Semaglutide
Also known as: GLP-1 receptor agonist
An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for type-2 diabetes and weight management.
Semaglutide at a glance
| Name | Semaglutide |
|---|---|
| Also known as | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Category | Metabolic & weight |
| Type | Peptide |
| Sequence | Long-acting GLP-1 analog |
| Typical dose | Titrated; ~0.25 mg → up to ~2.4 mg weekly |
| Frequency | Once weekly |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection |
| Half-life | Long (~7 days) — once-weekly dosing. |
Overview
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type-2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It mimics the gut hormone GLP-1 to lower blood sugar and reduce appetite, producing significant weight loss in trials. Its long half-life allows once-weekly injection.
How it’s thought to work
- Activates GLP-1 receptors to boost insulin and lower glucagon in response to meals.
- Slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite via brain pathways.
Researched uses
- Type-2 diabetes (approved)
- Chronic weight management (approved)
- Cardiometabolic research
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | Titrated; ~0.25 mg → up to ~2.4 mg weekly |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Once weekly |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection |
| Notes | Start low and increase slowly to limit nausea. |
Reconstitution
Prescription pens come pre-filled. Research vials are commonly 5 mg; 5 mg with 2 mL water = 2.5 mg/mL, so 250 mcg = 10 units on a U-100 syringe.
Semaglutide dosage calculator
The calculator below is pre-filled with Semaglutide’s commonly cited vial size and dose. Adjust the vial amount, bacteriostatic water, or dose to match your own vial — it will show the exact insulin-syringe units to draw, the concentration, and how many doses the vial holds.
Add 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to your 5 mg vial. That gives you about 20 doses of 250 mcg. For each dose, draw 10 units into a 100-unit insulin syringe.
See the full Semaglutide dosing chart (units for every dose & water amount), or open the full peptide calculator →
Cautions
- Prescription medication; use under medical supervision.
- Nausea, GI effects; boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents.
- Not for personal-history MTC/MEN2 or pregnancy.
Semaglutide FAQ
What is Semaglutide?
An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for type-2 diabetes and weight management.
How does Semaglutide work?
Activates GLP-1 receptors to boost insulin and lower glucagon in response to meals. Slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite via brain pathways.
What is Semaglutide used for?
Type-2 diabetes (approved); Chronic weight management (approved); Cardiometabolic research.
What is a typical Semaglutide dose?
Titrated; ~0.25 mg → up to ~2.4 mg weekly, Once weekly, Subcutaneous injection. This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute Semaglutide?
Prescription pens come pre-filled. Research vials are commonly 5 mg; 5 mg with 2 mL water = 2.5 mg/mL, so 250 mcg = 10 units on a U-100 syringe.
What is the half-life of Semaglutide?
Long (~7 days) — once-weekly dosing.