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Multiple Indications
Medical Information | Non-US Health Care Professionals
Novo Nordisk® logo

Official communication about our medicines
containing semaglutide from Novo Nordisk
This site is intended for a US audience

ILLEGAL MASS COMPOUNDING

Mass compounding GLP-1s is not proven to be safe or effective at any price. Read more about what Novo Nordisk is doing to protect patients from unproven, potentially unsafe knockoffs.

Compounded “semaglutide”: a public health risk

Learn more about the numerous organizations and experts that have sounded the alarm on compounded products claiming to contain semaglutide.

Actor portrayal.

Actor Portrayal

Actor Portrayal

As of January 1, 2026:

50+

government agencies and officials1-13

15+

state boards of pharmacy and medicine14-29

30+

public health organizations30-44

have published statements related to the risks or are calling for urgent action to protect patients from unapproved products.

Brookings Institution

"American patients deserve to have their drugs be safe and effective…. Right now, that is far from guaranteed, with patients having no visibility as to who is making their products and whether they are using reasonable standards to assure the quality of their products."32

Center for Medicine in the Public Interest

"Selling these unapproved drugs with untested alterations or combinations is effectively a mass experiment on unsuspecting patients—a clear and present danger to public health."33

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

"Some healthcare providers are using compounded mixtures of unknown drugs that do not contain semaglutide, drugs with high levels of impurities, and unsafe or unapproved drugs."4

National Association of Attorneys General

“Much like with counterfeit versions, these active ingredients come from unregulated, undisclosed sources and pose risks of contamination and inclusion of foreign substances.”12

The Partnership for Safe Medicines

"Our report reveals these knockoff GLP-1s may contain active ingredients from unregulated, overseas manufacturers that are not…suitable for human use."43

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

"Compounded drugs pose a higher risk to patients than FDA-approved drugs because compounded drugs do not undergo FDA premarket review for safety, quality or effectiveness."12

Expert alerts

(as of January 1, 2026):

Alabama Board of Pharmacy

Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners

America’s Poison Centers

American Diabetes Association

American Medical Association

Australia

  • Media Release, Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Australia Department of Health and Aged Care, Protecting Australians from unsafe compounding of replica weight loss products (May 22, 2024)

Brazil

Brookings Institution

Center for Medicine in the Public Interest

Canada

Endocrine Society

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Food and Drug Administration (U.S.)

Health Professions Bureau of the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses

Illinois Attorney General

Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation

Kansas Board of Pharmacy

Louisiana Board of Pharmacy

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy

Mississippi Board of Pharmacy

Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure

National Academies of the Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

National Association of Attorneys General

National Consumers League

New Jersey Board of Pharmacy

Obesity Action Coalition

Obesity Medicine Association

The Obesity Society

Ohio Attorney General

Ohio Board of Pharmacy

Oregon Board of Pharmacy

The Partnership for Safe Medicines

Pediatric Endocrine Society

South Africa

South Carolina Attorney General

South Dakota Board of Pharmacy

United States Senate

Utah Board of Pharmacy

Washington State Department of Health

West Virginia Board of Pharmacy

Actor portrayal

FDA-approved treatments exist.

Learn more about the only FDA-approved medicines containing semaglutide.

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What is Wegovy®?

Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg and Wegovy® (semaglutide) tablets 25 mg are prescription medicines used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to:

  • reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with known heart disease and with either obesity or overweight.
  • help adults with obesity, or some adults with excess weight (overweight) who also have weight-related medical problems to lose weight and keep the weight off.

Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg is used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help children 12 years and older with obesity to lose weight and keep the weight off 

Wegovy® contains semaglutide and should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines.

It is not known if Wegovy® injection is safe and effective:

  • to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (death, heart attack, or stroke) in people under 18 years
  • to help children under 12 years of age lose weight and keep the weight off

It is not known if Wegovy® tablets are safe and effective for use in people under 18 years of age.

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about Wegovy®?

Wegovy® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Wegovy® and other medicines that work like Wegovy® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people
  • Do not use Wegovy® if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Do not use Wegovy® if:

  • you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • you have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy® injection or Wegovy® tablets. See symptoms of serious allergic reaction in “What are the possible side effects of Wegovy®?”

Before using Wegovy®, tell your healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions, including if you:

  • have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys
  • have type 2 diabetes and a history of diabetic retinopathy
  • have or have had depression, suicidal thoughts, or mental health issues
  • are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Wegovy® may harm your unborn baby. You should stop using Wegovy® 2 months before you plan to become pregnant
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Wegovy® tablets. It is not known if Wegovy® when received through an injectionpasses into your breast milk

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Wegovy® may affect the way some medicines work and some medicines may affect the way Wegovy® works. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking other medicines to treat diabetes, including sulfonylureas or insulin. Wegovy® slows stomach emptying and can affect medicines that need to pass through the stomach quickly.

What are the possible side effects of Wegovy®?

Wegovy® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Wegovy® and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without nausea or vomiting. Sometimes you may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back
  • gallbladder problems. Wegovy® may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallstones may need surgery. Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms, such as pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools
  • increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially those who also take medicines for diabetes such as insulin or sulfonylureas. This can be a serious side effect. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to recognize and treat low blood sugar and check your blood sugar before you start and while you take Wegovy®. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, or feeling jittery 
  • dehydration leading to kidney problems. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away
  • severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Wegovy®. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away
  • serious allergic reactions. Stop using Wegovy® and get medical help right away, if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat
  • change in vision in people with type 2 diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Wegovy® 
  • increased heart rate. Wegovy® can increase your heart rate while you are at rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest and it lasts for several minutes
  • depression or thoughts of suicide. You should pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you 
  • food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Wegovy® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Wegovy® before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures

The most common side effects of Wegovy® may include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and runny nose or sore throat.

Please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Wegovy®.

Wegovy® is a prescription medication.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is Ozempic®?

Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used:

  • along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes
  • to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease
  • to reduce the risk of kidney disease worsening, kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease), and death due to cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease

It is not known if Ozempic® is safe and effective for use in children.

Important Safety Information

Do not share your Ozempic® pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.

What is the most important information I should know about Ozempic®?

Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Ozempic® and medicines that work like Ozempic® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people
  • Do not use Ozempic® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Do not use Ozempic® if:

  • you or any of your family have ever had MTC or if you have MEN 2
  • you are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Ozempic®. See symptoms of serious allergic reaction in "What are the possible side effects of Ozempic®?"

Before using Ozempic®, tell your health care provider if you have any other medical conditions, including if you:

  • have or have had problems with your pancreas
  • have a history of diabetic retinopathy
  • have severe problems with your stomach, such as slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis) or problems with digesting food
  • are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. It is not known if Ozempic® will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. You should stop using Ozempic® at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and other medicines to treat diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas.

What are the possible side effects of Ozempic®?

Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Ozempic® and call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back
  • changes in vision. Tell your health care provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Ozempic®
  • low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Ozempic® with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery
  • dehydration leading to kidney problems. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Tell your health care provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away
  • severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Ozempic®. Tell your health care provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away
  • serious allergic reactions. Stop using Ozempic® and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat 
  • gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take Ozempic®. Tell your health care provider right away if you get symptoms which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools
  • food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Ozempic® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your health care providers that you are taking Ozempic® before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures

The most common side effects of Ozempic® may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.

Please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Ozempic®.

Ozempic® is a prescription medication.

Novo Nordisk provides patient assistance for those who qualify. Please call 1-866-310-7549 to learn more about Novo Nordisk assistance programs.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is RYBELSUS®?

RYBELSUS® (semaglutide) tablets 7 mg or 14 mg is a prescription medicine used:

  • along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes
  • to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are at high risk for these events

It is not known if RYBELSUS® is safe and effective for use in children

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about RYBELSUS®?

RYBELSUS® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, RYBELSUS® and medicines that work like RYBELSUS® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if RYBELSUS® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people

Do not use RYBELSUS® if:

  • you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • you have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in RYBELSUS®. See symptoms of serious allergic reaction in “What are the possible side effects of RYBELSUS®?"

Before using RYBELSUS®, tell your healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions, including if you:

  • have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys
  • have a history of vision problems related to your diabetes
  • are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if RYBELSUS® will harm your unborn baby. You should stop using RYBELSUS® 2 months before you plan to become pregnant
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with RYBELSUS®

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. RYBELSUS® may affect the way some medicines work and some medicines may affect the way RYBELSUS® works.

How should I take RYBELSUS®?

  • Take RYBELSUS® exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to 
  • Do not take more than 1 tablet each day
  • Take RYBELSUS® by mouth on an empty stomach in the morning with a sip of plain water (no more than 4 ounces). Do not take RYBELSUS® with any other liquids besides water
  • Do not split, crush, or chew. Swallow RYBELSUS® whole
  • After 30 minutes, you can eat, drink, or take other oral medicines
  • If you miss a dose of RYBELSUS®, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule

What are the possible side effects of RYBELSUS®?

RYBELSUS® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using RYBELSUS® and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without nausea or vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back
  • changes in vision. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with RYBELSUS®
  • low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use RYBELSUS® with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery
  • dehydration leading to kidney problems. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea that does not go away
  • severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use RYBELSUS®. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away
  • serious allergic reactions. Stop using RYBELSUS® and get medical help right away, if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat
  • gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take RYBELSUS®. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms of gallbladder problems, which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, and clay-colored stools
  • food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). RYBELSUS® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking RYBELSUS® before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures

The most common side effects of RYBELSUS® may include nausea, stomach (abdominal) pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and constipation. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are most common when you first start RYBELSUS®.

Please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for RYBELSUS®.

RYBELSUS® is a prescription medication.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is Wegovy®?

Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg and Wegovy® (semaglutide) tablets 25 mg are prescription medicines used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to:

  • reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with known heart disease and with either obesity or overweight.
  • help adults with obesity, or some adults with excess weight (overweight) who also have weight-related medical problems to lose weight and keep the weight off.

Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg is used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help children 12 years and older with obesity to lose weight and keep the weight off 

Wegovy® contains semaglutide and should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines.

It is not known if Wegovy® injection is safe and effective:

  • to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (death, heart attack, or stroke) in people under 18 years
  • to help children under 12 years of age lose weight and keep the weight off

It is not known if Wegovy® tablets are safe and effective for use in people under 18 years of age.

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about Wegovy®?

Wegovy® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Wegovy® and other medicines that work like Wegovy® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people
  • Do not use Wegovy® if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Do not use Wegovy® if:

  • you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • you have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy® injection or Wegovy® tablets. See symptoms of serious allergic reaction in “What are the possible side effects of Wegovy®?”

Before using Wegovy®, tell your healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions, including if you:

  • have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys
  • have type 2 diabetes and a history of diabetic retinopathy
  • have or have had depression, suicidal thoughts, or mental health issues
  • are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Wegovy® may harm your unborn baby. You should stop using Wegovy® 2 months before you plan to become pregnant
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Wegovy® tablets. It is not known if Wegovy® when received through an injectionpasses into your breast milk

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Wegovy® may affect the way some medicines work and some medicines may affect the way Wegovy® works. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking other medicines to treat diabetes, including sulfonylureas or insulin. Wegovy® slows stomach emptying and can affect medicines that need to pass through the stomach quickly.

What are the possible side effects of Wegovy®?

Wegovy® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Wegovy® and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without nausea or vomiting. Sometimes you may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back
  • gallbladder problems. Wegovy® may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallstones may need surgery. Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms, such as pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools
  • increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially those who also take medicines for diabetes such as insulin or sulfonylureas. This can be a serious side effect. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to recognize and treat low blood sugar and check your blood sugar before you start and while you take Wegovy®. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, or feeling jittery 
  • dehydration leading to kidney problems. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away
  • severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Wegovy®. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away
  • serious allergic reactions. Stop using Wegovy® and get medical help right away, if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat
  • change in vision in people with type 2 diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Wegovy® 
  • increased heart rate. Wegovy® can increase your heart rate while you are at rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest and it lasts for several minutes
  • depression or thoughts of suicide. You should pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you 
  • food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Wegovy® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Wegovy® before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures

The most common side effects of Wegovy® may include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and runny nose or sore throat.

Please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Wegovy®.

Wegovy® is a prescription medication.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is Ozempic®?

Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used:

  • along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes
  • to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease
  • to reduce the risk of kidney disease worsening, kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease), and death due to cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease

It is not known if Ozempic® is safe and effective for use in children.

Important Safety Information

Do not share your Ozempic® pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.

What is the most important information I should know about Ozempic®?

Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Ozempic® and medicines that work like Ozempic® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people
  • Do not use Ozempic® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Do not use Ozempic® if:

  • you or any of your family have ever had MTC or if you have MEN 2
  • you are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Ozempic®. See symptoms of serious allergic reaction in "What are the possible side effects of Ozempic®?"

Before using Ozempic®, tell your health care provider if you have any other medical conditions, including if you:

  • have or have had problems with your pancreas
  • have a history of diabetic retinopathy
  • have severe problems with your stomach, such as slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis) or problems with digesting food
  • are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. It is not known if Ozempic® will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. You should stop using Ozempic® at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and other medicines to treat diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas.

What are the possible side effects of Ozempic®?

Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Ozempic® and call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back
  • changes in vision. Tell your health care provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Ozempic®
  • low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Ozempic® with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery
  • dehydration leading to kidney problems. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Tell your health care provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away
  • severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Ozempic®. Tell your health care provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away
  • serious allergic reactions. Stop using Ozempic® and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat 
  • gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take Ozempic®. Tell your health care provider right away if you get symptoms which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools
  • food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Ozempic® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your health care providers that you are taking Ozempic® before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures

The most common side effects of Ozempic® may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.

Please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Ozempic®.

Ozempic® is a prescription medication.

Novo Nordisk provides patient assistance for those who qualify. Please call 1-866-310-7549 to learn more about Novo Nordisk assistance programs.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is RYBELSUS®?

RYBELSUS® (semaglutide) tablets 7 mg or 14 mg is a prescription medicine used:

  • along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes
  • to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are at high risk for these events

It is not known if RYBELSUS® is safe and effective for use in children

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about RYBELSUS®?

RYBELSUS® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, RYBELSUS® and medicines that work like RYBELSUS® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if RYBELSUS® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people

Do not use RYBELSUS® if:

  • you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • you have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in RYBELSUS®. See symptoms of serious allergic reaction in “What are the possible side effects of RYBELSUS®?"

Before using RYBELSUS®, tell your healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions, including if you:

  • have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys
  • have a history of vision problems related to your diabetes
  • are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if RYBELSUS® will harm your unborn baby. You should stop using RYBELSUS® 2 months before you plan to become pregnant
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with RYBELSUS®

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. RYBELSUS® may affect the way some medicines work and some medicines may affect the way RYBELSUS® works.

How should I take RYBELSUS®?

  • Take RYBELSUS® exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to 
  • Do not take more than 1 tablet each day
  • Take RYBELSUS® by mouth on an empty stomach in the morning with a sip of plain water (no more than 4 ounces). Do not take RYBELSUS® with any other liquids besides water
  • Do not split, crush, or chew. Swallow RYBELSUS® whole
  • After 30 minutes, you can eat, drink, or take other oral medicines
  • If you miss a dose of RYBELSUS®, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule

What are the possible side effects of RYBELSUS®?

RYBELSUS® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using RYBELSUS® and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without nausea or vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back
  • changes in vision. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with RYBELSUS®
  • low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use RYBELSUS® with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery
  • dehydration leading to kidney problems. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea that does not go away
  • severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use RYBELSUS®. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away
  • serious allergic reactions. Stop using RYBELSUS® and get medical help right away, if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat
  • gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take RYBELSUS®. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms of gallbladder problems, which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, and clay-colored stools
  • food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). RYBELSUS® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking RYBELSUS® before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures

The most common side effects of RYBELSUS® may include nausea, stomach (abdominal) pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and constipation. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are most common when you first start RYBELSUS®.

Please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for RYBELSUS®.

RYBELSUS® is a prescription medication.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References:

1. Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care. Protecting Australians from unsafe compounding of replica weight loss products. May 22, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/protecting-australians-from-unsafe-compounding-of-replica-weight-loss-products?language=en. 

2. Banks, Jim. United States Senate. Letter to FDA acting commissioner. March 25, 2025. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.nationalreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Banks-Letter-to-FDA.pdf. 

3. Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency. Order No. 97, Dated August 22, 2025. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.in.gov.br/web/dou/-/despacho-n-97-de-22-de-agosto-de-2025-650500119. 

4. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Safety concerns related to fraudulent compounding practices associated with weight loss drugs. February 28, 2025. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250228. 

5. Health Canada. Health Canada’s position on the unauthorized manufacturing of products sold as compounded glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. June 27, 2025. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.bcpharmacists.org/news/health-canada%E2%80%99s-position-unauthorized-manufacturing-products-sold-compounded-glucagon-peptide-1.

6. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Consumer alert: compounded weight loss drugs. Summer 2024. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/dpr/medical-minute-summer-2024.pdf.  

7. National Association of Attorneys General. State and territory attorneys general urge FDA to take action against counterfeit and illegally sold GLP-1 drugs. February 19, 2025. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.naag.org/press-releases/state-and-territory-attorneys-general-urge-fda-to-take-action-against-counterfeit-and-illegally-sold-glp-1-drugs/. (Reflecting 38 Attorneys General and one national organization).

8. Office of the Illinois Attorney General. Updated consumer alert — Attorney General Raoul reminds Illinois residents to be vigilant when seeking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. January 03, 2025. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/updated-consumer-alertattorney-general-raoul-reminds-illinois-residents-to-be-vigilant-when-seeking-glp-1-drugs-for-weight-loss.

9. South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. SHPRA’s Position on GLP1 and GIP-GLP1 Products That Are Compounded, Substandard and Falsified. November 8, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.sahpra.org.za/news-and-updates/sahpras-position-on-glp1-and-gip-glp1-products-that-are-compounded-substandard-and-falsifiedas/. 

10. South Carolina Office of the Attorney General. Consumer alert: Attorney General Alan Wilson warns consumers to be cautious when purchasing unapproved and compounded weight-loss medications. January 3, 2025. Accessed May 31, 2025.  https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/consumer-alert-attorney-general-alan-wilson-warns-consumers-to-be-cautious-when-purchasing-unapproved-and-compounded-weight-loss-medications/. 

11. United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Statement of David Kessler, Restoring trust in FDA: rooting out illicit products. April 9, 2025. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.congress.gov/event/119th-congress/house-event/118131/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22%E2%80%A2%5CtStatement+of+David+Kessler%2C+Restoring+Trust+in+FDA%3A+Rooting+Out+Illicit+Products%22%7D&s=1&r=1. 

12. United States Food and Drug Administration. FDA alerts health care providers, compounders, and patients on dosing errors associated with compounded semaglutide. July 26, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/fda-alerts-health-care-providers-compounders-and-patients-dosing-errors-associated-compounded. 

13. Washington State Department of Health. Statement on compounding semaglutide. August 22, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/bulletins/3b13be6.

14. Alabama Board of Pharmacy. Compounding semaglutide. November 2023. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://nabp.pharmacy/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/November-2023-Alabama-State-Newsletter.pdf.

15. Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners. Declaratory ruling of the Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners. August 8, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.albme.gov/uploads/pdfs/BOPSemaglutide.DeclaratoryRuling_.pdf.

16. Health Professions Bureau of the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Clinic dispensing of GLP-1 products. May 24, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Compounding-Letter.pdf. 

17. Kansas Board of Pharmacy. Statement on compounding and dispensing of compounded semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists. April 25, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.pharmacy.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/9120/638804875360800000.

18 Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. GLP-1 compounding guidance 2025. Accessed December 2025. https://pharmacy.ky.gov/professionals/Documents/GLP-1%20Compounding%20Guidance%202025.pdf.

19. Farris M. Low-cost weight loss drug banned in La. 4WWL. April 27, 2023. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/health/weight-loss-wednesday/low-cost-weight-loss-drug-banned/289-d2608b63-f8c2-4eb4-9982-0530331d50ea. (Reflecting ban by Louisiana Board of Pharmacy).

20. Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. Semaglutide and GLP-1 drugs. July 2024. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://nabp.pharmacy/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/July-2024-Minnesota-State-Newsletter.pdf. 

21. Mississippi Board of Pharmacy. Compounded products due to shortage or due to special patient needs. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.mbp.ms.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/Semaglutide.compoundguidance%20%28002%29.pdf.

22. Mississippi State Board Of Medical Licensure. Guidance regarding semaglutide-based medications. August 29, 2023. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.msbml.ms.gov/sites/default/files/news/Semaglutide%20Guidance%2008-29-23.pdf.

23. New Jersey Board of Pharmacy. Statement concerning semaglutide. November 6, 2023. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/phar/Documents/Semaglutide-Compounding-Statement-04282023.pdf.

24. North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. Statement concerning semaglutide compounding. April 2023. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.ncbop.org/downloads/SemaglutideCompounding.pdf.

25. Ohio Board of Pharmacy. FDA alerts health care providers, compounders, and patients of dosing errors associated with compounded injectable semaglutide products. August 2024. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/documents/pubs/messages/2024-08-13%20e-news%20august%202024.pdf.

26. Oregon Board of Pharmacy. Statement on semaglutide. February 6, 2025. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.oregon.gov/pharmacy/pages/position-statements.aspx.

27. South Dakota Board of Pharmacy. Beware of fraud and counterfeit popular weight loss products. January 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025.  https://doh.sd.gov/media/5urllipf/january-2024-south-dakota-state-news.pdf.

28. Utah Board of Pharmacy. Compounded semaglutide – cautions and concerns. May 2024. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://nabp.pharmacy/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/May-2024-Utah-State-Newsletter.pdf.

29. West Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Statement concerning semaglutide compounding. April 2023. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.wvbop.com/admin/attachment/FINALSemaglutideCompoundingStatement21APR2023WVBoPdatedFV.pdf.

30. America’s Poison Centers. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. February 28, 2025. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://poisoncenters.org/track/GLP-1.

31. American Diabetes Association. The American Diabetes Association announces statement on compounded incretin products. December 2, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/american-diabetes-association-announces-statement-compounded-incretin.

32. Brookings Institution. The wild east of semaglutide. April 21, 2025. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-wild-east-of-semaglutide/.

33. Center for Medicine in the Public Interest. FDA regulatory failures in enforcing limits on GLP-1 compounding puts patients at risk. July 21, 2025. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://cmpi.org/in-the-news/fda-regulatory-failures-in-enforcing-limits-on-glp-1-compounding-puts-patients-at-risk.

34. Endocrine Society. Webinar will examine concerns around compounding anti-obesity medications. November 6, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2024/webinar-will-examine-concerns-around-compounding-anti-obesity-medications.

35. Maryland Poison Control. What you should know about semaglutide. March 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://blog.mdpoison.com/2024/03/semaglutide/. 

36. Mattingly TJ, Conti RM. Marketing and Safety Concerns for Compounded GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. JAMA Health Forum. 2025;6(1):e245015. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2024.5015. 

37. National Academies of the Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. New weight loss drugs (GLP-1s) explained: science, impact, potential. November 21, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/43965_11-2024_new-weight-loss-drugs-glp-1s-explained-science-impact-potential. 

38. National Capital Poison Center. What is Ozempic? December 25, 2023. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.poison.org/articles/can-ozempic-help-me-lose-weight.

39. National Consumers League. NCL urges the public to heed warnings about unregulated versions of GLP-1 weight loss drugs. February 4, 2025. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://nclnet.org/the-national-consumers-league-urges-the-public-to-heed-warnings-about-unregulated-versions-of-glp-1-weight-loss-drugs/.

40. Obesity Action Coalition. Letter to FDA acting commissioner. March 20, 2025. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.obesityaction.org/wp-content/uploads/FDA-Sign-On-Letter-reduced-size.pdf. (Representing 19 organizations and three healthcare professionals). 

41. Obesity Medicine Association. Obesity Medicine Association issues a position statement on compounded peptides. March 30, 2023. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://obesitymedicine.org/blog/obesity-medicine-association-issues-a-position-statement-on-compounded-peptides/.

42. The Obesity Society. The Obesity Society commends FDA’s resolution of obesity drug shortages, calls for enforcement against unauthorized compounding. February 26, 2025. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1075075.

43. The Partnership for Safe Medicines. New report reveals illegal ingredients for knockoff wight loss drugs flooding into U.S. from foreign sources, endangering patient safety. February 20, 2025. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://www.safemedicines.org/2025/02/new-report-reveals-illegal-ingredients-for-knockoff-weight-loss-drugs-flooding-into-u-s-from-foreign-sources-endangering-patient-safety.html.

44. Pediatric Endocrine Society. Statement on use of compounded semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists. January 1, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025. https://pedsendo.org/drug-shortages/statement-on-use-of-compounded-semaglutide-and-other-glp-1-receptor-agonists/. 

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