Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance ›› 2023, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (7): 833-835.
DOI: 10.19803/j.1672-8629.20220584

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One case of acute constipation induced by semaglutide injection

QIN Guilan, ZHOU Muzi, JI Zhaoshuai, MAO Qiantai, AI Chao*   

  1. Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital/School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
  • Received:2022-09-30 Online:2023-07-15 Published:2023-07-14

Abstract: Objective To recommend measures of pharmacovigilance of semaglutide injection based on one case of acute constipation. Methods One case of acute constipation after semaglutide injection was analyzed, and a proper medication was recommended. Results The patient started with 0.5 mg semaglutide injection, but developed acute constipation symptoms the next day. After symptomatic treatment, the constipation symptoms were alleviated. After the dosage was reduced, constipation did not re-occur. Given the correlations between the patient’s clinical manifestations and the time of administration, the acute constipation was believed to have been caused by semaglutide injection. Conclusion Semaglutide injection is used for weight loss, which is off-label, so large doses may cause acute constipation. Clinicians are recommended to start with small doses according to the instructions, and inform the patients of possible adverse reactions. In case of adverse reactions, emergency medical treatment should be offered.

Key words: semaglutide, injection, acute constipation, adverse drug reaction, off-label use

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