Purpose | Dosage | Frequency | Administration |
---|---|---|---|
Type 2 Diabetes (Ozempic) | 0.25-2 mg | Once weekly | Subcutaneous injection |
Type 2 Diabetes (Rybelsus) | 3-14 mg | Once daily | Oral tablet |
Weight Management (Wegovy) | 0.25-2.4 mg | Once weekly | Subcutaneous injection |
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Key points:
Synthetic peptide analog of human GLP-1
94% sequence homology to native GLP-1
Molecular formula: C165H261N43O52
Molecular weight: 4113.6 g/mol
Developed by Novo Nordisk
Approved for type 2 diabetes (2017) and weight management (2021)
Available in injectable (Ozempic, Wegovy) and oral (Rybelsus) formulations
Activates GLP-1 receptors in pancreatic beta cells, stimulating insulin release
Suppresses glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells
Slows gastric emptying, reducing postprandial glucose spikes
Increases satiety and reduces appetite through central nervous system effects
Enhances beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity
Promotes weight loss through reduced caloric intake and increased energy expenditure
Improves cardiovascular risk factors
Significantly reduces HbA1c levels (1.5-2% reduction in clinical trials)
Improves fasting and postprandial glucose control
Reduces risk of major adverse cardiovascular events
Produces substantial weight loss (15-20% of body weight in clinical trials)
Improves obesity-related comorbidities
Maintains weight loss long-term with continued use
Reduces risk of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke
Improves blood pressure and lipid profiles
Potential benefits in heart failure patients
Reduces liver fat content
Improves markers of liver function
Potential to prevent progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Emerging evidence for potential benefits in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease
May improve cognitive function in patients with type 2 diabetes
Starting dose: 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks
Maintenance dose: 0.5 mg once weekly
Can be increased to 1 mg or 2 mg once weekly if needed
Starting dose: 3 mg once daily for 30 days
Maintenance dose: 7 mg once daily
Can be increased to 14 mg once daily if needed
Starting dose: 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks
Dose escalation: Increase dose every 4 weeks (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg)
Maintenance dose: 2.4 mg once weekly
Remove pen from refrigerator 30 minutes before injection
Check that the solution is clear and colorless
Attach a new needle to the pen
Prime the pen before first use
Dial the correct dose
Choose injection site and clean with alcohol swab
Insert needle and inject full dose
Hold needle in place for 6 seconds after injection
Remove and dispose of needle safely
Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
Rotate injection sites
Administer once weekly, same day each week
Take on an empty stomach when you first wake up
Swallow tablet whole with a sip of plain water (no more than 4 ounces)
Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications
Common combination for type 2 diabetes
May enhance glucose-lowering effects
Potential for additive effects on glucose control and weight loss
Monitor for dehydration and ketoacidosis
Can be used together, but may increase risk of hypoglycemia
Insulin dose may need to be reduced
Semaglutide is a prescription medication and should only be obtained through licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (most common)
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Headache
Fatigue
Increased risk of pancreatitis (rare)
Potential risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (animal studies only)
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management
Prescription-only medication
Legal status may vary in other countries
Store unopened pens in refrigerator (36°F to 46°F or 2°C to 8°C)
After first use, can be stored at room temperature (59°F to 86°F or 15°C to 30°C) for up to 56 days
Do not freeze
Protect from light
Keep out of reach of children
Most patients see significant improvements in blood glucose within 4-8 weeks. Weight loss typically becomes noticeable within 4-12 weeks.
No, semaglutide is not approved for use in type 1 diabetes.
Semaglutide is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
Semaglutide has shown superior efficacy in glucose control and weight loss compared to most other GLP-1 receptor agonists in clinical trials.
Semaglutide represents a significant advancement in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Its unique mechanism of action, combining glucose control with substantial weight loss and cardiovascular benefits, makes it a valuable option for many patients. The availability of both injectable and oral formulations offers flexibility in treatment approaches.However, its use should be carefully considered in the context of individual patient factors, potential side effects, and cost. As with any medication, semaglutide should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, with regular monitoring for efficacy and safety.
Marso SP, et al. (2016). Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(19), 1834-1844.
Wilding JPH, et al. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989-1002.
Pratley R, et al. (2018). Semaglutide versus dulaglutide once weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 7): a randomised, open-label, phase 3b trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 6(4), 275-286.
Newsome PN, et al. (2021). A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Subcutaneous Semaglutide in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(12), 1113-1124.
Aroda VR, et al. (2019). PIONEER 1: Randomized Clinical Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Semaglutide Monotherapy in Comparison With Placebo in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 42(9), 1724-1732.
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