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Medicines and devices

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy shots and as Rybelsus and Wegovy tablets.

Clinician review pending Updated Medicines and devices
DefinitionSemaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy shots and as Rybelsus and Wegovy tablets.

What it means

Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptor. Its half-life is about one week, so the injected forms are given once a week. The tablet forms are taken once a day, with strict rules about water and food timing.

  • Ozempic: weekly shot for type 2 diabetes, with added label uses for heart and kidney risk in certain adults
  • Wegovy: weekly shot for chronic weight management and to lower the risk of major heart events in certain adults
  • Rybelsus: daily tablet for type 2 diabetes
  • Wegovy pill: daily tablet for chronic weight management

The STEP trials studied semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight. Average weight loss was well above placebo, with stomach side effects the most common complaint. Pens and tablets are not interchangeable mg for mg.

Why it matters

Semaglutide is the ingredient behind four brands on this site, each with its own dose schedule and label.

Related tools

GLP-1 weight-loss projection

Expected loss by drug, dose and week, from trial data

Open

GLP-1 dose schedule

Your titration calendar with calendar export

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Related terms

GLP-1 receptor agonistTirzepatideLiraglutideSemaglutideWegovy (semaglutide)

Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error