Semaglutide in Singapore: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim | MBChB, MMed | Board-Accredited Family Physician

MBChB, MMed | Board-Accredited Family Physician

Last updated: Dec 23, 2025

Semaglutide injection pen prescribed in Singapore for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a prescription-only medication that may be used to support blood sugar regulation and assist with long-term metabolic health in adults with a higher BMI.

This medicine is part of a class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which function by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone is integral to regulating appetite and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Other medications in this class include liraglutide, dulaglutide, and tirzepatide.

For optimal results, semaglutide is prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy that includes lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

Understanding Digestion and Blood Sugar Regulation

Before exploring how semaglutide works, it is helpful to understand the body's natural processes for digestion and blood sugar control.

When we consume carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose, the primary source of energy for our cells. In response, the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.

When blood sugar falls, a hormone called glucagon prompts the liver to release stored glucose. In individuals with impaired glucose regulation, this system does not function as it should. Insulin may be less effective, or the liver may release too much glucose, causing blood sugar to remain elevated.

The speed at which the stomach empties its contents, known as gastric emptying, also affects appetite and blood sugar. Slower emptying helps stabilise glucose levels and prolongs the feeling of fullness, which can assist in managing food intake.

Semaglutide Mechanism of Action: How Does It Work?

Illustration of semaglutide's mechanism of action regulating blood sugar and promoting insulin

Semaglutide works in several complementary ways to help support metabolic function:

Promotes Insulin Production – Signals the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar rises after a meal, helping cells use glucose for energy more effectively.
Limits Glucagon Release – Prevents the liver from making and releasing too much sugar into the bloodstream by reducing the secretion of a hormone called glucagon.
Makes You Feel Fuller – Slows down how quickly your stomach empties after you eat, which helps you feel satisfied for a longer period and can lead to a lower calorie intake.
Reduces Hunger Signals – Acts on the appetite centres in the brain to help lower feelings of hunger and reduce cravings for food.

Beyond these effects, clinical research shows that semaglutide can also provide cardiovascular benefits, lowering the risk of a heart attack or stroke in people who have both obesity and existing heart disease.

Types of Semaglutide

In Singapore, semaglutide is available in several different formulations, each tailored to specific therapeutic purposes and individual preferences.

These allow doctors to choose the most appropriate option based on individual circumstances, with choices between injectable and oral administration.

Formulation	Administration
Weekly Injection	Administered as a subcutaneous injection once per week. May be prescribed in different dosage strengths depending on clinical assessment.
Daily Oral Tablet	Available as a tablet taken once a day, providing a non-injectable option for those who prefer oral administration.

"Having both a weekly injection and a daily tablet option allows us to tailor the approach. Some patients prefer the convenience of once-weekly dosing, while others favour a daily oral routine." "Having both a weekly injection and a daily tablet option allows us to tailor the approach. Some patients prefer the convenience of once-weekly dosing, while others favour a daily oral routine."

Dr Jana Lim | MBChB, MMed, Family Physician

Dr Jana Lim
MBChB, MMed, Family Physician

Potential Semaglutide Side Effects

Treatment with semaglutide can cause side effects, although many are mild and tend to resolve as your body adapts to the medication.

The most frequently reported issues are related to the digestive system, but other temporary effects can also occur, particularly at the beginning of treatment.

Commonly observed side effects may include:

Digestive problems such as nausea, bloating, stomach pain, diarrhoea, or constipation
Localised reactions at the injection site, like redness or swelling
A general feeling of fatigue or weakness
A minor increase in the resting heart rate
Episodes of dizziness

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any severe or persistent symptoms, including intense abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, or symptoms that could indicate gallbladder or pancreas problems.

Always discuss any side effects with your doctor for proper management.

Who Might Semaglutide Not Be Suitable For?

Pen and clipboard showing a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, a condition not suitable for semaglutide

Semaglutide is not a suitable treatment for every individual, and your doctor will carefully assess your health history before prescribing it.

Certain pre-existing conditions or medical histories can make the use of this medication unsafe, such as:

A personal or family history of specific thyroid cancers, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma, or an endocrine disorder known as multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), due to a potential risk associated with GLP-1 RAs.
Type 1 diabetes, because semaglutide's mechanism requires the body to have some capacity to produce its own insulin, which is not the case in type 1 diabetes.
Certain severe gastrointestinal diseases, as the medication's effect of slowing down digestion could potentially aggravate existing symptoms.

Where Can I Find Semaglutide in Singapore?

In Singapore, semaglutide can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a qualified medical doctor. It is not available for purchase over the counter.

To determine if semaglutide is an appropriate option, a medical consultation is required to assess your overall health, discuss the potential advantages and risks of the treatment, and confirm suitability.

If a prescription is provided, ongoing follow-up appointments are essential to track progress, manage any side effects, and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.