What is Cyanocobalamin/Semaglutide Compound?
Cyanocobalamin (sye an oh koe BAL a min)
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of B12 converted to methylcobalamin in the body.
- It can be used to supplement B12 deficiency or malabsorption
- It may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Semaglutide (sem-a-GLOO-tide) SGT
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
- It may be used for weight management in overweight or obese patients.
- It may be used for blood sugar management in overweight or obese patients.
- It may help regulate appetite and food reward signaling in the brain.
- It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Compounded Drug Forms: Subcutaneous injection
What products are available?
These blends are available in different concentrations and fill volumes in an amber vial.
- Cyanocobalamin/Semaglutide 1mg/2.5mg per 1 mL
- 5 mL fill volume in a 5 mL vial
- Cyanocobalamin/Semaglutide 1mg/1mg per 1 mL
- 1 mL fill volume in 5 mL vial
- 5 mL fill volume in 10 mL vial
What should the injectable product look like?
Upon visual inspection, the vial contents should appear as a clear red solution with no visible particles.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- Allergy to semaglutide
- History of medullary thyroid cancer or other thyroid C-cell cancer
- History of pancreatitis
- History of tachyarrhythmias
- History of depression, suicidal thoughts or actions
- History of diabetic retinopathy
- History of severe stomach problems, like gastroparesis
- Upcoming surgery or medical procedure involving anesthesia or deep sedation
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the package directions provided by the pharmacy and by your prescriber. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow the dosing schedule provided carefully.
Injectable medications should be given subcutaneously or intramuscularly as directed by your healthcare provider. See recommended administration guide for further instruction.
- For Injectable — This medication should be given by subcutaneous injection. A subcutaneous injection (SQ) delivers medicine into the fatty layer between skin and muscle, used to give a small quantity of certain kinds of medications.
- Rotating your injection site is recommended. Commonly used injection sites include: the outer area of the upper arm, the abdomen (avoiding a 2-inch circle around the navel), or the front of the thigh.
- Wash hands and sanitize the injection site with alcohol prior to administration. Do not use the solution if it becomes cloudy, has particles, or changes color. Dispose of used needles in a Sharps container. Do not use past the beyond use date indicated on the prescription label.
- Discard 28-days after initial puncture.
What if I miss a dose?
- If you miss a dose within 5 days of the scheduled dose, administer it as soon as possible.
- If more than 5 days have passed since the missed dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not take double the dose at once.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives blistering, swelling of the mouth, face, lips tongue throat, trouble breathing.
- Signs of injection site reaction: redness or itching around the administration site.
- Signs of new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Blood levels monitored for B12, and CBC are advised before treatment and ongoing as your prescriber deems necessary.
- Regular check-ups with your provider are recommended.
What may interact with this medicine?
- Due to the nature of the medication, semaglutide may slow gastric emptying. This could interfere with the breakdown of other medications.
- General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation while on GLP-1 therapy
- Consult your provider before any medical surgery or procedure due to risk of pulmonary aspiration.
- Drug interactions exist with this medication.
- Discuss your medication regimen with your health care provider to determine the best therapy for you.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as
- Abdominal pain or stomach upset
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dyspepsia
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
What serious side effects prompt immediate attention?
Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:
- Neck mass
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Vocal hoarseness that will not go away
- Kidney problems or urinary complications
- Gallbladder problems
- Rapid heartbeat
- Eyesight changes
- Severe dizziness
- Signs of low blood sugar
- Pancreas problems
- Worsening behavioral or mood changes like depression or thoughts of self-harm
- Food or liquid getting into the lungs during medical procedures that use anesthesia or deep sedation
You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions.
An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and/or trouble breathing.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to semaglutide, vitamin B12, or any component of the formulation. Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Where should I keep my medicine?
- Follow the storage recommendations found on your prescription label.
- Store injectable semaglutide at refrigeration, between 36 to 46 degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging.
- Protect injectables from light.
Additional Information:
- Do not share this medication with others to whom it was not prescribed.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- If an overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Belmar Pharmacy are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
NIOSH Drug: Observe special handling and disposal requirements.
Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.
References:
- Clinical Resource, Comparison of GLP-1 Agonists. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. August 2019.
- Semaglutide. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed December 2022