About Semaglutide
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and helps weight loss. It reduces appetite and slows the emptying of the stomach. Some strengths are used for weight management under a doctor.
How to take it
Injection: once a week, on the same day, under the skin of the belly, thigh or upper arm. Tablet: once a day on an empty stomach with a small sip of water, 30 minutes before food, drink or other tablets. The dose is increased step by step.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, loose stools or constipation, mostly when the dose goes up.
- Feeling full quickly.
Call your doctor if
- Severe belly pain going to the back, with vomiting.
- Pain in the upper right belly or yellow eyes.
- Vomiting so much that you cannot keep water down.
- A lump or swelling in the neck.
Take care
Not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2. Stop before planning a pregnancy, as the doctor advises. Tell the doctor if you have diabetes eye disease, as it can get worse at first when sugar falls quickly. If you also take insulin, glimepiride or gliclazide, watch for low sugar; the doctor may lower those doses.
From our clinic: Eat small meals and stop when you feel full. Pens are kept in the fridge before first use. Our pharmacy stores them at 2 to 8°C.