Semaglutide
Brand: Ozempic (US/EU) / Rybelsus (oral) / Semaglu (IN/BD)
Antidiabetic
GLP-1 receptor agonist (incretin mimetic)
Chemistry
| Molecular Formula | Peptide |
Structure
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 160 hours |
| Tmax | 72 h |
| Bioavailability | 80 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 99 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.1 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | other |
| Active Metabolites | no |
| Notes | Very long half-life (~1 week) due to albumin binding; titrate slowly to reduce GI intolerance. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Moderate
Adverse Effects:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, risk of gallbladder disease; rare pancreatitis
Contraindications:
Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 (class warning)
Precautions:
Titrate gradually; counsel on GI effects; consider gallbladder symptoms evaluation if pain