About semaglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Used for
- Improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Reduces risk of major cardiovascular events in some adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Reduces risk of worsening kidney disease and cardiovascular death in some adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Usual adult dose
Inject under the skin once weekly. Start at 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, then 0.5 mg; increase after at least 4 weeks if needed, up to 2 mg weekly.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain.
- Reduced appetite.
- Injection-site reactions.
- Low blood sugar, especially with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Important warnings
- Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Avoid with personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.
- Seek urgent care for severe, persistent abdominal pain; pancreatitis is possible.
- Can worsen diabetic retinopathy; delayed stomach emptying may affect medicines and anesthesia.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy; not used for weight loss during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Human data are limited; discuss risks and benefits with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Insulin and sulfonylureas increase low blood sugar risk.
- May affect absorption of oral medicines by slowing stomach emptying.
- Do not combine with other semaglutide products or GLP-1 medicines.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.