Semaglutide

Key points

• Oral and injectable semaglutide products have different instructions and may be intended for different clinical uses.
• Digestive adverse effects can lead to dehydration and may affect kidney function or absorption of other oral medicines.
• Severe persistent abdominal pain can indicate pancreatitis or gallbladder disease and needs prompt assessment.

Select a listed product and pack to order online. Supply depends on stock. Whether it suits you depends on the exact product and clinical indication; ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What semaglutide is used for

Selected semaglutide products are used in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other products may be used for eligible patients within clinician-led weight management. A diabetes product should not be assumed suitable for weight treatment.

How it works

Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors, increasing glucose-dependent insulin release, reducing glucagon and affecting appetite and stomach emptying. Individual response and adverse effects vary.

Clinically meaningful forms

Tablets and injections have different administration requirements. Brand familiarity, strength or route alone does not establish an equivalent product or indication.

Important safety checks

Review pregnancy plans, pancreatitis or gallbladder history, severe digestive disease, kidney problems, eye disease related to diabetes and other glucose-lowering medicines. Insulin or sulfonylureas can increase low-blood-sugar risk when used with semaglutide.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent help for severe persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, signs of severe dehydration, facial swelling or breathing difficulty. Severe low blood sugar requires immediate treatment according to the clinical plan.

Further reading

• Semaglutide - Common brands: Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus - NHS
• Type 2 Diabetes - NIDDK
• Diabetes - World Health Organization (WHO)