Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medicine licensed for type 2 diabetes as Ozempic (a weekly injection) and Rybelsus (a daily tablet). It lowers blood sugar, usually reduces appetite and weight, and has cardiovascular benefits in people with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.
Type 2 diabetes, usually added when metformin alone is not enough, and to reduce cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.
Ozempic is licensed for diabetes, not for weight loss. Semaglutide is licensed separately for weight management under a different brand and at different doses.
Ozempic is injected under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm once a week, on the same day each week, with or without food. Rotate the site each time. Doses are increased in steps over weeks to reduce nausea.
Rybelsus is taken once daily on an empty stomach with no more than half a glass of plain water, at least 30 minutes before food, drink or other medicines — absorption is very sensitive to this.
If you miss a weekly injection, take it within five days and then resume your usual day. If more than five days have passed, skip it. Never share a pen, even with a new needle.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion and reduced appetite are common, worst after a dose increase, and usually ease over weeks. Smaller meals, eating slowly and avoiding fatty food help.
Also report severe upper right abdominal pain, jaundice or fever (gallbladder problems), persistent vomiting with dehydration, or changes in vision — rapid improvement in blood sugar can temporarily worsen diabetic retinopathy.
Hypos are unlikely on semaglutide alone but become possible with a sulfonylurea or insulin — those doses are often reduced when it is started.
Tell your team about severe gastrointestinal disease, diabetic retinopathy, or any planned surgery or sedation, as GLP-1 medicines slow stomach emptying.
1 Lyng Lane, West Bromwich B70 7RW · Mon–Fri 8:30am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm · 0121 500 5756
Ask our pharmacist →We use essential cookies to make the site work — things like your basket, sign-in and secure checkout. With your permission we’d also like to use analytics cookies to understand how the site is used and improve it. See our cookie policy.
