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Semaglutide

MED-000018

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist available as a once-weekly injection or once-daily tablet, marketed under two brand names with distinct approved uses: Ozempic® for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy® for chronic weight management. Depending on the brand, it's also approved to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with established cardiovascular disease.

Medication Overview

Generic Name: 

Medication Class: 

Manufacturer:

Route:

Dosing Frequency:

Semaglutide

GLP-1

Novo Nordisk

Injection, Oral tablet

Weekly (injection), Daily (tablet)

Status:

Draft

Medication Summary

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist available as a once-weekly injection or once-daily tablet, marketed under two brand names with distinct approved uses: Ozempic® for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy® for chronic weight management. Depending on the brand, it's also approved to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with established cardiovascular disease.

Aliases

Ozempic, Wegovy

Search Keywords

semaglutide, GLP-1, Ozempic, Wegovy

Medication Uses

Part of the DietApp.com GLP-1 Medication Database, a comprehensive, regularly reviewed reference covering every GLP-1-class medication.

Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist available under two brand names, each with its own approved indication:

  • Ozempic® — improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes; reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease; reducing the risk of kidney disease progression in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

  • Wegovy® — chronic weight management in adults and adolescents 12+ with obesity or overweight; reducing cardiovascular risk in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight; treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Semaglutide is not approved for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. As of 2026, both brands are available as either a once-weekly injection or a once-daily oral tablet.

Dosage

Dosing differs by brand and formulation:

Ozempic (injection): started at 0.25 mg weekly, increasing to a maintenance dose of 0.5–2 mg weekly.
Ozempic (tablet): 1.5 mg, 4 mg, or 9 mg once daily — not equivalent milligram-for-milligram to the discontinued Rybelsus brand.
Wegovy (injection): gradually escalated to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly.
Wegovy (tablet): 25 mg once daily.

Always follow your specific prescription and provider's guidance — the two brands are not interchangeable at the same dose.

Administration

Injection (both brands): subcutaneous, once weekly, any time of day, with or without food. Inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating sites regularly.

Tablet (both brands): taken first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, with no more than 4 oz of plain water, at least 30 minutes before any food, beverages, or other oral medications. This timing is strict — inconsistent administration significantly affects absorption.

Benefits

Depending on the brand and approved use, semaglutide may help:

  • Improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes (Ozempic)

  • Support significant, sustained weight loss (Wegovy)

  • Reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with established cardiovascular disease

  • Slow chronic kidney disease progression in eligible patients (Ozempic)

  • Improve liver health markers in eligible patients with MASH (Wegovy)

Results vary by individual and depend on consistent use alongside nutrition and activity changes.

Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects across both brands include:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Abdominal pain

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Injection-site reactions (injection form)

These are typically most noticeable during dose escalation and often improve with continued use.

Warnings

Semaglutide carries an FDA boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumor risk observed in rodent studies; it's unknown whether this risk applies to humans. It's contraindicated in patients with:

  • A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)

  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

  • A prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide

Other important warnings include:

  • Pancreatitis

  • Diabetic retinopathy complications (Ozempic, in patients with prior retinopathy)

  • Acute kidney injury, generally linked to dehydration from GI side effects

  • Increased heart rate

  • Gallbladder disease

  • Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema

  • Risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior — discuss any mood changes with your provider

Seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or facial/throat swelling.

Drug Interactions

Tell your provider about all medications and supplements before starting. Particular caution is needed with:

  • Insulin and sulfonylureas — increased hypoglycemia risk

  • Oral medications generally — delayed gastric emptying can affect absorption of other oral drugs

Never share a pen between patients, even with a new needle.

Storage

Before first use: refrigerate at 36°F–46°F (2°C–8°C). Do not freeze.
After first use: follow manufacturer instructions for your specific product; protect from heat and direct light.
Keep out of reach of children.

References

  • U.S. FDA prescribing information for Ozempic® and Wegovy®

  • DailyMed prescribing information

  • American Diabetes Association Standards of Care

  • Novo Nordisk Healthcare Professional prescribing information

Last medically reviewed and updated: July 11, 2026.

Track Your Progress

Managing treatment with semaglutide — whichever brand or formulation — is a long-term process. With DietApp.com, you can:

  • Record weekly injections or daily tablet doses

  • Track weight and relevant health markers over time

  • Log meals, hydration, and physical activity

  • Record side effects and symptoms as they happen

  • Prepare an organized treatment history for healthcare appointments

Download DietApp.com

Related Resources

  • Ozempic Medication Guide

  • Wegovy Medication Guide

  • GLP-1 Medication Library

  • Weight Management Resources

  • GLP-1 Injection Guide

  • Medication Safety Information

Related Articles

  • Ozempic vs. Wegovy: What's the Difference?

  • The Rybelsus to Ozempic Tablet Transition, Explained

  • The New Wegovy Pill, Explained

  • How GLP-1 Medications Support Weight Management

  • GLP-1 Injection Best Practices

  • Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Therapy

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About DietApp.com

DietApp.com combines evidence-based GLP-1 medication education with practical treatment tracking tools, helping patients understand their medications while staying consistent with long-term treatment. The information on DietApp.com is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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