Semaglutide
Also called: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Clinical reviewer: Jacob Moore, MD · Last checked September 16, 2026
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist sold under three FDA-approved brand names, each with its own indication: Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. Wegovy is indicated for chronic weight management, Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, and Rybelsus is an oral tablet also indicated for type 2 diabetes. Pharmacies also sell non-FDA-approved compounded semaglutide.
What brands is semaglutide sold under?
Novo Nordisk markets semaglutide under three FDA-approved brand names. Wegovy is sold as a weekly injection and a daily tablet, both indicated for chronic weight management [1]. Ozempic is a weekly injection indicated for type 2 diabetes [2]. Rybelsus is a daily oral tablet that shares its FDA label with an Ozempic tablet version, also indicated for type 2 diabetes [3]. Pharmacies separately sell compounded semaglutide, which is not one of these three brands [4].
How does compounded semaglutide differ from the FDA-approved brands?
Compounded semaglutide is a pharmacy-made version, not one of Novo Nordisk's three approved brands, and it is not FDA-approved [4]. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they reach a patient, unlike Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus [4]. Under section 503A, a pharmacy combines or alters ingredients for one patient under a valid, patient-specific prescription [4].
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This entry is for education and is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own situation before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
