Ozempic for Chronic Kidney Disease: How Semaglutide Can Benefit Kidney Function

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious complication of Type 2 diabetes, affecting up to 40% of people with the condition. Over time, high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to a gradual decline in kidney function.

In January 2025, the FDA approved Ozempic (semaglutide) for kidney protection benefits in people with Type 2 diabetes and CKD. Semaglutide — already known for its weight-loss and heart-health benefits — is the first in its class to receive approval for both cardiovascular and kidney protection in this high-risk population.

This latest approval adds to the growing list of reasons why healthcare professionals may recommend Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes over other options. But who stands to gain the most from this medication? Here’s what you need to know about Ozempic for chronic kidney disease.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a once-weekly injection that belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class. It was originally approved to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient, semaglutide, is also available in a higher-dose version called Wegovy, which is approved for weight loss.

Later, the FDA expanded Ozempic’s approval to include lowering the risk of serious cardiovascular problems (like heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

But in addition to its heart-health benefits, growing research has also shown Ozempic’s potential for kidney protection. This latest FDA approval confirms Ozempic’s role in providing kidney benefits.

Can Ozempic help with chronic kidney disease?

Yes, studies have shown that Ozempic can protect the kidneys in people with CKD and Type 2 diabetes. And there’s some evidence that semaglutide’s kidney benefits may extend to certain people without diabetes, too.

Results from the FLOW clinical trial were used to support Ozempic’s approval for kidney-related benefits. The trial found that Ozempic lowered the risk of major kidney disease-related events by 24%. This means that people receiving Ozempic were less likely to experience at least one of the following:

• Loss of 50% or more of their kidney function

• Kidney failure

• Dialysis

• Kidney transplant

• Death from kidney disease

• Death from cardiovascular disease

People with CKD have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. During the trial, people receiving Ozempic also had a lower risk of having at least one of these events, and a lower risk of death from any cause.

The results of the FLOW trial were so significant that it ended early to avoid disadvantaging participants who were receiving a placebo instead of Ozempic.

How does Ozempic protect the kidneys?

Ozempic protects the kidneys by lowering blood sugar levels and excess body weight — both of which can contribute to kidney disease. It works in a few different ways to have these effects:

• Telling the pancreas to release insulin after you eat

• Slowing the movement of food out of the stomach

• Reducing glucose production in the liver

• Working on areas of the brain that regulate your appetite and fullness

Researchers are still studying the exact mechanisms behind semaglutide’s kidney benefits. But they think that semaglutide’s kidney benefits may go beyond these effects alone. 

Other possible contributing factors may include:

• Lowering inflammation in the kidneys and blood vessels

• Improving blood flow to the kidneys

• Reducing the buildup of scar tissue in the kidneys

• Lowering blood pressure

• Removing excess sodium through the urine

Who could benefit from Ozempic for kidney health?

With this FDA approval, Ozempic is now an important option for improving outcomes among adults with both Type 2 diabetes and CKD, likely alongside other kidney-protective medications, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and SGLT2 inhibitors.

Even for people without CKD, Ozempic can help manage key risk factors for kidney health, such as high blood sugar and excess body weight. If you’re living with Type 2 diabetes, talk to your healthcare team about whether Ozempic could be a good addition to your treatment plan.

Can Ozempic also be harmful to the kidneys?

Ozempic isn’t known to be directly harmful to the kidneys. In fact, it has proven kidney-related benefits for certain people. But some side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea, can lead to dehydration. Severe dehydration can temporarily worsen kidney function, especially for people who already have (or are at high risk for) kidney problems.

Staying hydrated and contacting your prescriber if you experience persistent vomiting or diarrhea can help reduce this risk.

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Written by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

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