Semaglutide is an active ingredient used in medication to treat type 2 diabetes and to help tackle obesity and aid in long term weight management. Semaglutide is better known as its brand name counterparts, Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy – all of these having been developed by the medical manufacturer Novo-Nordisk.

How does Semaglutide work?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medicines known as GLP-1 agonists, or glucagon like peptide agonist. It is responsible for mimicking the action of a GLP-1, meaning that it increases insulin secretion, reduces the amount of glucagon in the body through the disposal of blood sugar and the maintenance of glycemic control. This in turn creates a knock-on effect of gastric emptying in the stomach slowing down, which results in the patient eating less food because of a constant full feeling and results in gradual weight loss.

How should I take Semaglutide?

Semaglutide can be taken in either tablet form, through Rybelsus, or through injectable pens, like Ozempic and Wegovy. This decision should be down to your doctor or prescriber who will look into this for you. It may be easier for those that are sensitive to needles or injections to be prescribed Rybelsus as it has to be taken orally. However, because these are all available in different strengths, it will be down to the clinician to decide what works best for you.

What are the side effects of Semaglutide?

Like all medicines, all Semaglutide products include side effects. Common side effects that occur in Semaglutide products is a decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In people who have heart issues, there is a possibility that Semaglutide can cause damage to the retina, known as retinopathy. If any of these symptoms persist, or less common side effects such as kidney problems, allergic reactions, pancreatitis or hypoglycemia then seek medical attention immediately.

What other drugs can affect Semaglutide?

Since Semaglutide has the ability to slow down the rate of digestion, it can also affect the time in which medicines are absorbed into the mouth when taken orally. It is best to get in touch with your doctor about any other medicines that you take when showing interest in taking Semaglutide. Medicines involving insulin, such as Humalog, Lantus, Novorapid and others,  when taken alongside Semaglutide can cause hypoglycaemia, which is when your blood sugar drops to an unsafe level. Even some over-the-counter medicines, vitamins or other medicinal products could affect the effectiveness of Semaglutide. Always consult your doctor or prescriber about what medicines you are currently taking.

How do you store Semaglutide?

When going the subcutaneous route, so Wegovy or Ozempic, you can store a new and unopened injectable pen in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the pen. Once opened, you can store Ozempic in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 56 days or Wegovy in the refrigerator or room temperature for 28 days. If there is still medicine in the pens once it goes past these time frames, then it is important to dispose of the pens as the effectiveness would have been reduced. Needles in the injectable pen should be thrown away in a hard,  enclosed container where the needle cannot poke through.

Rybelsus can be kept in the packaging and remained sealed after taking one daily. This medicine does not have any special or specific storage requirements like the injectables, however, they should be kept in a dry place and away from moisture.

Where can I buy Semaglutide injections/tablets?

Though Rybelsus and Wegovy is currently not for sale on our website, you can buy Ozempic online in the UK through Pharmacy Planet. All you have to do is fill in a clinical consultation questionnaire with all of the relevant information needed and our team of clinical prescribers and dispensers are sure to take care of the rest for you.