What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is used for weight loss, to lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease in certain adult patients.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist that works by reducing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, increasing insulin release, and lowering the amount of glucagon released.

Semaglutide brand names are Ozempic, Rybelus, and Wegovy , which are made by Novo Nordisk, and are FDA-approved for different conditions. Semaglutide FDA approval was first granted on December 5, 2017, for the brand Ozempic.

How does semaglutide work?

Semaglutide’s mechanism of action involves mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 which:

• Stimulates insulin production from the pancreas
• Reduces liver sugar production
• Slows down digestion
• Helps control appetite and food intake.

How should I use or take semaglutide?

Semaglutide injections are injected under the skin, usually once per week at any time of the day, with or without food. Use an injection on the same day each week.  For type 2 diabetes and lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Adults At first, 0.25 milligrams (mg) injected under the skin once a week for 4 weeks. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 2 mg once a week.
Children Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

If you choose a different weekly injection day, start your new schedule after at least 2 days have passed since the last injection you gave.

Do not use different brands of semaglutide at the same time.