delay gastric emptying, which could impact the absorption of some oral medications 2

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

• If you experience severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms 1
• If you have signs of acute kidney injury due to dehydration (decreased urination, swelling, fatigue) 1
• If you miss 3 or more consecutive doses, as you may need to restart the titration schedule 2
• If you develop symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) 1

Remember that maintaining consistent dosing is important for achieving optimal therapeutic benefits with semaglutide. If you frequently miss doses, discuss with your healthcare provider about potential strategies to improve adherence or alternative treatment options.