Semaglutide tracker
Educational reference for Semaglutide. Use it inside TrackPep to log doses, side effects, and rotation sites.
Half-life
165 h
Tmax
24 h
Category
glp1
Also known as: sema, Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
> PLACEHOLDER — pending clinical review by licensed pharmacist. Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed by Novo Nordisk. It works by binding to and activating the GLP-1 receptor, which slows gastric emptying, augments glucose-dependent insulin secretion, and suppresses glucagon release. The molecule is acylated with a C18 fatty-acid side chain that binds reversibly to albumin, extending its terminal half-life to approximately 165 hours and enabling once-weekly subcutaneous dosing. Clinically, it is used for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Common rotation sites include the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. Regular tracking of dose timing, injection site, and gastrointestinal side effects is recommended to manage tolerance and adherence.
Mechanism
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. It binds the GLP-1 receptor, which in research is associated with enhanced glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slowed gastric emptying, and reduced appetite. An acylated fatty-acid side chain promotes albumin binding, extending its half-life to allow once-weekly use.
Research summary
Studied extensively for type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN program) and, at higher doses, for chronic weight management (STEP program). Cardiovascular outcome trials have also been reported in the literature. Marketed as Ozempic and Rybelsus for diabetes and Wegovy for weight management.
Dosing in the literature
Trials have evaluated once-weekly subcutaneous administration with gradual titration, and an oral tablet formulation is also studied. Specific regimens are individualized and set by a prescribing clinician; they are outside the scope of this summary.
Reported side effects
Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation) are the most commonly reported in trials, typically during titration. Prescribing information notes warnings including risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents and pancreatitis. This is not a complete safety profile.
Stacking notes
Commonly discussed alongside anti-nausea supportive care and adequate protein/hydration in the literature. Any combination with other glucose-lowering agents raises hypoglycemia considerations and is a clinical decision.
Educational summary of published research. Not dosing guidance or medical advice.
Sources
- STEP trials of semaglutide for weight management (NEJM) · New England Journal of Medicine (2021)search PubMed/NEJM for the STEP 1-8 series
- SUSTAIN program (semaglutide in type 2 diabetes) · peer-reviewed clinical trial series (2016)search PubMed for SUSTAIN
- Ozempic / Wegovy prescribing information · FDA prescribing information (2021)available via DailyMed / accessdata.fda.gov
References
- Semaglutide once-weekly: PK/PD reviewDOI: 10.1007/s40262-019-00811-y
- Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomesDOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1911024
Track Semaglutide in TrackPep
Reconstitution calculator, interactive body-map rotation, side-effect timeline, weight trends, and a private log — all in one place. Free to try.