Semaglutide

Drug Information

Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on April 17, 2025

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Quick facts

• 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

What is semaglutide?

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.

What conditions does semaglutide treat?

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.

How does semaglutide work?

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.

How do I take semaglutide?

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.

How long until I feel better?

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.

Are there any other uses for semaglutide?

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.

Dosage forms of semaglutide

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.

Side Effects and Precautions for Semaglutide

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What are the side effects of semaglutide?

The use of semaglutide can lead to various side effects in some individuals.

Common mild side effects of semaglutide use include:

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Increased heart rate
• Injection site reactions (for injectable forms)

More severe side effects of semaglutide use can include:

• Severe gastrointestinal distress
• Severe allergic reactions (such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing)
• Pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back)
• Kidney problems (such as changes in urine output)
• Gallbladder problems
• Rapid heart rate
• Vision changes
• Signs of thyroid tumors (such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath)
• Mood changes, such as depression or anxiety

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking semaglutide, contact your healthcare provider right away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using semaglutide?

Tell your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with semaglutide. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with semaglutide.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:

• Oral medications (since semaglutide can affect absorption)
• Insulin or other diabetes medications (to avoid hypoglycemia)
• Medications for gastrointestinal conditions
• Thyroid medications

You should also mention medical conditions such as:

• Kidney disease
• Pancreatitis or history of pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disesase
• Stomach problems or slowed digestion
• Thyroid cancer or family history of thyroid cancer
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using semaglutide to assess potential risks and benefits.

Are there any other special instructions I should follow?

Take semaglutide exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.

Semaglutide should be taken once weekly on the same day each week for the injectable form and daily for the oral form, preferably on an empty stomach.

Stay hydrated while taking semaglutide, especially if experiencing gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or diarrhea.

What should I do in case of an overdose?

In case of a semaglutide overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, or hypoglycemia (if combined with other diabetes medications). If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.

Proper Use & Dosage Information for Semaglutide

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What is the typical starting dose for semaglutide?

Semaglutide is available in the following forms:

• Injectable solution (Ozempic): 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg pre-filled pens
• Oral tablets (Rybelsus): 3 mg, 7 mg, 14 mg
• Injectable solution for weight management (Wegovy): starting at 0.25 mg, increasing to 2.4 mg

The typical starting dose of semaglutide varies depending on the condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, and individual patient factors. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and administration.

For type 2 diabetes, the typical starting dose may be:

• Injectable (Ozempic): 0.25 mg once weekly for the first four weeks, then increasing to 0.5 mg once weekly.
• Oral tablets (Rybelsus): 3 mg once daily for 30 days, then increasing based on tolerance and blood sugar control.

For weight management:

• Injectable (Wegovy): 0.25 mg once weekly for the first four weeks, gradually increasing over several months to 2.4 mg once weekly.

The dosage may be adjusted based on the response and tolerance to the medication. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate dose based on your medical history, current medications, and response to the medication.

Semaglutide should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment without consulting your provider.

If you have any questions about your dosage or need adjustments, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. If you want to talk to a provider right away, consider scheduling an online doctor appointment through a telehealth platform like Sesame.

What should I do if I miss a dose of semaglutide?

If you miss a dose of semaglutide, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Maintain a consistent dosing schedule to ensure the effectiveness of semaglutide in managing your condition.

What should I do if I'm feeling better while taking semaglutide?

Continue taking semaglutide as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better. Do not stop the medication abruptly without consulting your provider, as it may lead to a recurrence of symptoms or other complications.

Complete the full course of treatment as directed to minimize the risk of relapse.

If you have any concerns or questions about your medication, discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and recommendations.

How should I store semaglutide?

Store semaglutide according to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Keep it in the refrigerator; do not freeze. Protect it from light, and do not use it if the solution changes color or contains particles. Ensure the container is tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Do not use expired medication or medications that appear damaged or discolored. If you have any questions about storage, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.