Semaglutide, the molecule behind the brands Ozempic and Wegovy, has been one of the most talked-about medicines in the world. In India, the conversation changed on 20 March 2026, when the local patent expired. Within weeks, several regulator-approved generic versions launched from Indian manufacturers, many at a fraction of the branded price, and the number of brands has kept growing since.
Lower prices mean far more people can now access the medicine. They also mean more people are tempted to use it without medical supervision. Here is what you need to know.
What semaglutide does
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics a natural gut hormone that:
- Helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high
- Slows how quickly the stomach empties
- Acts on the brain's appetite centres to reduce hunger
The result is better blood sugar control and, for many people, significant weight loss. It is available as a weekly injection, and as a daily tablet in some formulations.
Who it is prescribed for
Semaglutide is approved for two main uses, at different doses:
- Type 2 diabetes, to improve blood sugar control, usually alongside other treatment
- Chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with weight-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea
It is not a cosmetic drug for losing a few kilos before a wedding, and it is not for people of normal weight.
Side effects are real
The most common side effects are digestive: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort, especially when starting or increasing the dose. That is why doctors start low and increase gradually. Less common but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and dehydration-related kidney strain. It is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers, and it is not used in pregnancy.
Why you must not self-medicate
Cheaper generics have made informal use tempting. That is a mistake, for several reasons:
- Dosing needs supervision. Dose escalation over weeks is essential to manage side effects safely.
- Not everyone is a suitable candidate. A doctor needs to check your medical history and other medicines.
- Weight regain is common after stopping unless diet and activity changes are built in alongside the drug.
- Counterfeits and unlicensed products circulate online, especially for high-demand drugs. An injection from an unverified source can contain the wrong dose or no active drug at all, or be contaminated.
- Injections need proper storage. Semaglutide pens and vials generally need refrigeration before first use. A product that has broken the cold chain may not work.
How to access it safely
- Get a proper assessment from a doctor, ideally an endocrinologist or physician experienced with GLP-1 medicines
- Buy only on prescription, from licensed pharmacies
- Check that the product is from a licensed manufacturer and has intact packaging, a batch number, and an expiry date
- Keep follow-up appointments to adjust the dose and monitor side effects
The bottom line
Generic semaglutide is a genuine opportunity for millions of Indians living with diabetes and obesity. Used under medical supervision, it can change lives. Used casually, bought from unverified sources, it carries real risks. The price came down; the need for a doctor did not.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Semaglutide is a prescription medicine; use it only under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
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