Semaglutide: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, and to reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. It requires a prescription in the United Kingdom. No generic version is available.

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a hormone that the body naturally produces in the intestine in response to food intake. By mimicking this hormone, semaglutide stimulates insulin release from the pancreas when blood glucose concentrations are elevated, which helps lower blood sugar levels.

It also slows gastric emptying, meaning food moves more slowly from the stomach into the intestine, and may reduce appetite. These combined effects contribute to improved glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mechanism supports both blood glucose management and cardiovascular and renal outcomes in the indicated populations.

Semaglutide is prescribed as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is also indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.

A further indication is to reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. Semaglutide does not replace diet and exercise but works alongside these measures.

The label lists subcutaneous injection solutions at concentrations of 0.25 mg/0.5 mL, 0.5 mg/0.5 mL, 0.68 mg/mL, 1 mg/0.5 mL, 1.34 mg/mL, 1.7 mg/0.75 mL, 2.4 mg/0.75 mL, 2.68 mg/mL, and 7.2 mg/0.75 mL, as well as oral tablets in strengths of 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, 7 mg, 9 mg, 14 mg, and 25 mg. The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the label lists an increase to 0.5 mg once weekly.

If additional glycaemic control is needed, the dosage may be increased to 1 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dose, and may be increased to 2 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on the 1 mg dose. To reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular death, the label lists increasing to 1 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dose.

The label lists administration once weekly, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without meals. Injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

The label does not specify storage conditions for all formulations of semaglutide. Injectable medicines in pen devices are typically stored in a refrigerator before first use and may be kept at room temperature after opening, as directed on the label. Oral tablets should be stored as directed on the packaging.

To maintain quality, keep the medicine in its original container, protect it from excessive heat and moisture, and follow any temperature guidance provided with the product. Consult the patient information leaflet or ask a pharmacist for storage instructions specific to the formulation dispensed.

If a dose is missed, the label instructs administration as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose administered on the regularly scheduled day. Patients can then resume their regular once-weekly dosing schedule.

The day of weekly administration can be changed if necessary, provided that the time between two doses is at least 2 days (more than 48 hours). Because semaglutide is administered once weekly, maintaining the schedule helps ensure consistent blood levels of the medicine.

There are limited data with semaglutide use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for adverse developmental outcomes. Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be potential risks to the foetus from exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy. In pregnant rats, rabbits, and cynomolgus monkeys administered semaglutide during organogenesis, embryofoetal mortality, structural abnormalities, alterations to growth, early pregnancy losses, and reduced offspring size were observed at clinically relevant exposures.

These findings coincided with marked maternal body weight loss. Semaglutide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Women should discontinue semaglutide at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period. There are no data on the presence of semaglutide in human milk or its effects on the breastfed infant or milk production.