Ozempic
A popular GLP-1 brand name medication known for causing significant weight loss.
First Mentioned
2/21/2026, 5:33:51 AM
Last Updated
2/21/2026, 5:36:42 AM
Research Retrieved
2/21/2026, 5:36:42 AM
Summary
Ozempic is a brand-name medication containing the active ingredient semaglutide, primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. Developed by Novo Nordisk, it functions as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, mimicking natural hormones to stimulate insulin production and signal satiety to the brain. While Ozempic is specifically indicated for diabetes, its weight-loss properties have led to significant off-label use and the marketing of the same molecule under the brand Wegovy for chronic weight management. In 2023, the drug reached a cultural and financial "hype cycle" comparable to the boom in artificial intelligence, leading to its inclusion on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines and driving complex market strategies, such as Morgan Stanley's spread trades favoring GLP-1 innovators over traditional healthcare incumbents like Dexcom and DaVita.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Drug Class
GLP-1 receptor agonist (Incretin mimetic)
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk
Field of Science
Endocrinology and Pharmacology
Active Ingredient
Semaglutide
FDA Approval Date
2017-12-05
Common Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation
Primary Indications
Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction
Storage Requirement
Refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) before use
Administration Route
Subcutaneous injection (weekly) or Oral (as Rybelsus)
Prescription Volume (2023)
25 million+ prescriptions in the United States
Timeline
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves semaglutide (Ozempic) for medical use in adults with type 2 diabetes. (Source: Wikipedia)
2017-12-05
- Semaglutide becomes the 19th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, surpassing 25 million prescriptions annually. (Source: Wikipedia)
2023-01-01
- Financial analysts and tech commentators compare the GLP-1 agonist market expansion to the AI hype cycle, noting significant impacts on healthcare stock valuations. (Source: Document 0d1b8bf2-4839-4e94-af1e-1c882a1d8877)
2023-10-20
- Medical reviews highlight potential long-term side effects including muscle loss and kidney damage associated with GLP-1 usage. (Source: Web Search (WebMD))
2025-01-31
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaSemaglutide
Semaglutide is an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and an anti-obesity medication used for long-term weight management and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. It is a peptide similar to the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), modified with a side chain. It can be administered by subcutaneous injection or taken orally. It is sold by Novo Nordisk under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus for diabetes, and under the brand name Wegovy for weight management, weight loss, and the treatment of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). Semaglutide is an incretin mimetic. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. It was approved for medical use in the US in 2017. In 2023, it was the nineteenth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 25 million prescriptions. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
Web Search Results
- Ozempic for weight loss: Does it work, and what do experts ...
## What is Ozempic? Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, was approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin. It is not approved for weight loss, but some physicians prescribe it to be used for weight loss. Sign up for our Health Highlights Newsletter ## How does Ozempic work? Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone. As those hormone levels rise, the molecules go to your brain, telling it you're full. It also slows digestion by increasing the time it takes for food to leave the body. This is similar to the effect of bariatric surgery.
- [PDF] ozempic-epar-product-information_en.pdf - EMA
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT Ozempic 1 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen semaglutide 2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE Each dose (0.74 ml) contains 1 mg semaglutide (1.34 mg/ml), 3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, hydrochloric acid/sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), water for injections. See leaflet for further information. 4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS solution for injection 1 x 3 ml pen and 4 disposable needles (4 doses) 3 x 3 ml pens and 12 disposable needles (12 doses) 5. METHOD AND ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION Read the package leaflet before use. once weekly Use semaglutide once a week Write the weekday you choose to inject I injected my weekly dose on the below dates subcutaneous use Open here Lift here 50 6. SPECIAL [...] of the biological active substance Novo Nordisk A/S Hallas Allé DK-4400 Kalundborg Denmark Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for batch release Ozempic 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg (8 doses) and 2 mg Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Allé DK-2880 Bagsværd Denmark Ozempic 1 mg (4 doses) Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Allé DK-2880 Bagsværd Denmark Novo Nordisk Production SAS 45, Avenue d’Orléans 28000 Chartres France The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the manufacturer responsible for the release of the concerned batch. B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE Medicinal product on medical prescription. C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION • Periodic safety update reports (PSURs) The requirements for [...] THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT Ozempic 0.5 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen semaglutide 2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE Each dose (0.37 ml) contains 0.5 mg semaglutide (1.34 mg/ml). 3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, hydrochloric acid/sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), water for injections. See leaflet for further information. 4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS solution for injection 1 x 3 ml pen and disposable needles (8 doses) 5. METHOD AND ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION Read the package leaflet before use. once weekly Use semaglutide once a week Write the weekday you choose to inject I injected my weekly dose on the below dates subcutaneous use Open here Lift here 6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT OF THE SIGHT
- Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection for Type 2 Diabetes
The most common side effects of Ozempic® may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation. Please click here for Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Ozempic®. Ozempic® is a prescription medication. Novo Nordisk provides patient assistance for those who qualify. Please call 1-866-310-7549 to learn more about Novo Nordisk assistance programs. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. What is Ozempic®? READ MORE LESS Important Safety Information READ MORE LESS # What is Ozempic®? Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used: [...] Please click here for Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Ozempic®. Ozempic® is a prescription medication. Novo Nordisk provides patient assistance for those who qualify. Please call 1-866-310-7549 to learn more about Novo Nordisk assistance programs. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Scroll to ISI # What is Ozempic®? Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used: [...] Please click here for Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Ozempic®. Ozempic® is a prescription medication. Novo Nordisk provides patient assistance for those who qualify. Please call 1-866-310-7549 to learn more about Novo Nordisk assistance programs. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Scroll to ISI # What is Ozempic®? Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used:
- What is Ozempic®? | Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection
The most common side effects of Ozempic® may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation. Please click here for Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Ozempic®. Ozempic® is a prescription medication. Novo Nordisk provides patient assistance for those who qualify. Please call 1-866-310-7549 to learn more about Novo Nordisk assistance programs. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. What is Ozempic®? READ MORE LESS Important Safety Information READ MORE LESS # What is Ozempic®? Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used: [...] Please click here for Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Ozempic®. Ozempic® is a prescription medication. Novo Nordisk provides patient assistance for those who qualify. Please call 1-866-310-7549 to learn more about Novo Nordisk assistance programs. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Scroll to ISI # What is Ozempic®? Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used: [...] Please click here for Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Ozempic®. Ozempic® is a prescription medication. Novo Nordisk provides patient assistance for those who qualify. Please call 1-866-310-7549 to learn more about Novo Nordisk assistance programs. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Scroll to ISI # What is Ozempic®? Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used:
- Ozempic (semaglutide) - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD
Drugs & Medications Ozempic (semaglutide) # Ozempic (semaglutide) - Uses, Side Effects, and More Written by Ami Ishver, PharmD | Medically Reviewed by Laurel Riemann, PharmD on Jan 31, 2025 Common Brand Name(s): Ozempic Common Generic Name(s): semaglutide Pronunciation: oh-ZEM-pick Drug Classes: antidiabetic, GLP-1 agonist, incretin mimetic Availability: prescription only, no generic available How is it used? liquid that is injected under the skin Uses Side Effects Warnings & Precautions Interactions Overdose/Missed Dose Reviews (512) 8 mins read [...] ### How is Ozempic supplied (dosage forms)? Ozempic is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin. 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg solution for injection, pre-filled pens 1 mg solution for injection, pre-filled pens 2 mg solution for injection, pre-filled pens (not currently marketed) ### How should I store Ozempic? Before using Ozempic, store in the refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Unused Ozempic can be stored until the expiration date. Once you start using Ozempic, store at room temperature between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight or in the refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) for up to 56 days. Keep the cap on the pen when you are not using Ozempic. [...] Vision Changes. Ozempic may cause your vision to worsen when you start using the medicine or start a higher dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop new vision problems. If you have a condition called diabetic retinopathy, your vision may temporarily worsen when you start Ozempic or a higher dose. Make sure that you keep all appointments to have your vision checked. Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Ozempic, especially if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can cause dehydration. Try to drink water to avoid dehydration. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.