Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 5/16/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

• Brand Name: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy
  
• Generic Name: Semaglutide
  
• Uses: Treating type 2 diabetes; managing weight in adults
  
• Drug Class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
  
• Availability: Prescription only
  
• Generic Status: No
  
• Controlled Substance: No
  
  

Semaglutide is a medication used primarily to manage type 2 diabetes and as a treatment for weight management in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which improve blood sugar control and promote weight loss.

Semaglutide is used to treat:

• Type 2 diabetes: Ozempic and Rybelsus help improve blood sugar levels in adults, reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke in patients with heart disease.
  
• Obesity: Wegovy, a brand of semaglutide, is specifically approved for helping manage weight in adults with obesity or overweight status, particularly when accompanied by weight-related conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.
  
  

Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that is naturally released after eating. This hormone helps to increase insulin secretion, decrease glucagon secretion (both of which help lower blood sugar), and slow gastric emptying to decrease appetite and food intake.

Semaglutide is available in different forms to suit specific needs:

• Injectable form (Ozempic, Wegovy): Administered once a week using a prefilled pen injector.
  
• Oral form (Rybelsus): Taken once daily on an empty stomach with water.
  
  

The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the condition being treated, its severity, and your response to the medication.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and schedule. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or duration of treatment without consulting your provider.

The effectiveness of semaglutide and the time it takes to notice improvement can vary among individuals. Blood sugar levels typically improve within the first few weeks of starting the medication for diabetes management. For weight management, gradual weight reduction can be expected, often seen within the first few months.

Continue taking semaglutide as prescribed even if you start feeling better. Do not abruptly stop the medication, as it may lead to a loss of blood sugar control or weight gain rebound.

Ozempic and Rybelsus may be prescribed for their off-label use as a weight management aid. Only Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss.

Healthcare providers may sometimes prescribe semaglutide off-label for additional conditions related to insulin resistance and metabolism.

Discuss any alternative uses of semaglutide with your healthcare provider.

Semaglutide is available in the following dosage forms:

• Injectable solution (Ozempic, Wegovy): Available in prefilled pens with dosages of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, and higher doses for Wegovy specifically for weight management.
  
• Oral tablets (Rybelsus): Available in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg.
  
  

There are currently no generic versions of semaglutide available.

Semaglutide is a prescription medication. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain this medication.