Ozempic
semaglutide — GLP-1 receptor agonist by Novo Nordisk
GLP-1subcutaneous injectionOnce weeklyFDA Approved
Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 2 sources cited
FDA-Approved Indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)
- Reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease
Dosing
| Route | subcutaneous injection |
| Frequency | Once weekly |
| Starting Dose | 0.25 mg weekly |
| Maintenance | 0.5 mg or 1 mg weekly |
| Max Dose | 2 mg weekly |
| Titration | 0.25 mg x 4 weeks, then 0.5 mg. May increase to 1 mg after 4+ weeks, then to 2 mg after 4+ weeks. |
Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 15-20% | 2/5 |
| Vomiting | 5-9% | 3/5 |
| Diarrhea | 8-12% | 2/5 |
| Constipation | 3-6% | 1/5 |
| Abdominal pain | 6-11% | 2/5 |
| Injection site reaction | 0.2% | 1/5 |
| Pancreatitis (rare) | <0.5% | 5/5 |
Cost
| List Price | $935-$1,029/month |
| With Insurance | $25-$150/month (varies by plan) |
| Savings Card | $25/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, commercially insured) |
Pricing last updated 2026-04-14. Actual costs vary by pharmacy, insurance plan, and location.
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Boxed Warning
Thyroid C-cell tumors: In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans.
Sources
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