What it is used for

Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic weekly injection or Rybelsus daily tablet)
Weight management in people living with obesity, alongside diet and activity (Wegovy)
Lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease and obesity (Wegovy)

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Semaglutide is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Semaglutide copies a gut hormone called GLP-1. It helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high, slows down stomach emptying and acts on the brain to reduce appetite.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Semaglutide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

feeling sick
diarrhoea or constipation
being sick
stomach pain
burping and indigestion
feeling tired

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

severe stomach pain that spreads to your back, which can be a sign of an inflamed pancreas. Call 111
pain in the upper right tummy with a high temperature or yellow skin, which can be gallstones
changes in your eyesight, especially if you have diabetic eye disease
severe ongoing sickness or diarrhoea leading to dehydration

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

Do not use it if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Stop it at least 2 months before trying for a baby.
It can make the contraceptive pill less reliable if it causes sickness or diarrhoea.
Only buy weight-loss medicines from a registered pharmacy with a prescription. Fake pens are sold online.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.