Semaglutide — the complete guide
Semaglutide explained: Ozempic, Wegovy, Wegovy HD, Wegovy pill and Ozempic tablets — uses, doses, side effects, generics and cost in the US and Canada.
In short
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk. It mimics a gut hormone that raises insulin release after meals, lowers glucagon, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite.
Semaglutide brands
| Brand | Form | Approved for (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Weekly injection, 0.25–2 mg | Type 2 diabetes; heart and kidney risk reduction |
| Ozempic tablets (formerly Rybelsus) | Daily tablet, 1.5/4/9 mg | Type 2 diabetes |
| Wegovy / Wegovy HD | Weekly injection, up to 2.4 mg or 7.2 mg | Weight management; heart risk; MASH |
| Wegovy pill | Daily tablet, up to 25 mg | Weight management |
Is there generic semaglutide?
In Canada, yes — Health Canada authorized generics in April, May and June 2026. In the US, no FDA-approved generic exists; key patents run into the early 2030s. Compounded and "research" semaglutide are not approved products.
How long does semaglutide stay in your body?
Its half-life is about one week, so it takes roughly five weeks after the last weekly dose to leave the body.
Medicines in this group
GLP-1 & incretin medicinesOzempic (injection)semaglutide · Once weeklyGLP-1 & incretin medicinesOzempic tablets (formerly Rybelsus)oral semaglutide · Once dailyGLP-1 & incretin medicinesWegovy (injection)semaglutide · Once weeklyGLP-1 & incretin medicinesWegovy pilloral semaglutide 25 mg · Once dailyPipelineCagriSema (investigational)cagrilintide + semaglutide · Once weekly
Popular questions
- What if I miss an Ozempic dose?
- What if I miss a Wegovy dose?
- Can you drink alcohol on Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound?
- How long does semaglutide stay in your system?
- What is 'Ozempic face'?
- Does Wegovy or Zepbound cause hair loss?
- What happens when you stop Wegovy or Zepbound?
- Can you take Ozempic or Wegovy while pregnant or trying to conceive?
- Where do you inject Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound?
- How to manage nausea and constipation on GLP-1 medicines
Sources
Checked against these primary sources on .