Generic name
semaglutide
semaglutide
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk
Drug class
GLP-1 receptor agonist
GLP-1 receptor agonist
FDA approved
December 2017
June 2021
Indication
Type 2 diabetes (adults)
Chronic weight management (BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with comorbidity)
Dose schedule
Subcutaneous injection · Once weekly
Subcutaneous injection · Once weekly
Available doses
0.25 mg · 0.5 mg · 1 mg · 2 mg
0.25 mg · 0.5 mg · 1 mg · 1.7 mg · 2.4 mg
Mechanism
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 analog with 94% homology to native human GLP-1. It binds the GLP-1 receptor, augmenting glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite via central nervous system pathways.
Wegovy is the same molecule as Ozempic — semaglutide — titrated to a higher 2.4 mg maintenance dose. It binds the GLP-1 receptor, augmenting glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite via central nervous system pathways.
Common side effects
Nausea (15–20%), diarrhea (8–9%), vomiting (5–9%) — most resolve within weeks
Nausea (44%), diarrhea (30%), vomiting (24%) — more frequent than Ozempic doses
Cost range
$25 – $1,150 / month depending on coverage
$0 – $1,500 / month depending on coverage and savings card