Description
The Ozempic Pill (semaglutide) is a prescription medication used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It may also help lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease, in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk. Ozempic tablets are the oral form of semaglutide, previously sold under the brand name Rybelsus. Semaglutide works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high, lowers the amount of sugar the liver releases, and slows stomach emptying.
| Fact Table |
| Formula |
C187H291N45O59 |
| License |
US FDA |
| Bioavailability |
1% to 2% after oral administration of Ozempic tablets |
| Legal status |
Rx-only |
| Chemical Name |
Semaglutide |
| Elimination half-life |
Approximately 1 week |
| Dosage (Strength) |
Ozempic tablets: 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 9 mg orally once daily |
| Pregnancy |
Use only if potential benefit justifies potential fetal risk; consult a doctor |
| Brands |
Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy |
| Protein binding |
>99% bound to plasma albumin |
| PubChem CID |
56843331 |
| MedlinePlus |
a619057 |
| ChEBI |
167574 |
| ATC code |
A10BJ06 |
| DrugBank |
DB13928 |
| KEGG |
D10025 |
| Routes of administration |
Oral |
Directions
Take Ozempic tablets exactly as prescribed. Take one tablet each morning on an empty stomach with no more than 4 ounces of plain water. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablet. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medicines by mouth.
Treatment usually starts with 1.5 mg once daily for the first 30 days. After 30 days, the dose increases to 4 mg once daily. If additional blood sugar control is needed, the dose may be increased to 9 mg once daily beginning on day 61.
If you miss a dose, skip it and take your usual dose the next day. Never take more than one tablet in a day.
Do not switch between Ozempic tablets and Ozempic injections unless directed by a healthcare provider. These products and their doses are not interchangeable.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Ozempic tablets is semaglutide. Inactive ingredients may include magnesium stearate and salcaprozate sodium (SNAC).
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
Ozempic tablets carry a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Semaglutide has caused thyroid tumors in studies involving rats, but it is not known whether this occurs in people. Tell a healthcare provider about any lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Stop taking the tablets and get medical help if severe stomach pain that does not go away develops, with or without vomiting, as this may be a sign of pancreatitis.
People with a history of diabetic retinopathy should have their eyes monitored because rapid improvement in blood sugar has been linked to a temporary worsening of this condition.
Taking Ozempic tablets with insulin or a sulfonylurea may increase the risk of low blood sugar. The dosages of other diabetes medications may need to be adjusted by a healthcare provider.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and kidney problems. Drink fluids and contact a healthcare provider if these symptoms are severe or do not go away.
Tell a healthcare provider before any surgery or procedure requiring anesthesia or deep sedation. Semaglutide slows stomach emptying, which may cause food to remain in the stomach longer than expected.
Stop taking Ozempic tablets at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Do not breastfeed while taking them.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
-
A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
-
A previous serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any ingredient in the tablets
Side Effects
Common side effects of Ozempic tablets may include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Serious side effects may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney injury caused by dehydration, worsening diabetic eye disease, low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas, and serious allergic reactions.
Get medical help immediately for severe stomach pain that does not go away, signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing, or possible signs of a thyroid tumor such as a lump in the neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing.
References
-
Rybelsus and Ozempic Tablets Highlights of Prescribing Information. Plainsboro, NJ: Novo Nordisk Inc.; 2026.
-
Ozempic Tablets Drug Label Information. Plainsboro, NJ: Novo Nordisk Inc.; 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ozempic Pill
What is Ozempic Pill?
Ozempic Pill is a prescription oral medicine containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. It helps lower blood sugar by increasing insulin release when glucose is elevated, reducing glucagon secretion, and slowing stomach emptying.
What is Ozempic Pill used for?
It is used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death, in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at high cardiovascular risk.
Is Ozempic Pill approved for weight loss?
No. Ozempic Pill is not approved as a weight-loss medication, although some people may lose weight during treatment. Semaglutide products should be used only for their approved purpose and under a healthcare professional’s supervision.
How should Ozempic Pill be taken?
Take it once daily on an empty stomach immediately after waking, with no more than 4 ounces of plain water. Swallow the tablet whole, then wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medicines.
What are the available doses?
Treatment commonly begins with 1.5 mg once daily for 30 days. The dose is then increased to 4 mg daily, and it may be increased to 9 mg daily after at least 30 days if additional blood sugar control is needed. The starting dose is intended to help the body adjust and is not an effective maintenance dose.
What are the common side effects?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, and reduced appetite. Digestive effects are often most noticeable when treatment begins or when the dose is increased.
Can Ozempic Pill cause low blood sugar?
Semaglutide alone has a relatively low risk of hypoglycemia, but the risk increases when it is combined with insulin or medicines such as sulfonylureas. Warning signs include sweating, shakiness, hunger, dizziness, confusion, and a rapid heartbeat.
What serious side effects can occur?
Serious risks may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, dehydration-related kidney injury, severe digestive problems, allergic reactions, and worsening diabetic retinopathy. Persistent severe abdominal pain, vision changes, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or repeated vomiting requires prompt medical attention.
Who should not take Ozempic Pill?
It should not be used by anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or a serious allergy to semaglutide. It is not used for type 1 diabetes and is generally stopped before a planned pregnancy.
What should be done if a dose is missed?
Skip the missed dose and take the next dose the following morning at the usual time. Do not take two tablets on the same day to make up for a missed dose.
About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)
Dr. Sison graduated with honors from the University of Florida. He began his career in pharmacy counseling patients in a community setting and later served in hospitals and clinics. He has also worked in medication therapy management services. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 15579