Semaglutide
medicationOzempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus
Metabolic medication (GLP-1 receptor agonist)
Research status · FDA-approved
FDA-approved. Ozempic (type 2 diabetes), Wegovy (weight management), Rybelsus (oral, diabetes). Prescription only. Boxed Warning for thyroid C-cell tumors.
Semaglutide is a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist, injectable weekly (Ozempic/Wegovy) or oral daily (Rybelsus). It is approved and clinician-managed. Appetite reduction is prominent, so protein intake and hydration are commonly tracked.
How it works
GLP-1 receptor agonist: slows gastric emptying, increases satiety, and enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reducing appetite and improving glucose control.
Commonly discussed use cases
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic weight management
- Cardiovascular risk reduction (specific approvals)
Supposed / potential benefits
- Meaningful weight reduction in trials
- Improved A1c
- Cardiovascular benefit shown in specific populations
Common side effects
- Nausea (most common), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- Reduced appetite, fatigue
- Gallbladder issues; ileus added to labeling post-approval
Warnings & contraindications
- Boxed Warning: thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; human relevance unknown
- Contraindicated with personal/family history of MTC or MEN 2
- Pancreatitis, kidney injury from dehydration, serious hypersensitivity reactions reported
Typical timing considerations
Weekly injection on a consistent day, or daily oral (Rybelsus) taken fasting with a small sip of water; titrated up per label.
Administration route
Subcutaneous injection (weekly) or oral tablet (daily)
Storage
Refrigerate pens before first use; follow label for in-use storage. Protect from light.
Questions to ask your clinician
- Which formulation and titration is right for me?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you?
- How do I keep protein and hydration up while appetite is low?
Commonly tracked in Reta
Tracking fields organize user-entered, clinician-directed routines — Reta never recommends or computes doses.
Track this in Reta
Beta members get a ready-made tracker for Semaglutide — schedule, dose log, injection-site rotation, reminders, and check-ins — for organizing a clinician-directed routine. Personal tracking is available to everyone during the Public Beta.
Reta is a tracking and education tool — not a medical provider. Nothing here is a diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or dosing recommendation. Peptides and medications should only be used under the direction of a licensed clinician. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting, stopping, combining, or changing anything. Many compounds below are not FDA-approved for human use; some are investigational or sold through unregulated channels where purity and dosing are not guaranteed.