Generic name: semaglutide injection (Ozempic) [ SEM-a-GLOO-tide ]
Brand name: Ozempic
Dosage forms: subcutaneous solution (2 mg/1.5 mL (0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose), 2 mg/3 mL (0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose), ... show all 4 dosage forms 4 mg/3 mL, 8 mg/3 mL (2 mg dose))
Drug class: GLP-1 Agonists (Incretin Mimetics)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 19, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is semaglutide injection?

This medication guide is specific to Ozempic.

Semaglutide injection is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This medicine is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Semaglutide injection is also used to help reduce the risk of serious heart problems such as heart attack or stroke in adults who have type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Semaglutide injection is also used to reduce the risk of severe kidney disease or death from heart problems in adults who also have chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

Semaglutide injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Semaglutide injection side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Semaglutide injection may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• vision changes;

• severe stomach problems--diarrhea or constipation;

• signs of a thyroid tumor--swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath;

• pancreatitis or gallbladder problems--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, chalky-colored stools, stomach pain after eating, heartburn, and bloating;

• low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; or

• kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of semaglutide injection may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or

• diarrhea, constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath.

You should not use this medicine if you or anyone in your family have or have ever had thyroid cancer or a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use semaglutide injection if you are allergic to it, or if you have or have ever had:

• multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands); or

• a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer).

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a severe stomach problem such as problems with digesting food or slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis);

• pancreas disorder;

• a planned surgery or a medical procedure;

• eye problems caused by diabetes; or

• kidney disease.

It is not known if semaglutide injection will harm an unborn baby. You should stop using this medicine at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant. Ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use during this time. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I use semaglutide injection?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Semaglutide injection is given under the skin, usually once per week at any time of the day, with or without food. Use an injection on the same day each week. A healthcare provider will teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself.

If you change your dosing day, allow at least 2 days to pass between doses.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject semaglutide injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.

Do not mix insulin and semaglutide in the same injection.

If you need surgery or any medical procedure, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are taking semaglutide injection. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, medical tests, and special medical care.

You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you eat or drink less than usual.

Store unopened injection pens in the refrigerator, protected from light. Do not freeze. Throw away an injection pen that has been frozen.

Semaglutide injection pen contains more than one dose. After your first use, store the injection pen with the needle removed in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Protect from heat and light. Keep the cap on when not in use. Throw the injection pen away 56 days after the first use, or if less than 0.25 mg is shown on the dose counter.

Do not reuse a needle. Place it in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can and then go back to your regular schedule. If you are more than 5 days late for the injection, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using semaglutide injection?

Never share an injection pen with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing this devices can allow infections or disease to pass from one person to another.

What other drugs will affect semaglutide injection?

Semaglutide injection can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially insulin or other oral diabetes medicine.

Other drugs may affect semaglutide injection, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Popular FAQ

View more FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01.