Description And Uses
Semaglutide is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and an anti-obesity medication used for long-term weight management. It is a peptide similar to the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), modified with a side chain. It can be administered by subcutaneous injection or taken orally. It is sold under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus for diabetes, and under the brand name Wegovy for weight loss.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.
It was approved for medical use in the US in 2017. In 2022, it was the 48th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 13 million prescriptions.
The higher-dose formulation of semaglutide is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for long-term weight management in adults with obesity (initial body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) or who are overweight (initial BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) and have at least one weight-related comorbidity.
In March 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the indication for semaglutide (Wegovy), in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke in obese or overweight adults with cardiovascular disease.