Semaglutide basics: what to know while you track
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist from Novo Nordisk: it enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. It is sold as Ozempic, a weekly injection for type 2 diabetes, as Wegovy for chronic weight management, and in pill form. Its half-life of about one week is what makes once-weekly dosing possible, and it stays in your system for roughly five weeks after a final dose.
In clinical trials, semaglutide produced statistically significant reductions in A1C, superior weight loss compared with placebo, and a reduced risk of major cardiovascular events in a large outcome trial. The most common side effects are digestive: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea, and they are most likely around dose increases.
Compounded semaglutide is prescribed through compounding pharmacies, often at custom dose amounts. The FDA has raised concerns about unapproved GLP-1 products, so work with a licensed provider and a pharmacy you trust. Our guide to whether compounded semaglutide is safe covers what to check before you start, and Shotsy tracks compounded doses at whatever amount you are prescribed.
Semaglutide forms at a glance
The right dose depends on which form of semaglutide you take. Shotsy includes preset doses for the brand-name forms and accepts custom amounts for compounded prescriptions, then charts your progress by dose either way.
| Form |
Available doses |
Schedule |
| Ozempic (weekly injection) |
0.25 mg to 2 mg |
Once weekly |
| Wegovy (weekly injection) |
0.25 mg to 2.4 mg |
Once weekly |
| Rybelsus and Wegovy pills |
Set by your prescriber |
Once daily |
| Compounded semaglutide |
Custom, set by your prescription |
Usually once weekly |
Your prescriber sets your dose and schedule. This table is a summary for education only and is not medical advice.