What are the Ingredients in Semaglutide?

Carson @ Eden

May 27, 2025

Last Updated:

Weight Loss

10 min read

Learn about the active and inactive ingredients in semaglutide formulations. This guide provides an overview of what's inside and what to discuss with your provider regarding safety and access.

Key takeaways

The active ingredient in all semaglutide products is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, modified for increased stability and longer duration in the body.
Inactive ingredients (excipients) vary by formulation and aid absorption, preservation, or delivery.
SNAC (sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl) amino] caprylate), an ingredient in oral semaglutide (Rybelsus®), has been studied for its role in enhancing absorption through the stomach lining.

Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist used in medications like Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®. It supports blood sugar regulation, weight management, and cardiometabolic health.

With growing interest in GLP-1 therapy, many people are asking: “What are the ingredients in semaglutide, and how do they work?” This guide outlines the active and inactive ingredients commonly found in semaglutide formulations and what to discuss with your licensed healthcare provider regarding tolerability and use.

Please note that this article is not meant to be medical advice; please consult with your licensed healthcare provider to determine best practices for your health.

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Important safety information

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a synthetic peptide that mimics the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1. It acts on several metabolic pathways and has been shown in clinical trials to:

Stimulate insulin secretion when glucose levels are elevated
Suppress glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar
Slow gastric emptying, which may promote a feeling of fullness
Influence appetite regulation and food intake through brain signaling pathways

These actions have been studied in the context of FDA-approved treatments for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management under licensed provider supervision.

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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 included in oral semaglutide (Rybelsus®) to help facilitate absorption through the stomach lining. It has been studied for its role in modifying local pH and membrane permeability to support delivery of peptide-based medications.

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How Ingredients Work Together

Semaglutide is designed to activate GLP-1 receptors involved in appetite and glucose regulation.
Preservatives and pH-adjusting agents are included to help maintain product stability in injectable formulations.
SNAC, used in Rybelsus®, has been studied for its role in protecting semaglutide from stomach acid and supporting absorption.
Each excipient is selected by the manufacturer to aid formulation integrity and delivery based on the product’s intended use.

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Final Thoughts

Understanding the ingredients in semaglutide, both active and inactive, can help individuals have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers.

Whether in injectable or oral form, semaglutide formulations are developed with clinical oversight to support stability, dosing, and delivery. When prescribed as part of a broader care plan, GLP-1 therapy may play a role in managing type 2 diabetes, obesity, or related metabolic conditions, under the guidance of a licensed provider.

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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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Disclaimer: The FDA does not approve compounded medications for safety, quality, or manufacturing. Prescriptions and a medical evaluation are required for certain products. The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not be relied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blog is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns, including side effects. Use of this blog's information is at your own risk. The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided in this blog.