This page is factual information, not an advertisement. It is intended for people who are already using or considering our service and want to read about the treatments a prescriber may discuss with them. It is not a recommendation, and it does not mean any of these treatments is suitable for you. Suitability is decided only after a consultation and clinical assessment.
The condition it is used for
Semaglutide is used for weight management in adults, alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is also separately licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
What it is and how it is taken
Semaglutide is a prescription-only medicine. It is given as an injection under the skin once a week, using a pre-filled pen. The dose is started low and increased in steps over several months, which helps to reduce side effects.
How it is usually used
It is used alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, not instead of those changes. The dose is reviewed at each step and only increased if the current dose is well tolerated.
More common side effects
The more common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, headache and tiredness. These are usually most noticeable after a dose increase and tend to settle as the body adjusts.
Who it is generally not suitable for
It is generally not suitable in pregnancy, breastfeeding or when trying to conceive, in a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, in a history of pancreatitis, or in a current or past eating disorder.
Key safety points
- Seek medical help for severe, persistent abdominal pain, which can indicate pancreatitis.
- Gallbladder problems can occur, particularly with rapid weight loss, so seek advice for upper right abdominal pain, fever or jaundice.
- Existing diabetic eye disease should be monitored during treatment.
- Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea can affect the kidneys, so keep drinking fluids and seek advice if you cannot.
Other options
Other medicines and approaches exist for weight management, and which (if any) is suitable for you is decided at your consultation and clinical assessment.
If you experience a side effect from any medicine you can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Want to talk it through?
Whether any treatment is suitable for you is decided at a consultation. Arrange an assessment with our pharmacy team.