What is Extensior 0.25mg Injection?
Extensior 0.25mg Injection comprises semaglutide, a medication which activates glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1 receptor agonist) that, when administered for adult weight management, becomes a treatment option. Extensior is administered only as a once-weekly injection under the skin and it is generally used with an appropriate diet, physical activity, and weight management plan when prescribed.
0.25mg strength is most often the initiation dose of the semaglutide that gives the body time to acclimatize slowly before going up to a higher dosage at a later stage. A once-weekly semaglutide pen launched in India by Abbott and Novo Nordisk Extensior 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg are the strengths of the pen that have been released at this time.
What Is Extensior 0.25mg Used For?
Extensior 0.25mg is usually a drug recommended by health care providers over a long time period to help manage overweight and appetite.
The appetite-reducing component of semaglutide acts by reducing the urge for food, decreasing appetite, reducing the desire for food, and delaying food passage from the stomach.
This medicine can only act effectively when a person takes healthy lifestyle measures such as exercising more and eating balanced diets alongside it. It should not serve as a substitute for a good diet plan and regular exercise.
In Australia, semaglutide is a registered medicine, e.g., Wegovy, which has received authorization for long-term weight management and weight control.
How Does Extensior 0.25mg Work?
Semaglutide functions as a semisynthetic GL P-1 hormone produced naturally in the human gut that acts partly as a glucose sensor.
This gut-produced signal tells a person to stop eating, gives a prolonged sense of satisfaction, and also helps control overall appetite. In addition, it acts as a gastric retentive drug delaying gastric emptying, a very effective way of reducing the desire for high calorific foods as well cutting down on overall calories consumption.
It is however possible that delayed gastric emptying may result in digestive problems like feeling sick, especially when one starts treatment or increases the level of medication.
How To Use Extensior 0.25mg
Extensior 0.25mg is administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week.
It should only be used according to the instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare professional specializing in weight management.
The injection is generally given under the skin of the:
- Abdomen
- Thigh
- Upper arm
Use a new disposable needle as directed and do not change the dose or injection schedule without medical advice.
The Australian semaglutide product information describes 0.25mg once weekly as the starting dose, normally for the first four weeks before increasing to 0.5mg when appropriate. The 0.25mg dose is not intended to be a maintenance dose for weight loss.
Extensior 0.25mg Dosage
The usual semaglutide starting schedule for weight management is:
0.25mg once weekly for 4 weeks, followed by an increase to 0.5mg once weekly if directed by the prescriber.
Further dose increases may be considered depending on weight loss progress, satiety response, and individual treatment needs.
Do not increase the dose yourself. Your doctor may adjust the treatment depending on your progress, overall health goals, other medicines and how well you tolerate semaglutide.
Possible Side Effects
Common side effects associated with semaglutide include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Reduced appetite
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
These digestive effects can be more noticeable when starting treatment or after a dose increase.
Seek medical attention if you develop persistent or severe abdominal pain, particularly pain that may extend to the back, as this can be a sign of acute pancreatitis. Serious allergic reactions, sudden vision changes and severe gastrointestinal problems also require prompt medical attention.
Precautions
Before using Extensior 0.25mg, tell your doctor if you:
- Have a history of pancreatitis
- Have severe or delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis)
- Have kidney problems
- Have vision problems or retinal conditions
- Are taking other weight management medications
- Are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Are scheduled for surgery or a procedure requiring anaesthesia or deep sedation
If you are taking a combination of Semaglutide with other appetite suppressants or weight loss medications, consult your doctor. In such cases, your doctor might decide to adjust the doses of these medications.
It has been also observed that Semaglutide delays the movement of food from the stomach. Safety recommendations in Australia indicate that patients taking a GLP-1 class medication should inform the healthcare professionals, including a doctor performing anaesthesia, of their prescription before an operation with general anaesthesia or deep sedation, so that necessary precautions can be taken.
Extensior 0.25mg and Other Medicines
Tell your doctor about the medications for prescriptions, weight management, the supplements plus all treatments you are currently on.
Special attention would be required to those patients on other weight loss medications who are taking semaglutide because such a combination may alter safety and efficacy profiles. The ability of semaglutide to slow down gastric emptying would also impact the absorption of certain oral medicines.
You should not combine semaglutide products or other GLP-1 receptor agonists if not advised by a qualified medical professional.
Storage
Extensior should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For semaglutide pre-filled pens of the corresponding type, Australian product information specifies:
- Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C
- Protect from light
- Do not freeze
- Keep the pen in its original packaging when appropriate
Always check the specific storage instructions supplied with your Extensior pen, as storage conditions can vary between product presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Extensior 0.25mg a full treatment dose for weight loss?
No. The 0.25mg semaglutide dose is generally used as an initial dose to help the body adjust to treatment. Australian product information states that 0.25mg is not a long-term maintenance dose for weight loss.
Can Extensior 0.25mg cause changes in bowel movements?
Yes. Because semaglutide affects digestion and slows gastric emptying, some people may experience constipation or diarrhoea. Nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort can also occur.
Should I tell my doctor if I have had pancreatitis before?
Yes. A history of pancreatitis should be discussed with your doctor before starting semaglutide. If severe, persistent abdominal pain develops during treatment, medical advice should be sought promptly.
Can Extensior affect treatment around an operation?
It can be relevant because semaglutide delays gastric emptying. Tell your surgeon and anaesthetist that you are taking semaglutide before a procedure involving general anaesthesia or deep sedation so they can assess the appropriate precautions.
What should I do if I keep vomiting after an injection?
Contact your doctor if vomiting is persistent or severe. Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea can cause dehydration, which may contribute to kidney problems, particularly in people who already have kidney disease.
References
Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional. Extensior 0.25mg is a prescription medicine and should be used only as directed. The exact suitability, dose and treatment schedule depend on the individual’s medical condition and other medicines.
