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What type of drug is Ozempic (semaglutide)?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Jan 30, 2025.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Ozempic (semaglutide) belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs.

Ozempic is used in adults with type 2 diabetes to:

  • Control blood sugar levels when combined with diet and exercise
  • Lower the risk of serious heart problems in those who also have heart disease
  • Protect the kidneys in those who also have chronic kidney disease by:
    • Slowing down kidney damage
    • Reducing the risk of kidney failure
    • Lowering the risk of death from heart problems.

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1 is an incretin hormone, which is inactivated by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is another such hormone.

GLP-1 and GIP stimulate the secretion of insulin after glucose is consumed, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. They work via a process known as the incretin effect. In people with type 2 diabetes, this process may not work so well or may no longer work at all.

Related questions

What are GLP-1 analogs?

GLP-1 analogs, such as Ozempic, are medications that increase levels of incretins. They are also known as incretin mimetics.

They work by increasing the amount of insulin available when it is needed and reducing the amount of unnecessary glucose being produced by the liver.

GLP-1 analogs have a number of benefits including:

  • Delaying gastric emptying - reducing the rate at which the stomach digests food and empties
  • Reduce appetite
  • Promoting weight loss
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Lowering cholesterol

GLP-1 analogs also provide additional cardiovascular-related and other benefits.

Most GLP-1 analogs are injected. Ozempic is injected once a week into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm using an injection pen. However, in September 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first tablet version of a GLP-1 analog called Rybelsus. Like Ozempic, Rybelsus also contains semaglutide.

References
  • Ozempic Prescribing Information. https://www.novo-pi.com/ozempic.pdf
  • Diabetes UK. GLP-1 analogues. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/treating-your-diabetes/tablets-and-medication/incretin-mimetics. [Accessed February 2, 2021].

Read next

How long does it take for Ozempic to work?

Your blood glucose (sugar) levels should start to fully decline within the first week after you start using Ozempic (semaglutide) at your regular dose. However, the full effect can take 8 weeks or longer, as this is a long-acting medication that is injected only once per week. Continue reading

What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?

Ozempic has the potential to cause certain long-term problems that may last months or years after stopping it. Some examples of long-term side effects you may experience from Ozempic include pancreatitis, vision problems, acute kidney injury, and acute gallbladder disease. Continue reading

Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?

Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is prescribed for long-term weight management while Ozempic is used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and help protect kidney function. They both lower the risk for heart-related complications, but they differ in other approved uses, doses, target populations and costs. Continue reading

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