Ozempic (semaglutide)

Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Ozempic contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve blood-glucose control in adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise.

Ozempic is administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection. It is a prescription-only medicine and should be used under the supervision of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It belongs to a class of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Ozempic is authorised for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It can be used alone when metformin is inappropriate because of intolerance or contraindications, or alongside other medicines for diabetes.

How Does Ozempic Work?

Semaglutide acts on GLP-1 receptors. GLP-1 is involved in the regulation of blood glucose and appetite. Ozempic helps improve glucose control by stimulating insulin secretion when blood glucose is elevated, reducing glucagon secretion when appropriate and delaying gastric emptying.

Ozempic Dose Information

Ozempic is normally introduced at a low dose and increased gradually according to the prescribing information.

Treatment stage	Typical weekly dose
Starting dose	0.25 mg once weekly
After at least 4 weeks	0.5 mg once weekly
If additional glycaemic control is required	1 mg once weekly
If additional glycaemic control is still required	2 mg once weekly

The 0.25 mg dose is a starting dose and is not intended as a maintenance dose. Dose increases should only be made according to the prescribing instructions and advice of the healthcare professional managing your treatment.

Ozempic and Weight Loss

Although treatment with semaglutide can result in weight reduction, Ozempic’s UK authorised indication is type 2 diabetes. It should not be marketed on this page as an approved UK weight-loss medicine.

Wegovy is the semaglutide product authorised in the UK specifically for weight management in eligible patients. You can visit our Wegovy page for further information.

Important Safety Information

• Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine.
• Use Ozempic only according to the instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
• Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and constipation.
• Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines you take, particularly insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Patients with diabetes should follow their healthcare professional’s advice regarding blood-glucose monitoring.
• Seek urgent medical advice if you develop severe and persistent abdominal pain.
• Do not combine Ozempic with another semaglutide-containing medicine or another GLP-1 receptor agonist unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.

Product Information

• Active ingredient: Semaglutide
• Drug class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
• Indication: Type 2 diabetes
• Administration: Subcutaneous injection
• Frequency: Once weekly
• Dosage form: Solution for injection in a prefilled pen
• UK legal category: Prescription-only medicine

Ozempic Compared With Other Semaglutide Medicines

Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus all contain semaglutide but have different authorised indications and dosage forms.

• Ozempic: injectable semaglutide authorised for type 2 diabetes.
• Wegovy: injectable semaglutide authorised for weight management in eligible patients.
• Rybelsus: oral semaglutide authorised for type 2 diabetes.

Visit our Rybelsus page for more information about oral semaglutide.

Related Information

For additional educational information, visit our Diabetes Guide or explore our Weight Management Guide.

Official UK Medicine Information

For the latest official information about Ozempic, including indications, dosing, contraindications, warnings and adverse effects, consult the Ozempic Summary of Product Characteristics and the official Patient Information Leaflet on the UK electronic Medicines Compendium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription medicine containing semaglutide. In the UK, it is authorised for improving blood-glucose control in adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise.

What is the active ingredient in Ozempic?

The active ingredient is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

How often is Ozempic administered?

Ozempic is administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection.

Is Ozempic approved for weight loss in the UK?

No. Ozempic’s UK authorised indication is type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is the semaglutide product authorised specifically for weight management in eligible patients.

What is the starting dose of Ozempic?

The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly. The dose may subsequently be increased according to the prescribing information and clinical response.

Can Ozempic be used with Wegovy?

No. Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide and should not be used together unless specifically directed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Is Ozempic prescription only?

Yes. Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.

Where can I find official Ozempic information?

The UK electronic Medicines Compendium provides the official Ozempic Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflet.