How long can you take semaglutide?

In this article:

• Considerations for long-term use of semaglutide
• When to stop taking semaglutide
• How to stop taking semaglutide

In this article

• Considerations for long-term use of semaglutide
• When to stop taking semaglutide
• How to stop taking semaglutide

Semaglutide, sold under brand names like Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, are newer medications treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The prescription drug has quickly grown in popularity due to its weight management abilities. In fact, it’s become so popular that the demand for compounded semaglutide formulas has grown significantly for its lower price (though reports show it’s not as safe as the name brand and generic options). 

Despite being a newer drug, people are taking semaglutide for months at a time, but how safe are the long-term effects of taking this medication? We went to the medical experts to learn how long patients can take semaglutide safely and what considerations healthcare providers will take into account when determining the treatment duration. 

How long can you take semaglutide? 

“Based on the available data from studies on semaglutide for diabetes and weight loss, it is currently considered safe for long-term use,” said Dr. Eric Smith, a bariatric surgeon and medical director at POP Recovery Systems.

Before jumping into the facets of the long-term safety of semaglutide, let’s discuss the basics of the weight loss medication. Semaglutide was first approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 as a treatment for diabetes. There are different forms of the medication including semaglutide pills and semaglutide injections. Initially, many of those taking the medication for diabetes noticed weight loss results and a lower body mass index leading to its popularity for weight management.

“Semaglutide can be a long-term solution for weight management, but it’s not a one-size solution,” explained Marlee Bruno, a board-certified physician assistant associate and owner of Mind Body & Soul Medical in Pensacola, Florida. “How long patients use it really depends on their individual goals and progress. For many, it’s not just about the initial weight loss, it’s about maintaining a healthy body weight.” 

Semaglutide for Type 2 diabetes

“For most patients, semaglutide is designed to be a chronic treatment, much like medications for managing conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes,” said Dr. Smith.

For patients with Type 2 diabetes, semaglutide will likely be a long-term medication. Semaglutide reduces blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin secretion and blocking glucagon secretion. Patients may be prescribed semaglutide if metformin therapy is not enough for diabetic control.

Semaglutide for weight loss 

Losing weight isn’t just about achieving a thinner frame. There are many harmful weight-related health conditions associated with obesity and excess weight, like heart disease and kidney disease, that can be improved as part of the weight loss effects of semaglutide. 

Those taking semaglutide have reported decreased food intake, fewer cravings, and less food noise between meals. Those who will get the best results on weekly semaglutide injections or other forms of the medication will be individuals who make healthy lifestyle changes, like monitoring caloric intake and eating a balanced diet.

While some people notice a decreased appetite and weight loss in the first four weeks of treatment, it can take several months for them to reach their goals. There aren’t specific guidelines on how long someone can continue taking semaglutide for weight loss. Research has shown that those wanting to maintain a lower weight they achieved on the drug will likely need to continue taking the medication in the long term. But ultimately, as long as it is being tolerated and working well, semaglutide may be taken long term. 

Considerations for long-term use of semaglutide

There are factors medical professionals will consider when prescribing semaglutide for an extended period. These include the following:

Health conditions

One consideration for long-term use of semaglutide is ongoing health conditions and chronic diseases.

“Conditions such as pancreatitis or a family history of certain thyroid cancers (e.g., medullary thyroid cancer) are contraindications and may require discontinuation,” said Dr. Smith.

Any drugs you’re taking to manage these conditions will also need to be looked at, as there could be interactions between the two drugs that would need to be factored in. 

Response to medication

Your response to semaglutide will also be a factor in long-term use. Those who do not experience the intended results would not be a good candidate to continue the medication.

Side effects

As with any medication, semaglutide has potential risks of side effects. If you experience serious side effects, it could be a reason to discontinue use. Possible side effects include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Excessive gas
• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever

Tolerance and dependence

It’s possible for the weight-loss effects of semaglutide to plateau over time. If you’ve increased your dosage up to the maximum recommended amount and it’s no longer working in the way it’s supposed to, this may also be a reason to discontinue use. 

Those who use semaglutide to lose weight without making lifestyle changes are also not good candidates to use the drug long-term. 

Monitoring progress and side effects of semaglutide

Those on semaglutide will need to have regularly scheduled appointments with their prescribing healthcare provider to monitor and assess the treatment. 

“For many, it’s not just about the initial weight loss, it’s about maintaining a healthy body weight. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are crucial to make sure you’re on the right track and taking the correct dosage,” said Bruno.

The dosage of semaglutide will likely change over time. This could be because you’ve met your weight loss goals and need a lower dose. On the other hand, you may need a higher dose to increase weight loss results. Side effects of semaglutide typically lessen over time, but if your body doesn’t adjust well to these symptoms this may also be cause for a smaller dose or discontinuing the medication altogether.

During these appointments, you and your healthcare provider can go over the pros and cons of the extended use of semaglutide. The main benefit of using the drug long-term is maintaining weight loss or regulating blood sugar. Studies and clinical trials have shown that semaglutide also has anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as possible benefits for cardiovascular, liver, and kidney health. Some of the biggest cons of long-term semaglutide use is the high costs of covering the prescription costs and fees associated with doctor’s office visits.

When to stop taking semaglutide

“Someone should stop taking semaglutide when they have reached their weight loss goal and can maintain their new weight with a healthy lifestyle,” said Bruno.

That being said, many people have difficulty maintaining their lower weight off semaglutide if they’ve not developed new healthy lifestyle changes while on the drug, like maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.

“Patients should understand that discontinuing semaglutide often leads to significant weight regain unless substantial lifestyle changes have been implemented and even when a large percentage of patients still see weight regain after losing the initial weight with the help of semaglutide,” explained Dr. Smith. He added, “As with all obesity treatments, including medications and bariatric surgery, long-term success depends on integrating these interventions with healthy eating, regular physical activity, and ongoing behavioral support.”

Other reasons to stop semaglutide treatment include being unable to tolerate side effects, taking a contraindicated medication, or being unable to sustain long-term use financially.

How to stop taking semaglutide

When ending your semaglutide treatment, your doctor may lower your dose slowly for a gradual reduction, teach you how to manage any withdrawal symptoms (increased hunger), suggest medication alternatives, and advise you on lifestyle changes. 

There may be situations where people could stop taking semaglutide abruptly without significant adverse effects (outside of weight gain). However, that’s not always the best course of action. Slowly tapering off the drug can help patients gradually adjust to appetite changes and potentially decrease their chances of weight gain.

This is why regular medical check-ups with a healthcare provider are so important. If you do suddenly stop, you could be one of the few lucky individuals who maintain their goal weight, but if you’re not, your doctor can try a gradual reduction by lowering the medicine dose or frequency of doses.