Semaglutide

What is semaglutide used for?

Semaglutide FDA-approved uses for each brand are Ozempic (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular event risks, chronic kidney disease), Wegovy (weight management, cardiovascular event risks), and Rybelsus (type 2 diabetes).

Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss

• Wegovy (semaglutide) is used for weight loss and weight maintenance in patients 12 years and older with obesity
• Used for reducing major cardiovascular event risks (such as heart attack, stroke, or death) in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease
• Injection is given 1 time a week under the skin of the stomach (belly), the thigh, or the upper arm, using an autoinjector (pen)
• This injection should be used in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity

Ozempic (semaglutide) injection

• Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults to help control blood sugar levels used together with diet and exercise,
• Used for reducing major cardiovascular event risks (such as heart attack, stroke, or death) in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease
• Used to reduce the risk of kidney function decline, kidney failure, and death due to cardiovascular disease, in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes
• Injection is given 1 time a week under the skin of the stomach (belly), the thigh, or the upper arm, using an autoinjector (pen).

Rybelsus  (semaglutide) oral tablets

• Rybelsus tablets are used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults to help control blood sugar levels
• Oral tablet taken daily
• Semaglutide tablets should be used in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

How does semaglutide work?

Semaglutide mechanism of action is by mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is released after eating to help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide works by:

• Stimulates insulin production in the pancreas
• Reduces sugar production in the liver
• Slows down digestion, so food stays in the stomach longer
• Decreases appetite and food intake

These combined actions help you feel full longer, eat less, and maintain better control over blood sugar levels. As a result, semaglutide supports weight loss, improves blood sugar management, and helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The way semaglutide works for kidney-related risk reduction is not fully understood.