What are the Ingredients in Semaglutide?

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, i.e. it is a synthetic peptide that mimics the hormone GLP-1, to:

• Stimulate insulin secretion
  
• Suppress glucagon (which raises blood sugar)
  
• Slow gastric emptying, enhancing satiety
  
• Reduce appetite and food intake
  
  

These effects support metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes or obesity.

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Active Ingredient in Semaglutide

The active molecule is a modified 31-amino acid GLP-1 analog:

• Resists enzymatic degradation (DPP-4 enzyme)
  
• Binds to albumin, extending half-life to ~1 week
  
• Supports once-weekly dosing (injectables) or daily (oral)
  
  

Its chemical structure enables prolonged bioactivity and clinical stability in both forms.

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Inactive Ingredients by Formulation

Wegovy® (Injectable)

• Active: Semaglutide
  
• Inactive: Disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, water for injection
  
• pH-adjusted using hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide
  
  

Ozempic® (Injectable)

• Active: Semaglutide
  
• Inactive: Disodium phosphate dihydrate, phenol (preservative), propylene glycol, water for injection
  
  

Rybelsus® (Oral)

• Active: Semaglutide
  
• Inactive: SNAC (salcaprozate sodium), magnesium stearate, povidone, microcrystalline cellulose
  
  

SNAC is crucial here as it enhances semaglutide’s absorption through the gastric lining by modifying pH and membrane permeability.

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How Ingredients Work Together

• Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors to control appetite and glucose.
  
• Preservatives and pH agents ensure injectable stability and safety.
  
• SNAC in Rybelsus protects semaglutide from stomach acid and improves uptake.
  
  

Each excipient is precisely formulated to enable effective, predictable absorption.

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Final Thoughts

Understanding the ingredients in semaglutide, both active and inactive, can help patients feel more informed and confident in their treatment.

Whether in injectable or oral form, semaglutide is carefully engineered for efficacy, safety, and tolerability under clinical supervision. With expert support and lifestyle alignment, it offers transformative potential for people managing diabetes, obesity, or cardiometabolic risk.

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Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Eden does not manufacture medications. All prescribing is handled by independent, licensed medical providers. Eligibility for prescription is dependent on a medical assessment and not guaranteed.

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