Sema 30mg

🔬 What Is Semaglutide?

• Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (incretin mimetic).

• It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.

• Brand names & approvals:

  • Ozempic → FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2017).

  • Rybelsus → oral tablet version, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2019).

  • Wegovy → FDA-approved for chronic weight management (2021).

⚙️ Mechanism of Action

• Stimulates insulin secretion (glucose-dependent).

• Suppresses glucagon secretion.

• Slows gastric emptying, prolonging satiety.

• Acts on the brain’s appetite centers, reducing hunger and food cravings.

📊 Clinical Benefits

Type 2 Diabetes

• Lowers A1C by ~1.0–1.5%.

• Reduces fasting and post-meal glucose.

Weight Loss (Wegovy data)

• STEP trials (68 weeks):

  • Average 15% body weight reduction at the 2.4 mg weekly dose.

  • Many participants lost >20% of body weight.

Cardiovascular Protection

• Reduces risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in people with T2D and heart disease.

• In 2023, FDA approved Wegovy for CV risk reduction in overweight/obese patients with established heart disease.

⚠️ Side Effects

Most common:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.

• Decreased appetite (expected effect).

Other considerations:

• Rare: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, GI obstruction.

• Can increase risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents (contraindicated in patients with personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2).

• May worsen diabetic retinopathy in those with pre-existing disease.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Semaglutide = GLP-1 receptor agonist.

• Approved as Ozempic (T2D), Wegovy (obesity), Rybelsus (oral).

• Efficacy:

  • A1C reduction: ~1–1.5%.

  • Weight loss: ~15% at 2.4 mg weekly.

• Dosing: Weekly injections (0.25 → 2.4 mg) or daily oral (3–14 mg).

• Side effects: Mostly GI; long-term concerns about thyroid, gallbladder, and pancreas (rare).