Semaglutide

Also known as: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, GLP-1 agonist

Evidence Tier Amedium riskintermediaterx approved

FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist with strong human data for diabetes and obesity management.

FDA Safety Flag

The FDA has identified this substance as one that may present significant safety risks when used in compounding, including concerns about immunogenicity, impurity characterization, and/or insufficient safety information.

Overview

Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist used clinically for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Human evidence is robust, with major randomized trials showing meaningful weight loss and glycemic improvement. Key caveat: FDA has warned about compounded semaglutide quality, dosing, and counterfeit product risks, so retail research-vial assumptions should not be treated as equivalent to approved products.

Research Details

Mechanism of Action

GLP-1 receptor agonist that increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and increases satiety.

Study Dose Range

Approved human use: 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg weekly subcutaneous; oral semaglutide 3 mg to 14 mg daily.

Administration Routes

subcutaneous, oral

Onset / Timeline

Glucose effects emerge over the first weeks; weight-loss effects build across 3 to 12 months.

Expected Effects

Clinically meaningful appetite reduction, HbA1c improvement, and substantial body-weight reduction in approved-use populations.

Adverse Effects

Common GI adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Gallbladder and pancreatitis concerns exist, and thyroid C-cell tumor warning remains part of class labeling.

Contraindications

Avoid in personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2. Use caution with pancreatitis history, severe gastroparesis, pregnancy, and concurrent insulin/sulfonylureas.

Interaction Notes

Additive hypoglycemia risk with insulin or sulfonylureas. Delayed gastric emptying can alter absorption timing for oral drugs.

Related Goals

Fat Loss & Metabolism

Known Interactions

contraindicated with Tirzepatide

Do not layer GLP-1 / dual-incretin agonists in a consumer stack; GI burden and dosing complexity rise without a clear rationale.

contraindicated with Liraglutide

Two GLP-1 agonists in the same stack creates redundant mechanism and higher side-effect burden.

contraindicated with Retatrutide

Approved GLP-1 therapy should not be layered with an investigational multi-incretin agent.

Available From

No vendors currently listed for this peptide.

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Information provided for educational and research reference only. Not medical advice. Not for diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing disease. Products referenced are labeled Research Use Only (RUO) by vendors; not for human or veterinary use.