Status checked on October 6, 2026 dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Semaglutide across its brands (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus): how it works, approved uses, STEP, SELECT and OASIS results, side effects and compounded versions.
Fact-checked against FDA labels and official sources; not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. This page is education, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
Brands with this active ingredient
| Brand | Route | How often | Approved uses | Status | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic (semaglutide): approved uses and how it differs from Wegovy | Injection | Weekly | Improve glycemic control, as an adjunct to diet and exercise; Reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events; Reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular death | FDA approved for another usePrescriptionInjection | Novo Nordisk |
| Ozempic Side Effects: what the label lists and when to get help | FDA approved for another usePrescriptionInjection | Novo Nordisk | |||
| Rybelsus (oral semaglutide): a diabetes pill, not a weight-loss approval | Pill (tablet) | Daily | Adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control; Reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (CV death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke) | FDA approved for another useOff-label use discussedPrescriptionPill | Novo Nordisk |
| Wegovy (semaglutide): uses, side effects, cost and FDA status | Injection | Weekly | Reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term (with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity); Reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term (injection); Reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (CV death, nonfatal heart attack, nonfatal stroke); Noncirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (F2 to F3), accelerated approval (injection); Weight reduction and maintenance, and cardiovascular risk reduction (Wegovy tablets) | FDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionInjection | Novo Nordisk |
| Wegovy HD (semaglutide 7.2 mg): what the higher dose is, results and status | Injection | Weekly | Reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term with the 7.2 mg once-weekly dosage (with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity) | FDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionInjection | Novo Nordisk |
| Wegovy Pill (oral semaglutide): status, how it is taken, how it compares | Pill (tablet) | Daily | Reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term (with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity); Reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events | FDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionPill | Novo Nordisk |
| Wegovy Side Effects: common, serious and long-term | FDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionInjection | Novo Nordisk |
Key takeaways
- Semaglutide is sold as Wegovy (weight, heart risk, MASH), Ozempic (type 2 diabetes) and Rybelsus (diabetes tablets); only Wegovy is approved for weight.[1]
- In STEP 1, weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg led to a 14.9% average weight loss over 68 weeks, versus 2.4% on placebo.[4]
- Daily oral semaglutide 25 mg led to a 13.6% average weight loss over 64 weeks in OASIS 4, versus 2.2% on placebo.[5]
- The FDA declared the semaglutide shortage resolved on February 21, 2025; compounded semaglutide is not FDA approved.[11]
In short: Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk and sold under three brand names in the U.S.: Wegovy (approved for chronic weight management, heart-risk reduction and, as an injection, a form of fatty liver disease), Ozempic (approved for type 2 diabetes, including heart and kidney protection) and Rybelsus (diabetes tablets). Only Wegovy is FDA approved for weight. No generic semaglutide is FDA approved in the U.S., and compounded versions are not FDA approved (checked on DailyMed on 2026-10-06).
This page is about the molecule across all its brands: how it works, what the big trials found, its shared side effects and what to know about compounded copies. For the details of a single product, go to its brand page.
Semaglutide in numbers
- About 1 weekelimination half-life; it stays in the blood for about 5 to 7 weeks after the last doseWegovy label, section 12.3
- 89% vs 1-2%how much of a dose reaches the blood from an injection versus a tabletWegovy label, section 12.3
- 4 brandsWegovy injection, Wegovy tablets, Ozempic injection, Ozempic tablets/RybelsusDailyMed labels
- 0FDA-approved generic semaglutide products found on 2026-10-06Drugs@FDA
Checked on October 6, 2026
Semaglutide brands at a glance
| Brand | Form | Approved for (label, checked 2026-10-06) | Weight indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy injection | Weekly injection | Weight reduction and maintenance (adults; teens 12+ with obesity); cardiovascular risk reduction; MASH with F2-F3 fibrosis (accelerated approval) | Yes |
| Wegovy tablets | Daily tablet | Weight reduction and maintenance; cardiovascular risk reduction (adults) | Yes |
| Ozempic injection | Weekly injection | Type 2 diabetes: blood sugar control; cardiovascular risk reduction; kidney outcomes in chronic kidney disease | No |
| Ozempic tablets and Rybelsus | Daily tablet | Type 2 diabetes: blood sugar control; cardiovascular risk reduction | No |
How semaglutide works
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone the gut releases after a meal. It tells the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high, lowers glucagon, slows how quickly the stomach empties and signals fullness to the brain. The body’s own GLP-1 is broken down within minutes. Semaglutide is a modified version of the hormone that stays active far longer, which is why the injection is given only once a week. The tablets must be taken on an empty stomach with only a little water, as their labels describe.
Why the tablet has such strict instructions
Semaglutide is a protein-like molecule that the stomach normally breaks down. The tablets add an absorption enhancer called SNAC, yet only about 1% to 2% of an oral dose reaches the bloodstream, compared with 89% of an injected dose. That is why the tablet dose in milligrams is much larger than the injection dose, and why food, other drinks or other pills taken too soon can reduce absorption. Average blood levels with the 25 mg Wegovy tablet were similar to the 2.4 mg weekly injection in people without diabetes, according to the label.
Why it lasts a week
Semaglutide binds to albumin, a blood protein, which shields it from breakdown and gives it an elimination half-life of about one week. In practice, it takes roughly 5 to 7 weeks after the last dose for it to clear the body. This long tail explains two label instructions: stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy, and restart at a lower dose after missing two or more weekly doses.
For weight, the main effect is on appetite: many people feel satisfied with smaller portions and think about food less. That is also why digestive side effects are common. More on the class, including how semaglutide compares with tirzepatide and the newer pills, is in our GLP-1 medications guide.
What the trials showed
Weight (STEP program). In STEP 1, 1,961 adults without diabetes took weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo for 68 weeks with lifestyle support; average weight change was -14.9% versus -2.4%. In STEP 4, people who stopped after 20 weeks regained weight while those who continued kept losing, and the STEP 1 extension found that about two thirds of the lost weight had returned a year after stopping.
Pill (OASIS 4). In 307 adults without diabetes, oral semaglutide 25 mg once daily led to an average weight change of -13.6% at 64 weeks, versus -2.2% with placebo. This trial supports the Wegovy tablet.
Heart (SUSTAIN-6 and SELECT). In adults with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk, SUSTAIN-6 found major cardiovascular events in 6.6% on semaglutide versus 8.9% on placebo. SELECT, in 17,604 adults with heart disease and overweight or obesity but no diabetes, found 6.5% versus 8.0% over an average follow-up of about 40 months.
Kidneys and liver (FLOW and ESSENCE). In FLOW, adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease had a 24% lower risk of the main kidney and cardiovascular outcome. In the ESSENCE trial in MASH with moderate or advanced liver scarring, liver fibrosis improved without worsening of steatohepatitis in 36.8% on semaglutide 2.4 mg versus 22.4% on placebo; body weight fell by 10.5% versus 2.0%.
Beyond weight. In STEP 1 as reported in the Wegovy label, waist size fell 13.5 cm versus 4.1 cm, systolic blood pressure 6.2 versus 1.1 mmHg and triglycerides 21.9% versus 7.3%, while resting heart rate rose about 3.5 beats per minute. In the teen trial, BMI fell 16.1% versus a 0.6% rise on placebo. In SELECT, weight fell about 9.4 kg versus 0.9 kg over two years, a smaller loss than in STEP 1 in a different, older population with heart disease.
| Item | Semaglutide | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy 2.4 mg injection, STEP 1, 68 weeks | 14.9% | 2.4% |
| Wegovy 25 mg tablets, 64 weeks | 13.6% | 2.4% |
| Wegovy 7.2 mg (HD), 72 weeks | 18.8% | 3.9% |
| Wegovy 2.4 mg, adults with type 2 diabetes | 9.6% | 3.4% |
| Wegovy 2.4 mg, East Asian adults, 68 weeks | 13.2% | 2.1% |
| Wegovy 2.4 mg, MASH trial, 72 weeks | 10.5% | 2% |
Each pair is a separate trial; compare each bar with its own placebo.
Source: Wegovy prescribing information, sections 14.2 and 14.4 (DailyMed, revised June 2026) (checked on October 6, 2026)
| Item | Semaglutide | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| SELECT (no diabetes), heart attack, stroke or CV death | 6.5% | 8% |
| SUSTAIN-6 (type 2 diabetes), same outcome | 6.6% | 8.9% |
| FLOW (diabetes with kidney disease), kidney composite | 18.7% | 23.2% |
Percent of people with an event during follow-up. Lower is better.
Source: Wegovy label Table 6 and Ozempic label Tables 9 and 10 (DailyMed) (checked on October 6, 2026)
Side effects shared across brands
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Ozempic 0.5 mg (diabetes) | 15.8% |
| Ozempic 1 mg (diabetes) | 20.3% |
| Wegovy 2.4 mg (weight, 3 trials) | 44% |
| Wegovy 7.2 mg (weight, 2 trials) | 39% |
Different trials and populations; placebo nausea was 6.1% (Ozempic trials), 16% (Wegovy 2.4 mg pool) and 13% (7.2 mg trials). In the 7.2 mg trials, nausea on 2.4 mg was 35%.
Source: Ozempic label Table 1 and Wegovy label Tables 3 and 4 (DailyMed) (checked on October 6, 2026)
All semaglutide labels list nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain as the most common side effects, mostly during dose increases; how often depends on the dose. In the Wegovy 2.4 mg weight trials, 44% of people reported nausea versus 16% on placebo; in Ozempic diabetes trials at lower doses, 16% to 20% did versus 6%. All carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents and are not used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or with MEN 2. Shared warnings include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, low blood sugar with insulin or sulfonylureas, kidney injury from dehydration, diabetic eye complications and aspiration during anesthesia. See GLP-1 side effects for how they are managed.
Side effects that depend on the dose or the form
- Skin sensations (dysesthesia): rose with dose and blood levels: 22% on Wegovy 7.2 mg, 6% on 2.4 mg and 5% on the 25 mg tablets.
- Hair loss: about 3% on 2.4 mg and 6% on 7.2 mg, linked to weight loss and more common in women.
- Gallstones: 1.6% with the injection and 2.5% with the tablets in the weight trials, versus 0.7% and 1% on placebo.
- Eye complications in type 2 diabetes: 3.0% versus 1.8% in SUSTAIN-6, mainly in people with existing retinopathy.
- Breastfeeding: not recommended with the tablets because SNAC passes into milk; no data for the injection.
A full, dose-by-dose list for the weight brand is on the Wegovy side effects page, and how these effects are handled day to day is in GLP-1 side effects.
Interactions, pregnancy and special situations
- Diabetes medicines: with insulin or a sulfonylurea, low blood sugar is more likely, and the labels suggest the prescriber consider lowering those doses.
- Other pills: slower stomach emptying can change absorption; with the semaglutide tablet, levothyroxine exposure rose 33% in a study, so thyroid levels may need checking.
- Pregnancy: stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy; when used for weight, stop when a pregnancy is recognized. Weight loss offers no benefit in pregnancy.
- Surgery and sedation: tell the anesthesia team, because of the risk of inhaling stomach contents.
- Overdose: the labels describe severe nausea, vomiting and low blood sugar with GLP-1 overdoses; the FDA has also received reports of dosing errors with compounded semaglutide, some needing hospital care.
If you notice severe, lasting belly pain, signs of an allergic reaction, or cannot keep fluids down, seek medical care promptly.
Compounded semaglutide vs approved semaglutide
During the shortage of 2022 to 2025, pharmacies were allowed to compound semaglutide under certain conditions. The FDA declared the shortage over on February 21, 2025 and ended its grace period for state-licensed pharmacies on April 22, 2025 and for outsourcing facilities on May 22, 2025. The FDA reminds consumers that compounded products are not reviewed for safety, effectiveness or quality, has received reports of adverse events linked to dosing errors, and warns that salt forms such as semaglutide sodium or acetate are different active ingredients than those in the approved products. Read our full guide to compounded GLP-1s.
Semaglutide approval timeline in the U.S. (Drugs@FDA)
- Dec 2017Ozempic injection approved for type 2 diabetes.
- Sep 2019Rybelsus, the first oral semaglutide, approved for type 2 diabetes.
- Jun 2021Wegovy injection approved for chronic weight management in adults.
- Dec 2022Wegovy extended to teens 12 and older with obesity.
- Mar 2024Wegovy approved to lower heart risk in adults with obesity or overweight.
- Jan 2025Ozempic kidney indication; Aug 2025 Wegovy MASH (accelerated).
- Dec 2025Wegovy tablets approved for adults.
- Mar 2026Wegovy 7.2 mg (Wegovy HD) dosing added.
Cost
Prices differ by brand. As checked on 2026-10-06, NovoCare Pharmacy lists Wegovy pens at $349 a month self-pay and Wegovy pills from $149 to $299 a month; see Wegovy cost for the full table and our GLP-1 cost comparison for other brands.
Novo Nordisk announced on February 24, 2026 that it will cut U.S. list prices for Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus from January 1, 2027, with Wegovy falling to $675 a month. List price mainly affects people with high-deductible plans or coinsurance; what you actually pay depends on your coverage. Our GLP-1 coverage guide explains the rules.
Semaglutide vs tirzepatide
Tirzepatide, sold as Zepbound and Mounjaro, acts on GIP receptors as well as GLP-1. The two molecules have been compared head to head in adults with obesity (SURMOUNT-5) and in type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-2). Our semaglutide vs tirzepatide comparison explains what those trials show and what they leave open. When stopping is on the table, our guide to life after a GLP-1 covers what helps keep results.
Other options if semaglutide is not a fit
Semaglutide is one of several approved routes. Tirzepatide (Zepbound for weight) is another weekly injection; orforglipron (Foundayo) is a daily non-peptide pill that can be taken with or without food; liraglutide (Saxenda) is an older daily GLP-1 injection; and non-GLP-1 pills such as Qsymia and Contrave work in different ways. Some people choose or combine lifestyle programs or bariatric surgery. The right mix depends on health history, preferences and coverage, and is worth a full conversation with a clinician.
Who should talk to a doctor first
Every semaglutide product is prescription only, and InstaTuck does not sell or prescribe any of them. The labels share the same “do not use” list (a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, or a serious allergy to semaglutide) and the same cautions for people with past pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, diabetic eye disease, or upcoming surgery with anesthesia. Only one semaglutide product should be used at a time, and none should be combined with another GLP-1 medicine. A licensed clinician can weigh these against the possible benefits after an evaluation; our obesity medicine guide and medical weight loss hub explain what that visit usually includes, and the medications hub lists every approved option.
FDA status and approved uses
| Indication | Labeled population | For weight | Approved | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic weight management (Wegovy) | Adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition; teens 12+ with obesity (injection) | Yes | June 4, 2021 | Source |
| Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) | Adults with type 2 diabetes | No | December 5, 2017 | Source |
From the FDA label. Who a medicine is labeled for is not the same as whether it fits you; only a clinician can decide that.
How it is taken (in general)
Injections are given once weekly under the skin; tablets are taken once daily on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, waiting before food, drink or other oral medicines. Every brand starts low and increases gradually; doses differ by brand and are set by the prescriber.
This is what the label describes in general, never a personal dose or schedule. Follow your prescriber.
What studies showed
| Trial | Population | Duration | Outcome as reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEP 1 NCT03548935 | 1,961 adults with obesity or overweight, no diabetes | 68 weeks | -14.9% vs -2.4% body weight (semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly vs placebo).[4] |
| OASIS 4 NCT05564117 | 307 adults with obesity or overweight, no diabetes | 64 weeks | -13.6% vs -2.2% body weight (oral semaglutide 25 mg daily vs placebo).[5] |
| SELECT NCT03574597 | 17,604 adults with cardiovascular disease and BMI 27+, no diabetes | Mean follow-up 39.8 months | Major cardiovascular events 6.5% vs 8.0% (hazard ratio 0.80).[6] |
| SUSTAIN-6 NCT01720446 | 3,297 adults with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk | Major cardiovascular events 6.6% vs 8.9% (hazard ratio 0.74).[7] | |
| FLOW NCT03819153 | 3,533 adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease | Median 3.4 years | Primary kidney and cardiovascular outcome 24% lower (hazard ratio 0.76).[8] |
| ESSENCE (MASH) NCT04822181 | Adults with MASH and moderate or advanced fibrosis | 72 weeks (first part) | Fibrosis improvement without worsening steatohepatitis 36.8% vs 22.4%; weight -10.5% vs -2.0%.[9] |
Average results from trials; individual results vary. Results from different trials cannot be compared directly.
Side effects
| Common side effect | How often (label) |
|---|---|
| Nausea | 44% vs 16% (Wegovy 2.4 mg); 15.8% to 20.3% vs 6.1% (Ozempic 0.5 to 1 mg) |
| Diarrhea | 30% vs 16% (Wegovy); 8.5% to 8.8% vs 1.9% (Ozempic) |
| Vomiting | 24% vs 6% (Wegovy); 5.0% to 9.2% vs 2.3% (Ozempic) |
| Constipation | 24% vs 11% (Wegovy); 3.1% to 5.0% vs 1.5% (Ozempic) |
Serious risks
- Thyroid C-cell tumors (boxed warning, rodents)
- Acute pancreatitis
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Hypoglycemia with insulin or sulfonylureas
- Acute kidney injury
- Diabetic retinopathy complications
- Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation
Warnings and who should not use it
Boxed warning
All semaglutide products carry a boxed warning: semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; it is unknown whether it causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans. Contraindicated with a personal or family history of MTC or with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Who should not use it (per the label)
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2
- Serious hypersensitivity to semaglutide or product components
Interactions, pregnancy and breastfeeding
Supplements with reported interactions: Berberine for Weight Loss: evidence, risks and interactions
Stopping and keeping results
Trials show that weight often returns after these medicines are stopped. Plan any change with your prescriber. Stopping a GLP-1: what trials show and how people keep results
Compounded and counterfeit versions
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA approved: the FDA does not review them for safety, quality or effectiveness. Counterfeit pens and "research peptides" sold online have caused harm. Buy only from a licensed pharmacy with a prescription.
Same class
FDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionPillFoundayo (orforglipron): status, uses and what is confirmedOrforglipron: the small-molecule GLP-1 pill and its current status · Pill (tablet) · Daily
FDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionInjectionLiraglutide: the daily GLP-1 (Saxenda, Victoza) and genericsInjection · Daily
FDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionPillOrforglipron: the small-molecule GLP-1 pill and its current statusPill (tablet) · Daily
FDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionInjectionSaxenda (liraglutide 3 mg): uses, side effects and costLiraglutide: the daily GLP-1 (Saxenda, Victoza) and generics · Injection · Daily
FDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionInjectionWegovy (semaglutide): uses, side effects, cost and FDA statusSemaglutide: one ingredient, several brands · Injection · Weekly
FDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionInjectionWegovy HD (semaglutide 7.2 mg): what the higher dose is, results and statusSemaglutide: one ingredient, several brands · Injection · WeeklyCompare with
Non-drug approaches
FDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionInjectionTirzepatide: how the dual GIP/GLP-1 drug works (Zepbound, Mounjaro)Injection · WeeklyFDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionPillOrforglipron: the small-molecule GLP-1 pill and its current statusPill (tablet) · DailyFDA approved for weight managementPrescriptionInjectionLiraglutide: the daily GLP-1 (Saxenda, Victoza) and genericsInjection · Daily
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Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist
- Which semaglutide brand, if any, matches the condition we are treating?
- Would an injection or a daily tablet fit my routine and coverage better?
- What side effects should I expect while the dose increases, and when should I call you?
- Are my thyroid history and family history compatible with semaglutide?
- How will we judge whether it is working, and what is the plan if I stop?
Frequently asked questions
Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient; Ozempic is one brand of it, approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy and Rybelsus are other semaglutide brands.
Is there a generic semaglutide?
As of 2026-10-06 we found no FDA-approved generic semaglutide in the U.S.; the approved products are the Novo Nordisk brands. Compounded semaglutide is not a generic and is not FDA approved.
Does semaglutide come as a pill?
Yes. Wegovy tablets are approved for weight management in adults, and Ozempic tablets and Rybelsus are approved for type 2 diabetes. They are taken daily on an empty stomach.
What is semaglutide sodium or acetate?
They are salt forms sold by some compounders. The FDA says they are different active ingredients from those in the approved products and have not been shown to be safe and effective.
How long does semaglutide stay in the body?
The label gives an elimination half-life of about one week, and semaglutide remains in the blood for about 5 to 7 weeks after the last dose. That is why the label advises stopping at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
Is the semaglutide pill as effective as the shot?
In the Wegovy tablet trial, adults lost 13.6% on average at 64 weeks versus 2.4% on placebo; in STEP 1, the 2.4 mg injection gave 14.9% versus 2.4% at 68 weeks. The trials were separate, so the numbers are not a direct comparison. Average blood levels were similar between the 25 mg tablet and the 2.4 mg injection.
Why is the semaglutide tablet dose so much higher than the injection?
Only about 1% to 2% of an oral dose is absorbed, versus 89% of an injection, according to the label. The tablet needs a larger dose and strict empty-stomach timing to reach similar blood levels.
Does semaglutide protect the heart?
In SELECT, adults with heart disease and overweight or obesity but no diabetes had a 20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death (6.5% vs 8.0%). Wegovy carries that indication; Ozempic has a similar indication for people with type 2 diabetes based on SUSTAIN-6.
Can I switch between semaglutide brands?
Brands are not interchangeable milligram for milligram, and the Wegovy label gives specific instructions for switching between its injection and tablets. Any switch should be planned by the prescriber.
Official sources
References
- WEGOVY (semaglutide) injection and tablets: prescribing information. Novo Nordisk, via DailyMed, 2026. (accessed October 7, 2026) Drug label
- OZEMPIC (semaglutide) injection: prescribing information. Novo Nordisk, via DailyMed, 2026. (accessed October 7, 2026) Drug label
- RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC (semaglutide) tablets: prescribing information. Novo Nordisk, via DailyMed. (accessed October 6, 2026) Drug label
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al.. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1). New England Journal of Medicine, 2021. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 · PMID 33567185 · NCT03548935 (accessed October 7, 2026) Randomized trial
- Wharton S, Lingvay I, Bogdanski P, et al.. Oral Semaglutide at a Dose of 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (OASIS 4). New England Journal of Medicine, 2025. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2500969 · PMID 40934115 · NCT05564117 (accessed October 6, 2026) Randomized trial
- Lincoff AM, Brown-Frandsen K, Colhoun HM, et al.. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes (SELECT). New England Journal of Medicine, 2023. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2307563 · PMID 37952131 · NCT03574597 (accessed October 7, 2026) Randomized trial
- Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al.. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN-6). New England Journal of Medicine, 2016. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1607141 · PMID 27633186 · NCT01720446 (accessed October 7, 2026) Randomized trial
- Perkovic V, Tuttle KR, Rossing P, et al.. Effects of Semaglutide on Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (FLOW). New England Journal of Medicine, 2024. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2403347 · PMID 38785209 · NCT03819153 (accessed October 7, 2026) Randomized trial
- Sanyal AJ, Newsome PN, Kliers I, et al.. Phase 3 Trial of Semaglutide in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (ESSENCE). New England Journal of Medicine, 2025. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2413258 · PMID 40305708 · NCT04822181 (accessed October 6, 2026) Randomized trial
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, et al.. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2022. doi:10.1111/dom.14725 · PMID 35441470 (accessed October 7, 2026) Randomized trial
- Resolution of shortages of semaglutide injection products (declaratory order). U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025. (accessed October 6, 2026) Government page
- FDA’s concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026. (accessed October 7, 2026) Government page
- Wegovy at NovoCare Pharmacy: self-pay prices. Novo Nordisk (NovoCare Pharmacy). (accessed October 7, 2026) Other
- Drugs@FDA: Wegovy, NDA 215256, approval history. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (accessed October 7, 2026) Government page
Facts checked on October 6, 2026
Educational information, not medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your own situation. In an emergency call 911.