Semaglutide
Also known as: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy
What it's for
Semaglutide helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and aids weight loss. It works like a natural hormone (GLP-1) that controls appetite and blood sugar.
Comes as: Injection (weekly) or tablets (daily)
How to take it
- Injection (Ozempic): Start with 0.25mg weekly, increased gradually to 1mg or 2mg weekly.
- Tablets (Rybelsus): Start with 3mg daily, increased to 7mg or 14mg.
- Take tablets on an empty stomach with a small sip of water.
- Inject in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Feeling sick or vomiting (usually improves over time)
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Start on a low dose to reduce nausea
- Eat smaller meals and avoid fatty foods
- Tell your doctor if you have thyroid problems or pancreatitis history
- Not suitable in pregnancy
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have severe stomach pain that spreads to your back (possible pancreatitis)
- You have persistent vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
- You notice a lump in your neck or have trouble swallowing
- You have signs of low blood sugar and cannot treat it
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.