What Are GLP-1s Used For? More Than Weight Loss
GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are often used for weight loss or diabetes management. Learn more about GLP-1s and how they work with this guide.
Ozempic
Used for Diabetes Type 2, Management with Incretin-based Therapies
Used for Diabetes Type 2, Management with Incretin-based Therapies
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist used with diet and exercise to help adults manage Type 2 diabetes. It can also lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in some people with Type 2 diabetes. It comes as a once-weekly injection under the skin and as a tablet taken by mouth once a day. The injection is also approved to help slow worsening kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What is Ozempic (semaglutide)?
What is Ozempic (semaglutide) used for?
Injection:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
- Lower the risk of worsening kidney problems and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Tablets:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes at high risk for these events
How Ozempic (semaglutide) works
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. It acts like the natural GLP-1 hormone in your body. This hormone helps lower your blood sugar by making your pancreas release more insulin, reducing the sugar made by your liver, and slowing down digestion.
The effects above, along with the medication’s ability to reduce weight, lower blood pressure, and lower inflammation, can help protect both your heart and kidneys.
When does Ozempic (semaglutide) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Ozempic |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | GLP-1 agonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Ozempic (semaglutide) essentials
Side effects of Ozempic (semaglutide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (16-20%)
- Diarrhea (9%)
- Vomiting (5-9%)
- Stomach pain (6-7%)
- Constipation (3-5%)
Note: Side effects listed above are for Ozempic (semaglutide) injection
Less Common Side Effects
- Indigestion
- Burping
- Gas
- Acid reflux
- Injection-site reactions
- Fast heart rate
- Tiredness
- Unusual taste in the mouth
- Dizziness
Ozempic (semaglutide) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Risk of thyroid tumors: lump in the neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, hoarseness
- Vision changes (diabetic retinopathy): vision loss, blurred vision, floaters, seeing dark spots, changes in how you see color
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): stomach or back pain that won't go away, vomiting
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): shaking, sweating, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision
- Kidney problems: changes in urination, swollen feet or ankles, tiredness, nausea
- Severe stomach problems: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn
- Gallbladder problems: pain in the upper stomach, fever, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, clay-colored stool
- Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing, rash, hives, swollen face, fast heartbeat, dizziness
When do Ozempic (semaglutide) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Constipation
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
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The following Ozempic (semaglutide) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Change in vision
- Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
- Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
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Pros and cons of Ozempic (semaglutide)
Pros
- Only given once per week
- Might help you lose weight
- Helps lower the risk of heart problems and kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes
- Available as an injection and an oral tablet
Cons
- Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Risk of low blood sugar if taken with certain diabetes medications
- Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes
- Interacts with medications taken by mouth
Pharmacist tips for Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Ozempic (semaglutide) works best if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
- Never share Ozempic (semaglutide) with anyone else, even if you change the needle. Sharing this medication can spread serious infections.
- Ozempic (semaglutide) can cause changes in appearance, sometimes called "Ozempic face", where your skin looks saggy after weight loss. Talk to your prescriber if this worries you.
- Ozempic (semaglutide) can cause stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Call your prescriber if these symptoms become serious or don’t go away.
- Ozempic (semaglutide) rarely causes pancreatitis. Stop taking it and call your prescriber if you have severe stomach pain that spreads to your back, with or without vomiting.
- Some people have reported hair loss while taking Ozempic (semaglutide). Tell your prescriber if you notice thinner hair or more hair falling out than usual.
- Let your prescriber know if you're pregnant or want to get pregnant since it's not known if Ozempic (semaglutide) is safe during pregnancy. To be safe, you should stop taking this medication 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.
How to use Ozempic (semaglutide) injection:
- Your prescriber should show you how to inject Ozempic (semaglutide) before your first dose. You can also check the Instructions for Use or watch an instructional video.
- Inject Ozempic (semaglutide) once a week under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. You can use it at any time of day, with or without food.
- Try to use Ozempic (semaglutide) on the same day each week. But if needed, you can change your injection day, but keep at least 2 days between doses.
- If you miss a dose of Ozempic (semaglutide), take it as soon as possible within 5 days of the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your regular day. After that, go back to your usual once-weekly schedule.
- Storage: Keep unopened Ozempic (semaglutide) pens in the refrigerator. Once opened, you can keep them in the fridge or at room temperature, but throw them away after 8 weeks in a sharps container, even if there’s medication left. Unopened pens are safe to use up until the expiration date printed on the label.
How to takeOzempic (semaglutide) tablets:
- Take Ozempic (semaglutide) tablets on an empty stomach first thing in the morning after you wake up. Swallow the tablet with a small amount of water (no more than a half a cup). Don’t take it with any other liquids like juice, coffee, or milk.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Ozempic (semaglutide) tablets to eat, drink, or take any other medications by mouth. This is because Ozempic (semaglutide) can interact with other medications and change how your body absorbs them.
- Swallow Ozempic (semaglutide) tablets whole. Don't crush, chew, or split them. Breaking the tablet can lead to the wrong dose.
- If you forget to take a dose of Ozempic (semaglutide) tablets, skip it. Take your next dose the following day as usual. Never take two doses at once.
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Risks and warnings for Ozempic (semaglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of thyroid tumors
- Risk factors: History of MTC | History of MEN 2
In animal studies, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic (semaglutide)) caused thyroid tumors when given over a long period. But it's not known if the same thing happens in people.
Because of this possible risk, you shouldn't take Ozempic (semaglutide) if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Call your prescriber right away if you find a lump in your neck, have trouble breathing or swallowing, or notice hoarseness that doesn’t go away.
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Some people taking Ozempic (semaglutide) have had a serious condition called pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. This is rare but can be life-threatening. After you start this medication, tell your prescriber right away if you have severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away. The pain can spread to your back and could be accompanied by vomiting. If your care team thinks you have pancreatitis, they’ll stop the medication and give you the right treatment.
Eye problems
- Risk factors: History of diabetic retinopathy
Ozempic (semaglutide) can cause eye problems, especially if you already have a condition called diabetic retinopathy. If you have this condition, your care team might want to check your eyes more often while you take Ozempic (semaglutide). Tell them right away if you notice changes in your vision, like blurry vision, floaters, dark spots, or vision loss.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
- Risk factors: Taking medications that raise your insulin levels
If you take Ozempic (semaglutide) with insulin or other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas, you might have a higher risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can sometimes be serious. Your prescriber might need to lower the dose of your insulin or other medications to prevent this. Make sure you know the signs of low blood sugar — like shakiness, sweating, confusion, or feeling very hungry — and how to treat it.
Kidney damage
Kidney problems have been reported in people taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic (semaglutide). Some people needed treatments like dialysis, even if they didn’t have kidney problems before. These problems were often linked to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration.
If you have stomach side effects while taking Ozempic (semaglutide), and they're severe, your care team might check your kidney labs — especially when starting or raising your dose.
Severe stomach problems
- Risk factors: History of gastroparesis
Some people taking Ozempic (semaglutide) have had stomach-related side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. In some cases, these side effects were serious. Ozempic (semaglutide) isn't recommended if you have a condition called gastroparesis, which slows down how your stomach empties. Be sure to tell your prescriber if you’ve had stomach problems before starting this medication.
Severe allergic reactions
Severe allergic reactions to Ozempic (semaglutide) are possible, including life-threatening ones like facial swelling or anaphylaxis, which can cause throat swelling or trouble breathing. Call for medical help right away if you notice symptoms such as hives, a rash, red skin, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or face after taking this medication.
Gallbladder problems
Although rare, gallbladder problems such as gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder have happened in some people taking Ozempic (semaglutide). Tell your prescriber if you experience symptoms like upper stomach pain, fever, or clay-colored stool. They might run tests to check your gallbladder and decide if you need treatment.
Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation
- Risk factors: Undergoing surgery or a procedure requiring anesthesia or deep sedation
Ozempic (semaglutide) slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach. Rarely, people taking similar medications have had food remain in their stomach during surgery, even after fasting like they were told. This can lead to a serious lung problem if stomach contents get into the lungs during anesthesia or deep sedation. Make sure to tell your prescriber if you're taking Ozempic (semaglutide) before any planned surgery or procedure.
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Ozempic (semaglutide) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 1 prefilled 2mg pen of 2mg/3ml of Ozempic (semaglutide) is $25.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 97.91% off the average retail price of $1,198.56. 
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 prefilled 2mg pens of 2mg/1.5ml | 1 carton | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| 1 prefilled 2mg pen of 2mg/1.5ml | 1 carton | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| 1 prefilled 4mg pen of 4mg/3ml | 1 carton | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| 1 prefilled 8mg pen of 8mg/3ml | 1 carton | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| 1 prefilled 2mg pen of 2mg/3ml | 1 carton | $25.00 | $25.00 |
Typical dosage for Ozempic (semaglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide) injection:
- The typical starting dose is 0.25 mg injected under the skin once per week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, your prescriber will raise your dose to 0.5 mg injected under the skin once per week.
- If needed, your prescriber might raise your dose even further to 1 mg or 2 mg once per week after at least a few weeks at each dose. The maximum total dose is 2 mg per week.
Ozempic (semaglutide) tablets (previously known as Rybelsus (semaglutide) R2 formulation):
- The typical starting dose is 1.5 mg by mouth once a day for 30 days. After that, your dose will go up to 4 mg once a day. If needed, your prescriber might raise it again to 9 mg once a day.
- Note: Rybelsus (semaglutide) tablets and Ozempic (semaglutide) tablets aren't interchangeable with each other. Use only the form your prescriber recommends.
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How much does Ozempic (semaglutide) cost?
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Ozempic (brand)
$25.00
Ozempic (semaglutide) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ozempic (semaglutide) will not be safe for you to take.
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Allergy to products containing semaglutide (e.g., Rybelsus, Wegovy)
What are alternatives to Ozempic (semaglutide)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ozempic (semaglutide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Ozempic (semaglutide)
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Rybelsus vs. Ozempic: 4 Differences Between Oral and Injectable Semaglutide for Diabetes
Rybelsus and Ozempic are two brands of the same diabetes medication, semaglutide. One is a tablet; the other is an injection. Compare dosage, benefits, and more.
5 Foods to Avoid When Taking Ozempic
GoodRx reveals the five foods to avoid while taking Ozempic to enhance your treatment. Stay healthy and in control with these tips.
Here’s Why Weight Loss Can Stop While Taking Ozempic or Wegovy
Medications like Ozempic or Wegovy may stop working for weight loss for various reasons. Learn why you could be struggling to lose weight while taking Ozempic.
5 GLP-1 Trends to Expect in 2026: Expanded Uses, Oral Options, and More
We may see expanded use of GLP-1 drugs in 2026, as well as increased access through direct-to-consumer programs. Review the predicted GLP-1 trends here.
Is Ozempic Safe If You Have Diverticulitis?
There’s no established link between Ozempic and diverticulitis. But some side effects can worsen symptoms or trigger a flare-up. Learn more with this guide.
Semaglutide for Weight Loss: How It Works and Compares to Other Weight-Loss Medications
Semaglutide is the first once-weekly medication in its class FDA approved for weight loss. Here’s how it works and how it compares to other options.
How Long Does Ozempic Stay in Your System? What This Means for Side Effects and More
Ozempic stays in your system for about 5 weeks after your last dose. Learn about Ozempic’s half-life, and what it means for side effects and more.
Ozempic Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
Here is everything you need to know about Ozempic (semaglutide) dosing, a medication that can lower blood glucose levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic (semaglutide) images
