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Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Supportive Care

Brand names:

Ozempic®, Wegovy®

Other names:

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist

Often used for:

Type 2 diabetes, weight loss, heart disease risk reduction

This information is specific to the use of semaglutide for weight loss. For additional information on semaglutide, please talk to your health care provider.

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What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medicine used to control the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood and slows stomach emptying to help patients lose extra body weight. It is a type of medicine called a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist. 

Semaglutide works by reducing hunger and slowing the movement of food through the stomach. It increases the feeling of fullness and helps people lose weight by reducing the amount of food eaten throughout the day. It works best when combined with a low-calorie diet and exercise program.

The dose of semaglutide is slowly increased over time to limit side effects. You may have blood draws to check glucose levels and to monitor kidney and liver function. 

Brain

May be given as a shot under the skin (subcutaneous injection)

 
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Possible side effects

  • Abdominal (belly) pain
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Constipation or diarrhea 
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Burping
  • Changes in taste
  • Runny nose
  • Changes in mood
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Pain, redness, or irritation at the injection site
  • Low blood sugar

Call your care team right away if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction. These may include: rash, hives, itching, runny nose, fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck, dizziness, low blood pressure, or pain in the chest, side, or back.

Not all patients who take semaglutide will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Report any symptoms or side effects to your health care provider or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your health care provider or pharmacist.

  • Talk to your care team if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or you or a family member has had thyroid cancer.
  • Semaglutide works best when used along with a nutrition and exercise program.
  • This medicine lowers blood sugar levels. Tell your health care team if you have symptoms of low blood sugar, such as shaking, sweating, dizziness, confusion, or blurry vision.
  • Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
  • Before having surgery, tell your care team you are taking semaglutide.
  • Several medicines can interact with semaglutide. Tell your health care provider and pharmacist about all medicines you take. 
  • Tell your care team if you are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment.

Semaglutide at home:

  • Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to a health care provider.
  • Injection Pen: Give once a week as instructed by your care team.
  • In case of a missed dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the dose is scheduled in less than 2 days, skip the missed dose. 
  • Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
  • Protect the medicine from light as instructed by the pharmacy.
  • Follow instructions for safe handling, storage, and disposal.  

Learn more about Semaglutide

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: January 2026