Semaglutide vs Octreotide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has revolutionized weight management and diabetes treatment. FDA-approved as Ozempic (diabetes), Wegovy (weight loss), and Rybelsus (oral form), it has become one of the most prescribed peptides worldwide.
Full details →Octreotide
Octreotide (Sandostatin) is a synthetic somatostatin analog FDA-approved for acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and VIPomas. It inhibits growth hormone and various GI hormones.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Semaglutide | Octreotide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon release, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite through hypothalamic signaling. The result is significant reduction in food intake and improved glycemic control. | Binds to somatostatin receptors (primarily SSTR2 and SSTR5) to inhibit GH, glucagon, insulin, and gastric secretions. Reduces blood flow to GI tract and inhibits tumor hormone secretion. |
| Typical Dosage | Wegovy (weight loss): Start at 0.25mg weekly, titrate up to 2.4mg weekly over 16-20 weeks. Ozempic (diabetes): 0.25mg to 1mg weekly. Research protocols vary. | Varies by indication. Acromegaly: 50-100mcg three times daily initially, up to 500mcg TID. LAR (long-acting): 20-30mg IM every 4 weeks. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once weekly, typically in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rybelsus is taken orally on empty stomach. Dose titration is essential to minimize GI side effects. | Subcutaneous injection for immediate-release (between meals). Intramuscular for LAR depot form. Requires monitoring of gallbladder, glucose, and thyroid. |
| Side Effects | Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. These typically decrease over time. May cause injection site reactions. | GI effects (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain), gallstones (up to 25% of long-term users), injection site reactions, and blood glucose changes. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Semaglutide and Octreotide are commonly used for: