> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hi-doctor.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Ozempic (semaglutide) — indication, dosing and safety

> Ozempic is semaglutide authorised in the EU for type 2 diabetes, not weight management. How it works, dosing, and who should not take it.

Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection that copies the natural gut hormone GLP-1, reducing appetite and slowing stomach emptying so people feel full sooner and stay full longer. Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient — semaglutide — but are separate authorised products with different indications: Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management.

<Warning>
  **Ozempic is authorised for type 2 diabetes only.** Weight management with the same active substance (semaglutide) is covered by a separate EU authorisation under the name Wegovy, used together with a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity.
</Warning>

## What it is

Ozempic is centrally authorised by the European Commission on the basis of an EMA assessment, so a single authorisation covers all 27 member states. It is prescription-only throughout the EU.

## What it's used for

Type 2 diabetes that is not sufficiently controlled in adults, alongside diet and exercise — either on its own when metformin is unsuitable, or combined with other diabetes medicines.

## How it works

It copies GLP-1, a hormone the gut releases after a meal, which reduces appetite and slows how quickly the stomach empties. Semaglutide is modified to last much longer in the body than natural GLP-1, which is why it needs only one injection per week rather than the daily dosing needed by shorter-acting GLP-1 medicines.

## Dosing

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Administration" icon="syringe">
    Once-weekly self-injection in the thigh, abdomen or upper arm.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Escalation" icon="stairs">
    The dose is escalated gradually — 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1.0 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg — over 16 weeks, to limit gastrointestinal side effects.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Alongside lifestyle change" icon="utensils">
    Combined with diet and physical activity; semaglutide is not a substitute for lifestyle change.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Who it is not suitable for

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Thyroid and endocrine history">
    Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Pregnancy and breastfeeding">
    Pregnancy, planned pregnancy in the next 2 months, or breastfeeding.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Pancreatic disease">
    History of pancreatitis or active pancreatic disease.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Type 1 diabetes">
    Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis — semaglutide is not approved here.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Severe gastrointestinal disease">
    Severe gastroparesis or chronic severe gastrointestinal disease.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Note>
  For a broader weight-management case (BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 plus a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidaemia), a doctor reviews eligibility and may propose semaglutide under its weight-management authorisation, Wegovy, instead.
</Note>

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I drink alcohol on semaglutide?">
    Alcohol does not directly interact with semaglutide, but it can worsen gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting, which are already common when starting treatment. A cautious approach is advised, especially during dose escalation.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if I stop taking semaglutide?">
    Appetite returns and weight regain is likely after stopping, because semaglutide does not permanently change the hormones that regulate appetite. The STEP trials measured weight only up to week 68, so there is limited data on long-term maintenance after stopping.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?">
    Both contain semaglutide, but they are authorised for different indications. Ozempic is authorised for type 2 diabetes only. Weight management with semaglutide is covered by a separate EU authorisation under the name Wegovy. A doctor decides which product is appropriate based on your medical profile.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I take semaglutide if I have type 1 diabetes?">
    No. Semaglutide is not approved for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is indicated only for type 2 diabetes or weight management under Wegovy.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How long does it take to see weight loss on semaglutide?">
    Most patients notice reduced appetite within 2 to 4 weeks. The dose is escalated gradually over about 16 weeks to limit side effects. Weight is assessed after several weeks on the maintenance dose to decide whether to continue.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Who should not take semaglutide?">
    Semaglutide is not suitable for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for those with a history of pancreatitis. The reviewing doctor checks your full history before prescribing.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## How Hi-Doctor handles it

An EU-licensed doctor reads the questionnaire and answers within 24 hours. If the doctor decides it is not safe to prescribe, the consultation fee is refunded in full. Follow-up happens in the private chat inside the account, under GDPR — no WhatsApp, no SMS. Medication is paid separately at a pharmacy; see [pricing](/essentials/pricing) for what the consultation covers.

## Related reading

* [Liraglutide (Victoza) — evidence and side effects](/library/medicines/victoza)
* [Wegovy — weight-management semaglutide](/library/medicines/wegovy)
* [Why CagriSema isn't available, and what semaglutide offers instead](/library/medicines/cagrisema)
* [Obesity](/library/conditions/obesity)
* [Metabolic syndrome](/library/conditions/metabolic-syndrome)
* [Safety and eligibility](/essentials/safety)
* [How a consultation works](/essentials/how-it-works)

## Start a consultation

<Card title="Weight-loss consultation" icon="stethoscope" href="https://hi-doctor.ai/consultation/weight-loss/1">
  Answer the weight-loss questionnaire and a registered doctor reviews it.
  They decide whether treatment is appropriate, which one, and at what dose —
  and declining is a normal outcome. See [what it costs](/essentials/pricing)
  and [how the review works](/essentials/how-it-works).
</Card>

<Warning>
  This page is reference information, not medical advice and not a prescription. Whether a medicine is appropriate for you is decided by a registered doctor after reviewing your consultation.
</Warning>