Semaglutide
0.25–2.4 mg · Weekly
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
Research Links
GLP-1 agonist; weight management