Semaglutideسيماجلوتايد

Semaglutide, sold under the brand name Ozempic, is used to help control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise.

It's also used to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events — heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death — in adults with type 2 diabetes who already have cardiovascular disease.

In people with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has also been associated with weight reduction of around 6 kg on average — but it is not approved as a stand-alone weight-loss medicine.

• Blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise
• Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death) in adults with type 2 diabetes and existing cardiovascular disease

Ozempic is given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. The dose is increased gradually to reduce stomach-related side effects.

Starting dose

• 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks — this starting dose is for treatment initiation only and is not intended to control blood sugar on its own

Maintenance dose

• 0.5 mg once weekly, after the first 4 weeks

If more blood sugar control is needed

• After at least 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, the dose may be increased to 1 mg once weekly
• After at least 4 weeks on 1 mg, the dose may be increased to 2 mg once weekly (the maximum dose)

This is educational background, not an individual prescription — your own doctor sets your exact dose and titration schedule.

Ozempic can begin lowering blood sugar within 1–3 days of starting treatment.

Any weight reduction is a secondary effect, not the main purpose of this medicine, and may become noticeable within days to weeks.

• Injected once a week, on the same day each week
• Can be taken with or without food
• Injected under the skin (subcutaneously) in the front of the abdomen, front of the thigh, or upper arm
• Never share your pen with anyone else, even if the needle is changed
• Use a new needle for every injection
• Rotate the injection site each time — avoid using the exact same spot twice in a row

• Refrigerate at 2–8°C

The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances.

Semaglutide has been linked to a risk of thyroid tumors. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing.

A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, increases this risk — see Contraindications.

Semaglutide has rarely been linked to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Seek medical attention if you develop severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting.

Vision changes have been reported with semaglutide, particularly in people with existing diabetic retinopathy. Tell your doctor about any changes in your vision.

Semaglutide has been associated with an increase in suicidal thoughts in some reports. Use with caution if you have depression or another psychiatric condition, and seek help immediately if you experience thoughts of self-harm.

• Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any component of the injection
• Type 1 diabetes
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
• Children and adolescents under 18 years of age

Combining semaglutide with other medicines that lower blood sugar increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This includes insulin and sulfonylurea medicines such as glimepiride, glyburide, tolbutamide, and tolazamide. If you take any of these together with semaglutide, your doctor may need to adjust the dose. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every other medicine you take.

Semaglutide is not approved for children or adolescents under 18 years of age.

Semaglutide is not recommended during pregnancy — it may increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. If you're planning a pregnancy, treatment should be stopped at least 2 months beforehand.

For breastfeeding, avoid use without discussing it with your doctor first; whether it passes into breast milk has not been proven.

• Kidney disease — use with caution
• Liver disease — use with caution
• Gallbladder disease — use with caution, as gallbladder disorders have been reported
• Dehydration — can occur from gastrointestinal side effects; maintain adequate fluid intake
• A low-sodium diet — discuss with your doctor, as it may need to be taken into account