Semaglutide
Semaglutide: What is it?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist that lowers blood sugar levels and helps some people lose weight. It also reduces the risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. Semaglutide is the active component of Rybelsus, Wegovy, and Ozempic. It decreases glucagon production, delays stomach emptying, increases insulin release, and reduces hunger.
The weight-loss brand Semaglutide The only semaglutide brand with FDA approval for weight loss is Wegovy.
Once a week, subcutaneous injections of semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) are administered. You take one tablet of Rybelsus every day in the morning, half an hour before you eat, drink, or take any other medications. Thirty minutes after taking Rybelsus, you can eat, drink, or take oral medication.
People with type 1 diabetes should not use semaglutide.
There is no generic version of semaglutide. Novo Nordisk manufactures many semaglutide brands (Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelus), each of which has FDA approval for a certain ailment.
What distinguishes Rybelus, Wegovy, and Ozempic from one another?
The various forms and applications of semaglutide (semaglutide injection and semaglutide tablets) are as follows:
Patients with type 2 diabetes can reduce their blood sugar levels with Ozempic injections in addition to diet and exercise. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of significant cardiovascular events including heart attacks and strokes in diabetes people who already have cardiovascular disease. Weekly subcutaneous injections of Ozempic are administered.
Some individuals take Wegovy injections to lose weight, while some adults use them to reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Weekly subcutaneous injections of Wegovy are administered.
When combined with diet and exercise, Rybelsus pills help people with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar levels. They are taken once daily.
Mechanism of action:
GLP-1 controls blood sugar and digestion. When food is consumed, GLP-1 is released by the small intestine. It lowers appetite, indicates fullness, increases insulin, suppresses glucagon, and keeps blood sugar levels stable.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 transmitter agonists include semaglutide. Blood sugar levels are lowered by the medication. The decline is thought to be brought on by imitating the incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
Additionally, it seems to promote the proliferation of beta cells in the pancreas, which are in charge of producing and releasing insulin. It also prevents the creation of glucagon, a hormone that promotes gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of new glucose, and glycogenolysis, or the release of stored carbohydrates from the liver. By decreasing hunger and delaying stomach digestion, it lowers food intake and aids in weight loss.
The indication of Semaglutide:
Semaglutide is always meant to be taken in conjunction with a lower-calorie diet and more exercise. In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is recommended to enhance glycemic control. Semaglutide, however, is not a good first-line medication for diabetes that has not been managed with diet and exercise. Furthermore, it hasn’t been investigated in pancreatitis patients. Patients with type 1 diabetes or those suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis should not use semaglutide.
Adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related disorder (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol) should take semaglutide for long-term weight control. Semaglutide is also recommended for the long-term control of weight in children 12 years of age and up whose initial BMI is at least the 95th percentile for their age and sex.
In people with established cardiovascular disease who are obese or overweight, semaglutide is also used to lower their risk of significant adverse cardiovascular events, such as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke.
How much does semaglutide cost?
The price of semaglutide varies based on the drugstore you select and your insurance plan.
To learn more about the Ozempic cost, see our Ozempic price guide page. Additionally, you might qualify for an Ozempic savings card or voucher.
For additional details regarding the pricing of Wegovy, visit our Wegovy price guide page. Additionally, you might qualify for a Wegovy savings card or discount.
For additional details regarding the cost of Rybelsus, visit our Rybelsus pricing guide page. Additionally, you might qualify for a Rybelsus discount or savings card.
Side effects of semaglutide:
Common adverse effects of semaglutide:
Those who have type 2 diabetes may experience low blood sugar, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and fatigue as common adverse effects of semaglutide.
Serious adverse effects of semaglutide:
The following are serious side effects of semaglutide: acute pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas), gallbladder disease, kidney problems (kidney failure), severe allergic reactions, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), vision issues in type 2 diabetics, and food or liquid entering the lungs during deep sedation or anesthesia.
If you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction—hives, itching, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat—get emergency medical attention.
Make an immediate call to your physician if you have:
- Modifications in vision;
- unexpected shifts in mood, suicidal thoughts;
- fluttering in your chest or thumping heartbeats;
- A sense of dizziness, as if you might faint;
- symptoms of a thyroid tumor, including a lump or enlargement in the neck, difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, and dyspnoea;
- signs of pancreatitis, such as intense upper abdominal discomfort that radiates to the back,
- rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting or not;
- gallbladder issues, such as fever, clay-colored feces upper abdominal pain, and jaundice (eye or skin yellowing);
- Low blood sugar, which manifests as headache, weakness, hunger, perspiration, disorientation, agitation, lightheadedness, elevated heart rate, or jitters;
- Renal issues, such as edema, decreased urination, fatigue, or dyspnoea; or symptoms of the stomach flu, such as cramping in the stomach, vomiting, appetite loss, and diarrhea which can be either watery or bloody).
There may be other adverse effects; this is not an exhaustive list. For medical advice on side effects, give your doctor a call. You can call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report negative effects.
Caution of semaglutide:
If you experience symptoms of a thyroid tumor, such as a lump or swelling in your neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness in your voice, or shortness of breath, call your doctor right away.
Semaglutide should not be used if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands).
Before using this medication:
Semaglutide should not be used if you have an allergy to it or if you have:
- Type 2 multiple endocrine neoplasia (glands tumors);
- a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a form of thyroid cancer, in one’s family or personally;
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (for treatment, contact your physician).
- Tell your doctor if you have ever encountered:
- An intestine or stomach ailment;
- pancreatitis;
- are preparing for surgery or another operation involving heavy sedation or anesthesia;
- Kidney disease; or diabetic retinopathy, which affects the eyes.
- Semaglutide produced thyroid cancer or tumors in animals. Whether these consequences might manifest in humans is unknown. Consult your physician about your risk.
It is recommended that both men and women cease taking semaglutide at least two months before their intended pregnancy. Consult your physician about a safer medication to take during this period. Gaining the proper amount of weight and managing diabetes is crucial throughout pregnancy. Losing weight during pregnancy could be harmful to the fetus even if you are overweight.
- Consult a physician about breastfeeding safety when taking Wegovy or Ozempic.
- Breastfeeding is not advised while taking Rybelsus.
- Anyone under the age of eighteen is not permitted to use semaglutide.
How is semaglutide to be used or taken?
Wegovy and Ozempic are administered subcutaneously, often once a week, at any time of day, with or without meals. Every week on the same day, administer an injection.
All directions should be read and followed. If you need assistance, ask your physician or chemist.
Don’t prepare an injection until you’re ready to administer it. If the medication appears hazy or has changed concolor contains particles, give your chemist a call.
You will be shown where to inject semaglutide by your healthcare provider. Avoid injecting twice in the same location.
If you decide to switch up the weekly injection day, begin your new routine at least two days following your last injection.
Avoid using different semaglutide brands concurrently.
Rybelsus is a tablet that is given once daily with no more than four ounces of plain water, at least half an hour before the first meal, drink, or other oral medications of the day. You can eat, drink, or take other oral medications 30 minutes after taking the tablet. Take the tablets whole. It is not recommended to chew, break, or crush tablets.
Details about Semaglutide Dosing:
Ozempic Dosage Details
Recommended Dosage by Ozempic
For four weeks, administer a 0.25 mg subcutaneous injection (injection beneath the skin) to begin Ozempic. The dosage of 0.25 mg is not useful for glycaemic management; rather, it is meant for the start of treatment.
Increase the dosage to 0.5 mg once weekly after four weeks on the 0.25 mg dosage.
The dosage may be raised to 1 mg once weekly if further glycaemic management is required after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dosage.
The dosage may be raised to 2 mg once weekly if further glycaemic management is required after at least 4 weeks on the 1 mg dosage. A weekly dose of no more than 2 mg is advised.
Once a week, on the same day, at any time of day, with or without meals, administer Ozempic.
As long as there is a minimum of two days (>48 hours) between doses, the weekly administration day may be altered if needed.
Ozempic should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within five days of the missed dosage. Skip the missed dose and give the next dose on the day that is normally planned if more than five days have gone by. Patients can then return to their usual once-weekly dosage schedule in each scenario.
Ozempic can be purchased as:
Dosage pen for Ozempic injection 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg.
The pen can administer doses of 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg.
1.34 mg/mL (2 mg/1.5 mL)
Eight doses of 0.25 mg or four doses of 0.5 mg are contained in each 1.5 ml pen.
One milmilligramsage pen for Ozempic injection.
The dose from the pen is 1 mg.
1.34 mg/mL (4 mg/3mL)
Four dosages are contained in each 3ml pen.
Ozempic injectable pen with a dosage of 2 mg.
The dose from the pen is 2 milligrams.
2.68 mg/mL (8 mg/3 mL)
Four dosages are contained in each 3ml pen.
Wegovy Dosage Details
Recommended Dosage for Wegovy
To reduce gastrointestinal side effects, start Wegovy with a dose of 0.25 mg administered subcutaneously once a week and adhere to the dose escalation schedule listed below.
- Week 1–4: 0.25 mg each week
- Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg per week
- Weeks 9–12: 1 mg per week
- Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg per week
- From week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg per week
Consider postponing dose escalation for four weeks if patients are unable to tolerate a dose during this phase.
Every week, 2.4 mg of Wegovy is administered subcutaneously as the maintenance dose.
The maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly can be temporarily reduced to 1.7 mg once weekly for a maximum of 4 weeks if patients are unable to take it. Increase Wegovy to the maintenance dosage of 2.4 mg once weekly after four weeks.
If the patient is unable to tolerate the 2.4 mg dose of Wegovy, stop taking it.
Blood glucose levels should be checked in patients with type 2 diabetes both before and during Wegovy medication.
Available Wegovy Strengths:
- One 0.25 mg dose is administered by the Wegovy 0.25 mg pen (0.25 mg/0.5 mL).
- One 0.5 mg dose (0.5 mg/0.5 mL) is administered by the Wegovy 0.5 mg pen.
- One 1 mg dose (1 mg / 0.5 mL) is administered by the Wegovy 1 mg pen.
- One 1.7 mg dose (1.7 mg/0.75 mL) is administered by the Wegovy 1.7 mg pen.
- One 2.4 mg dose (2.4 mg/0.75 mL) is administered by the Wegovy 2.4 mg pen.
Information about Dosing for Rybelsus
Rybelsus should be taken with no more than 4 ounces of plain water and at least 30 minutes before the first meal, drink, or other oral prescriptions of the day. You can eat, drink, or take other oral medications 30 minutes after taking the tablet. Take the tablets whole. It is not recommended to chew, break, or crush tablets.
Recommended Dosage for Rybelsus
For 30 days, begin taking 3 mg of Rybelsus once a day. The 3 mg dosage is not useful for glycaemic management; rather, it is used to initiate treatment.
Increase the dosage to 7 mg once daily after 30 days on the 3 mg dosage.
After at least 30 days on the 7 mg dose, if more glycaemic control is required, the dose may be increased to 14 mg once daily.
It is not advised to take two 7 mg Rybelsus tablets to get a 14 mg dosage.
The next dose should be taken the day after the missing one, and the missed dose should be skipped.
The strengths of Rybelsus pills are 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg.
Patients being switched between Rybelsus and Ozempic.
Ozempic subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg once weekly can be used for patients receiving Rybelsus 14 mg daily. Ozempic can be started by patients the day following their final Rybelsus dosage.
Patients receiving weekly subcutaneous injections of Ozempic 0.5 mg may switch to Rybelsus 7 mg or 14 mg. Up to seven days following their final Ozempic injection, patients can begin taking Rybelsus. Ozempic 1 mg has no Rybelsus comparable dosage.
What occurs if I don’t take my dose?
For Rybelsus: Use your subsequent dose at the scheduled time and skip the missing one.
Ozempic: Take the medication as soon as you can, and then resume your usual routine. Skip the missed dose and get back to your usual routine if you are more than five days late for the injection.
Wegovy: Take the medication as soon as you can, and then resume your usual routine. Skip the missed dose and get back to your usual routine if your next dose is due in less than two days (48 hours).
Avoid taking two semaglutide dosages at once.
If you miss more than two consecutive Wegovy doses, contact your doctor. To prevent gastrointestinal issues, you might need to resume taking the medication at a lower dosage.
What would happen if I took too much?
Get help right away or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Severe nausea, vomiting, or low blood sugar can result from an overdose.
Which other medications will interact with semaglutide?
Because semaglutide slows down digestion, it may take longer for your body to absorb oral medications.
All other medications, including insulin and other diabetes medications like dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, Byetta, Trulicity, Victoza, and others, should be discussed with your doctor.
Semaglutide may interact with other medications, such as vitamins, herbal remedies, and both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Inform your physician of all other medications you use.
Breastfeeding and pregnancy when using semaglutide
Semaglutide should be discontinued by both men and women at least two months before the planned start of a pregnancy. Consult your physician about a safer medication to take during this period. Gaining the proper amount of weight and managing diabetes is crucial throughout pregnancy. Losing weight during pregnancy could be harmful to the fetus, even if you are overweight.
Breastfeeding: Consult a physician about the safety of nursing while taking Wegovy or Ozempic.
Breastfeeding is not advised while taking Rybelsus.
Storage of Semaglutide:
Ozempic
Ozempic should be kept in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) before being used for the first time. Avoid keeping them next to the refrigerator’s cooling element or in the freezer. Ozempic should not be frozen, nor should it be used once frozen.
The Ozempic pen can be kept in a refrigerator (36°F to 46°F; 2°C to 8°C) or at a controlled room temperature (59°F to 86°F; 15°C to 30°C) for 56 days following its initial usage. Avoid freezing.
The pen cap should remain on while not in use. Ozempic needs to be shielded from direct sunshine and extreme heat.
After every injection, always take out and properly dispose of the needle, and keep the Ozempic pen without an injection needle in it. For every injection, use a fresh needle.
Wegovy
The single-dose pen should be kept between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F) in the refrigerator. If necessary, the pen can be stored for up to 28 days between 8°C and 30°C (46°F and 86°F) before the cap is removed. Avoid freezing. Keep Wegovy out of the light. Wegovy needs to be stored in its original container until it is time to administer it. After using the Wegovy pen, throw it away.
Rybelsus
[See USP Controlled Room Temperature] Store between 68° and 77°F (20° and 25°C); exceptions are allowed to 59° to 86°F (15° and 30°C). Keep the original bottle for storage and dispensing.
To keep tablets safe from moisture, keep them in their original bottle until they are needed. This medication should be kept dry and free from moisture.
Which ingredients make up semaglutide?
Semaglutide is the active component.
Inactive ingredients:
Ozempic: injections of phenol, propylene glycol, disodium phosphate dihydrate, and water. The pH of Ozempic is around 7.4. To change the pH, sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid can be applied.
Wegovy: injection-grade water, sodium chloride, and disodium phosphate dihydrate.
The components of Rybelsus are salcaprozate sodium (SNAC), povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate.
Summary
A glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, semaglutide is used to treat obesity, lower the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events in certain adults, and improve glycaemic management in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
FAQs
What is semaglutide, please?
Semaglutide is a medication intended to help persons with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar levels. It functions by simulating the effects of the hormone GLP-1. By causing your body to secrete insulin, lowering the quantity of sugar your liver releases, and delaying the rate at which food leaves your stomach, this hormone aids in blood sugar regulation.
Is it possible to combine semaglutide with other diabetes drugs?
Semaglutide is compatible with various diabetes drugs. To make sure it is safe and to prevent any interactions, it is crucial to speak with your doctor before mixing it with other medications.
Does semaglutide have any major negative effects?
Although they are uncommon, serious side effects can happen. These include kidney issues, severe allergic responses, pancreatitis, and visual abnormalities. Get in touch with your doctor right away if you suffer from extreme stomach pain, allergic reaction symptoms, or any other strange symptoms.
For whom is semaglutide contraindicated?
People who have a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or medullary thyroid cancer are not advised to take semaglutide. Additionally, people with a history of severe gastrointestinal disorders or pancreatitis should not use it. To find out whether semaglutide is right for you, always get advice from your physician.
Is it possible to lose weight with semaglutide?
Although the main reason semaglutide is taken for type 2 diabetes is to regulate blood sugar, some people may also lose weight as a side effect. This is because it slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite. It shouldn’t be used only to lose weight, though.
Is semaglutide safe for women who are pregnant or nursing?
Semaglutide’s safety in women who are pregnant or nursing has not been proven. Before taking semaglutide, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor about any pregnancy, plans to get pregnant, and breastfeeding.
Does semaglutide carry a risk of hypoglycemia?
The risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) with semaglutide alone is minimal. However, taking it with other diabetic drugs like insulin or sulfonylureas may make the risk higher. This risk can be controlled by keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels and doing as your doctor directs.
How do I proceed if I encounter adverse effects while taking semaglutide?
Get in touch with your physician if you encounter any adverse effects while taking semaglutide. They can assess whether your treatment plan needs to be modified and offer advice on how to manage adverse effects.
References
- Wikipedia contributors. (2025, January 23). Semaglutide. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semaglutide
- 1mg. (n.d.). Semaglutide: View Uses, Side Effects, and Medicines | 1mg. https://www.1mg.com/generics/semaglutide-509803?srsltid=AfmBOoqyb5JIgdHY3B0_Qckmol7g35aZQipb10Qc-U7RMYPAJNhAcALi