Semaglutide

Diabetes and weight-loss medicine (GLP-1)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Semaglutide is a diabetes and weight-loss medicine (GLP-1) found in 2 medicines sold in India, such as Rybelsus, Wegovy. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and helps weight loss by reducing appetite; tablets or weekly injection.

How it works

A GLP-1 receptor agonist that boosts insulin after meals, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite, lowering sugar and weight. Also lowers heart risk.

How to take it

Weekly injection on the same day each week, starting low and increasing every 4 weeks; tablet form (Rybelsus) is taken on waking with a sip of water, 30 minutes before food or other medicines.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Reduced appetite
  • Tiredness

Get medical help straight away if

  • Severe stomach pain spreading to the back (pancreatitis)
  • Pain under the right ribs (gallstones)
  • Lump in the neck
  • Severe vomiting with dehydration

Be careful

Nausea and stomach upset are common at first. Report severe stomach pain.

Other medicines and interactions

Low sugar more likely with insulin or sulfonylureas. Slower stomach emptying can affect other tablets.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy; not used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Brands of Semaglutide (2)

RybelsusWegovy

Common questions

What is Semaglutide used for?

Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and helps weight loss by reducing appetite; tablets or weekly injection.

How does Semaglutide work?

A GLP-1 receptor agonist that boosts insulin after meals, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite, lowering sugar and weight. Also lowers heart risk.

How should I take Semaglutide?

Weekly injection on the same day each week, starting low and increasing every 4 weeks; tablet form (Rybelsus) is taken on waking with a sip of water, 30 minutes before food or other medicines.

What are the side effects of Semaglutide?

Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, reduced appetite, tiredness. Get help straight away for: Severe stomach pain spreading to the back (pancreatitis), pain under the right ribs (gallstones), lump in the neck, severe vomiting with dehydration.

Does Semaglutide interact with other medicines?

Low sugar more likely with insulin or sulfonylureas. Slower stomach emptying can affect other tablets.

Is Semaglutide safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy; not used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Does Semaglutide need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Semaglutide?

Rybelsus, Wegovy.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

🔎 Search another medicine

For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.