Consider: More frequent assessments during dose escalation (first 4-5 months) to evaluate tolerability, side effects, and any changes in lupus disease activity Regular reviews once on maintenance dosing, coordinated with routine rheumatology appointments where possible Weight and BMI tracking to assess treatment efficacy Blood pressure monitoring at consultations, as weight loss should improve hypertension but requires documentation Laboratory monitoring should be tailored to individual risk factors: Renal function tests (creatinine, eGFR, urinalysis) as appropriate for the patient's baseline renal status, with increased frequency if significant gastrointestinal side effects occur Lupus disease markers (complement levels, anti-dsDNA antibodies, inflammatory markers) as per the patient's usual monitoring schedule, with additional testing if symptoms suggest a flare Lipid profile and HbA1c to track metabolic improvements INR monitoring for patients on warfarin, particularly when starting or adjusting semaglutide dosing Thyroid function tests for patients on levothyroxine Patient safety advice is paramount
Chemotherapy Drugs Chemotherapy drugs, which have been hard on the gastrointestinal tract, can possibly augment the semaglutide associated issues with nausea and vomiting
Continue aggressive hydration
Despite their common occurrence, the precise mechanisms that trigger hiccups remain partially understood, and they can range from being a mild annoyance to a symptom of underlying health issues when persistent or severe
In June, the FDA warned consumers that off-brand forms of Ozempic and Wegovy could be unsafe
