Semaglutide: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Semaglutide is a prescription medicine that helps lower blood sugar and may help with weight management. It is available in different forms and brands, including once-weekly injections and an oral tablet, each with specific approved uses. Your doctor or pharmacist can help determine whether semaglutide is appropriate for you.
Semaglutide can help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and support weight loss when used with diet and physical activity. It is available by injection or as an oral tablet, but the appropriate product, schedule, and dose must be prescribed by a clinician.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BJ06
- RxNorm
- 1991302
- Generic
- Semaglutide
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 14mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue use at least 2 months before planned pregnancy
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound examinations
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
switch to insulin therapy for glycemic control
regular fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue use and transition to insulin
fetal well-being monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
generalnot recommended
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid semaglutide use
monitor infant for gastrointestinal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
generalno dose adjustment required
use with caution due to increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects
monitor renal function and hydration status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 12not recommended
not approved for use in children under 12 years
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mildno dose adjustment required
can be used at standard doses
routine monitoring of renal function
renal_impairment
moderateno dose adjustment required
use with caution and monitor closely
monitor renal function every 3-6 months
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno dose adjustment required
can be used at standard doses
routine monitoring of liver function
hepatic_impairment
moderateno dose adjustment required
use with caution due to limited clinical data
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Semaglutide
FDA approval year
First FDA approval date for Semaglutide
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Brand names
Commercial brand names for Semaglutide
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy