Uses
What the official label says Semaglutide is used for
Semaglutide is a prescription medicine in a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. The label provided here is for semaglutide tablets.
The label says the tablets are used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. They are also used to reduce the risk of major heart events (heart-related death, heart attack, or stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk. Other semaglutide products have their own labels.
Read the label's “Indications and usage” section (verbatim)
RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are indicated: • as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. • to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are at high risk for these events. RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists indicated: • as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 ) • to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are at high risk for these events. ( 1 )
Names & forms
Brand names, forms and strengths
Brand names (from RxNorm; not every brand is still sold): Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy.
Generic name: semaglutide · RxNorm ID (RxCUI): 1991302
| Form | Strengths listed in RxNorm |
|---|---|
| Auto-Injector | 0.5 MG/ML, 1 MG/ML, 2 MG/ML, 2.27 MG/ML, 3.2 MG/ML, 9.6 MG/ML |
| Oral Tablet | 1.5 MG, 3 MG, 4 MG, 7 MG, 9 MG, 14 MG, 25 MG |
| Pen Injector | 0.25 MG, 0.5 MG Dose 3 ML semaglutide 0.68 MG/ML, 1.34 MG/ML, 2.68 MG/ML, 3.2 MG/ML |
Strengths are listed so you can recognise a product — not as dosing information. Only your prescriber can decide what is right for you.
Read the label's “Dosage forms and strengths” section (verbatim)
RYBELSUS (semaglutide) tablets are available as: • 3 mg: white to light yellow, oval shaped debossed with “3” on one side and “novo” on the other side. • 7 mg: white to light yellow, oval shaped debossed with “7” on one side and “novo” on the other side. • 14 mg: white to light yellow, oval shaped debossed with “14” on one side and “novo” on the other side. OZEMPIC (semaglutide) tablets are available as: • 1.5 mg: white to light yellow, round shaped debossed with “1.5” on one side and “novo” on the other side. • 4 mg: white to light yellow, round shaped debossed with “4” on one side and “novo” on the other side. • 9 mg: white to light yellow, round shaped debossed with “9” on one side and “novo” on the other side. • RYBELSUS tablets: 3 mg, 7 mg and 14 mg ( 3 ) • OZEMPIC tablets: 1.5 mg, 4 mg and 9 mg ( 3 )
Appearance
What Semaglutide looks like
semaglutide 1.5 mg
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP
semaglutide 4 mg
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP
semaglutide 9 mg
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP
semaglutide 3 mg
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP
semaglutide 7 mg
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP
semaglutide 14 mg
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP
| Strength | Form | Colour | Shape | Size | Imprint | Score | Labeler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| semaglutide 1.5 mg | tablet | white“Color of a tablet is white to light yellow.” | round | 7 mm | 1 · 5 · on · one · side · and · novo · on · other · side | 1 | Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP |
| semaglutide 4 mg | tablet | white“Color of a tablet is white to light yellow.” | round | 7 mm | 4 · on · one · side · and · novo · on · other · side | 1 | Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP |
| semaglutide 9 mg | tablet | white“Color of a tablet is white to light yellow.” | round | 7 mm | 9 · on · one · side · and · novo · on · other · side | 1 | Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP |
| semaglutide 3 mg | tablet | white“Color of a tablet is white to light yellow.” | oval | 14 mm | 3 · on · one · side · and · novo · on · other · side | 1 | Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP |
| semaglutide 7 mg | tablet | white“Color of a tablet is white to light yellow.” | oval | 14 mm | 7 · on · one · side · and · novo · on · the · other · side | 1 | Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP |
| semaglutide 14 mg | tablet | white“Color of a tablet is white to light yellow.” | oval | 14 mm | 14 · on · one · side · and · novo · on · the · other · side | 1 | Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP |
From the product data in each manufacturer's label on DailyMed. Many companies make Semaglutide, so your medicine may look different from any shown here. If a pill looks unfamiliar, ask your pharmacist before taking it.
Read the label's “How supplied” section (verbatim)
How Supplied RYBELSUS strengths are available as follows: Tablet Strength Description Package Configuration NDC Number 3 mg White to light yellow, oval shaped debossed with “3” on one side and “novo” on the other side Bottle of 30 tablets 0169-4303-30 7 mg White to light yellow, oval shaped debossed with “7” on one side and “novo” on the other side Bottle of 30 tablets 0169-4307-30 14 mg White to light yellow, oval shaped debossed with “14” on one side and “novo” on the other side Bottle of 30 tablets 0169-4314-30 OZEMPIC tablet strengths are available as follows: Tablet Strength Description Package Configuration NDC Number 1.5 mg White to light yellow, round shaped debossed with “1.5” on one side and “novo” on the other side Bottle of 30 tablets 0169-1715-30 4 mg White to light yellow, round shaped debossed with “4” on one side and “novo” on the other side Bottle of 30 tablets 0169-1704-30 9 mg White to light yellow, round shaped debossed with “9” on one side and “novo” on the other side Bottle of 30 tablets 0169-1709-30 Storage and Handling Store RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store and dispense in the original bottle. Store tablets in the original bottle until use to protect tablets from moisture. Store product in a dry place away from moisture.
Safety
Important warnings for Semaglutide
Boxed warning (verbatim from the FDA label)
RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS • In rodents, semaglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . • RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined ( 5.1 , 13.1 ). • RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors ( 4 , 5.1 ).
In plain English, the label's key warnings include:
- Boxed warning: in rodents, semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It is not known if it causes these tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in people. It must not be used by people with a personal or family history of MTC or with MEN 2.
- The label lists symptoms of thyroid tumors to watch for, such as a lump in the neck, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or hoarseness that does not go away.
- Acute pancreatitis has been seen with GLP-1 receptor agonists, and complications of diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) were reported in a trial with semaglutide injection.
- Low blood sugar is more likely when used with insulin or insulin secretagogues. The label also warns about kidney injury from fluid loss, severe stomach and gut side effects, serious allergic reactions, and gallbladder disease.
- Inhaling stomach contents during general anesthesia or deep sedation has been reported with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Contraindications — who should not use it (verbatim)
RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are contraindicated in patients with: • A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . • A prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or to any of the excipients in RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets. Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with semaglutide tablets [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] . • Personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2 syndrome type 2 ( 4 ) • Prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any of the excipients in OZEMPIC ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions (verbatim excerpt)
• Acute Pancreatitis : Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected. ( 5.2 ) • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications : Has been reported in a cardiovascular outcomes trial with semaglutide injection. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored. ( 5.3 ) • Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin : May increase the risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Reducing the dosage of insulin secretagogue or insulin may be necessary. ( 5.4 ) • Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion : Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion. ( 5.5 ) • Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions : Use of RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis. ( 5.6 ) • Hypersensitivity Reactions : Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis and angioedema) have been reported. Discontinue RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets if hypersensitivity reactions occur and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. ( 5.7 ) • Acute Gallbladder Disease : If cholelithiasis or cholecystitis are suspected, gallbladder studies are indicated. ( 5.8 ) • Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation : Has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or procedures. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors In mice and rats, semaglutide caused a dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent increase in the incidence of thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) after lifetime exposure at clinically relevant plasma exposures [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . It is unknown whether RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. Cases of MTC in patients treated with liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, have been reported in the postmarketing period; the data in these reports are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between MTC and GLP-1 receptor agonist use in humans. RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets. Such monitoring may increase the risk of unnecessary procedures, due to the low-test specificity for serum calcitonin and a high background incidence of thyroid disease. Significantly elevated serum calcitonin value may indicate MTC and patients with MTC usually have calcitonin values >50 ng/L. If serum calcitonin is measured and found to be elevated, the patient should be further evaluated. Patients with thyroid nodules noted on physical examination or neck imaging should also be further evaluated. 5.2 Acute Pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide tablets [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . After initiation of RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis, which may include persistent or severe abdominal pain (sometimes radiating to the back), and which may or may not be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets and initiate appropriate management. 5.3 Diabetic Retinopathy Complications In a pooled analysis of glycemic control trials, patients reported diabetic retinopathy related adverse reactions during the trial (4.2% with semaglutide tablets and 3.8% with comparator) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . In a 2-year CV outcomes trial with semaglutide injection involving patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and high CV risk, diabetic retinopathy complications (which was a 4-component adjudicated endpoint) occurred in patients treated with semaglutide injection (3%) compared to placebo (1.8%). The absolute risk increase for diabetic retinopathy complications was larger among patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy at baseline (semaglutide injection 8.2%, placebo 5.2%) than among patients without a known history of diabetic retinopathy (semaglutide injection 0.7%, placebo 0.4%). Rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. The effect of long-term glycemic control with RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets on diabetic retinopathy complications has not been studied. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored for progression of diabetic retinopathy. 5.4 Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin Patients receiving RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . The risk of hypoglycemia may be lowered by a reduction in the dosage of sulfonylurea (or other concomitantly administered insulin secretagogue) or insulin. Inform patients using these concomitant medications of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. …
Side effects — opening of the label's adverse reactions section
The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information: • Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Acute Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Acute Gallbladder Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] • Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are nausea, abdominal p …
Drug interactions — opening of the label's section
Other Oral Drugs : RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets delay gastric emptying. Consider increased clinical or laboratory monitoring when co-administered with other oral medications that have a narrow therapeutic index or that require clinical monitoring. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Concomitant Use with an Insulin Secretagogue (e.g., Sulfonylurea) or with Insulin Semaglutide stimulates insulin release in the presence of elevated blood glucose concentrations. Patients receiving RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. When initiating RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets, consider reducing the dosage of concomitantly administered insulin secretagogue (such as sulfonylureas) or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . …
This is not a complete list of warnings or side effects. Read the full label and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. To report a side effect to the FDA, use MedWatch.
Resources
If you were hurt at work
Whether a medicine is right for you is a decision for your prescriber. If you were injured on the job, these educational guides explain the next steps and who can help.
- Injured at work? →What to do after a workplace injury and how workers' comp generally works.
- Prescription home delivery →How mail-order pharmacies can deliver prescriptions to your door.
- Find help →Connect with workers' comp attorneys and doctors who take work-injury cases.
- Pharmacies near you →Search local pharmacies by ZIP code.
