Clinical information
Common uses
- type 2 diabetes
- weight loss in obesity (with diet and exercise)
- after heart attack, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease with obesity
Common side effects
- feeling sick and being sick
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- tiredness
- redness or itching where injected
Cautions
- not suitable if you have had pancreatitis
- get help for severe stomach pain that will not go away
- do not stop suddenly if diabetic — affects blood sugar
- buy only from registered pharmacies — fakes exist
Interactions
- warfarin (blood thinner)
- levothyroxine (thyroid medicine)
- insulin — dose may need adjusting
- other diabetes medicines, e.g. gliclazide — low blood sugar risk
- tell staff before an anaesthetic or sedation
Pregnancy: not used in pregnancy — stop 2 months before trying to conceive
Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/semaglutide (accessed 2026-08-16)