Drug reference

Semaglutide

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist · Antidiabetic

GLP-1 Receptor AgonistAntidiabetic

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

2 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Top interactions

BexaroteneSevereDatabaseDDInter
GatifloxacinSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Semaglutide binds to, and activates, the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor to increase insulin secretion, suppress glucagon secretion, and slow gastric emptying.

Indications

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (monotherapy if metformin inappropriate)Type 2 diabetes mellitus (in combination with other antidiabetic drugs)Type 2 diabetes mellitus (in combination with oral antidiabetic drugs or basal insulin or both, when adequate glycaemic control has not been achieved with these drugs, together with diet and exercise; restricted to patients for whom a GLP-1 agonist is appropriate, as an alternative to an existing GLP-1 agonist)Improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetesWeight loss in obese nondiabetic subjects (at higher doses)

Dosing

Adult: Initially 0.25 mg once weekly by subcutaneous injection for 4 weeks, then increased to 0.5 mg once weekly for at least 4 weeks, then increased if necessary to 1 mg once weekly.
Max dose: 1 mg once weekly

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life

7 days

Side effects

Common

NauseaVomitingWeight loss

Serious

Diabetic ketoacidosis (risk cannot be excluded, especially when concomitant insulin is rapidly reduced or discontinued)
Gallbladder disease (increased risk)
Pancreatitis (possible association)
Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (contraindication)