Semaglutide
0.25–2.4 mg · Weekly
Robert
Founder, F*CK Getting Old — independent researcher, not a medical professional.
Last reviewed · 2 cited sources
Evidence
- Human Studies
- 30
- Animal Studies
- 40
- Clinical Status
- FDA Approved
- Confidence
- High
- Long-Term Safety
- Well-established for the approved, quality-controlled product through years of trials and post-approval surveillance; compounded/research-grade versions are not the same product and carry additional unstudied risk
What this score is: a measure of how much research exists and how far along it is (animal-only vs. human trials, research-stage vs. FDA approved) — not how safe, effective, or worth trying a compound is. A low score usually means “early stage” or “understudied,” not “bad.” A high score doesn’t mean “better” for your goals than a lower-scored one.
This is not my personal rating of the compound, not a recommendation, and not medical advice. It’s a general research synthesis for informational purposes only, not a live literature count. See the linked research and talk to a licensed clinician before making decisions based on it.
Mechanism
A GLP-1 receptor agonist that slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite. Extensively studied in large Phase 3 trials (the SUSTAIN and STEP programs) and FDA-approved under the brand names Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (chronic weight management).
Common Protocols
- Weekly subcutaneous injection, titrated up slowly over months per approved labeling — self-directed titration outside a prescription carries real risk of overshooting
Side Effects
- GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation) are common, especially during titration
- Rare but serious: pancreatitis, gallbladder issues; boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodent studies
Interactions
- May slow absorption of oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying
- Insulin/sulfonylurea doses often need adjustment — clinician supervision matters here
Practical Details
- Cost
- $$$
- Typical Vial Size
- 5 mg
- Storage
- Refrigerate; manufactured pens are stable at room temperature for limited periods per labeling — compounded vials should stay refrigerated
Key Studies & Reviews
- Wilding JPH et al. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1). N Engl J Med. PMID 33567185.
- Nong K et al. (2026). Comparative effects of drugs for adults with overweight or obesity: systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ. PMID 42419792.
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Semaglutide FAQ
What is the typical Semaglutide dosage?
Commonly reported protocols: Weekly subcutaneous injection, titrated up slowly over months per approved labeling — self-directed titration outside a prescription carries real risk of overshooting. Our reference entry uses 0.25–2.4 mg, Weekly. These reflect protocols reported in research and user communities, not a medical recommendation — dosing should be decided with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Semaglutide?
Reported side effects include: GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation) are common, especially during titration; Rare but serious: pancreatitis, gallbladder issues; boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodent studies.
Is Semaglutide FDA approved?
Semaglutide is FDA-approved for specific medical indications (described in the summary above). Use for anything else is off-label and should be supervised by a prescriber.
How much research is there on Semaglutide?
Our evidence profile counts roughly 30 human and 40 animal studies, with high overall confidence. Long-term safety: Well-established for the approved, quality-controlled product through years of trials and post-approval surveillance; compounded/research-grade versions are not the same product and carry additional unstudied risk.
Does Semaglutide interact with other drugs or supplements?
May slow absorption of oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying; Insulin/sulfonylurea doses often need adjustment — clinician supervision matters here.
How do I reconstitute Semaglutide?
A common setup is a 5 mg vial mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, which puts a 0.25–2.4 mg dose at about 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Use the reconstitution calculator with your own vial and dose to get exact numbers. Storage: Refrigerate; manufactured pens are stable at room temperature for limited periods per labeling — compounded vials should stay refrigerated.
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Related compounds
GLP-1 agonist; weight management