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Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Understanding what color semaglutide should be is essential for patient safety and medication verification. Injectable semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) appears as a clear, colorless solution with no cloudiness or particles. Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) comes as white to light yellow tablets. With FDA warnings about counterfeit products, knowing the correct appearance helps patients identify authentic medication and avoid potentially dangerous counterfeits. This guide explains how to recognize legitimate semaglutide formulations and verify medication integrity before use.
Quick Answer: Injectable semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) is clear and colorless, while oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) tablets are white to light yellow.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes management and chronic weight management. The medication's appearance depends on its formulation and brand. Injectable semaglutide solutions should be clear and colorless. Any cloudiness, discoloration, or visible particles indicates the medication should not be used.
The two primary FDA-approved injectable brands are Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight management). Both contain semaglutide as a sterile solution in pre-filled pens. The liquid inside these pens appears transparent when held up to light, with no sediment or floating matter. The pen devices themselves have distinct appearances and labeling that vary by dose strength. Patients should verify their medication against the manufacturer's (Novo Nordisk) official product images and descriptions.
Oral semaglutide, marketed as Rybelsus, presents differently as it comes in tablet form. These tablets are white to light yellow, oval-shaped, and film-coated. Each tablet is imprinted with specific identification codes: "3" for the 3 mg dose, "7" for the 7 mg dose, and "14" for the 14 mg dose.
Patients should familiarize themselves with their specific formulation's expected appearance as described in the FDA-approved Medication Guide. Any deviation from the manufacturer's description warrants consultation with a pharmacist before administration. Visual inspection before each use is a critical safety step that helps ensure medication integrity and patient safety.
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Semaglutide's appearance varies across its different formulations, each designed for specific therapeutic indications and administration routes. Understanding these differences helps patients and healthcare providers verify medication authenticity and proper handling.
Injectable Formulations: The subcutaneous injection formulations (Ozempic and Wegovy) contain semaglutide dissolved in a buffer solution with additional excipients as specified in their FDA-approved labeling. These may include disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, and water for injection, with pH adjusted using sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid. This formulation creates a clear, colorless solution that remains stable when properly stored. The concentration differs between products—Ozempic delivers 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg doses, while Wegovy provides 0.25 mg through 2.4 mg weekly doses in a titration schedule.
Oral Formulation: Rybelsus tablets employ SNAC (sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl] amino) caprylate) technology to facilitate gastrointestinal absorption of the peptide medication. This formulation requires specific manufacturing processes that result in the tablet's characteristic white to light yellow appearance. The film coating protects the active ingredient and aids swallowing. Rybelsus must be taken with no more than 4 ounces of plain water, on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or other oral medications of the day.
Mechanism Considerations: Semaglutide functions as a GLP-1 receptor agonist with structural homology to native human GLP-1. Its mechanism—enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying—remains consistent across formulations. However, the different delivery systems affect pharmacokinetics: injectable forms achieve steady-state concentrations after 4-5 weeks of weekly dosing, while oral absorption requires daily administration under specific fasting conditions.
The formulation differences directly impact appearance, but all legitimate products maintain strict pharmaceutical standards for color, clarity, and physical characteristics as specified in FDA labeling.
With increasing demand for semaglutide and FDA reports of counterfeit products entering the supply chain, verifying medication authenticity has become a critical patient safety concern. The FDA has issued specific warnings about counterfeit semaglutide products, making proper identification essential.
Verification Steps for Injectable Products:
Examine the packaging: Authentic Ozempic and Wegovy arrive in sealed cartons with clear, professional printing. Check for the manufacturer's name (Novo Nordisk), lot number, expiration date, and NDC (National Drug Code). Packaging should show no signs of tampering, poor print quality, or spelling errors.
Inspect the pen device: Genuine pens feature high-quality construction with smooth operation. The dose selector should click distinctly, and all text should be clearly printed. Counterfeit pens may have rough edges, misaligned parts, or unclear markings.
Assess the solution: The liquid must be clear and colorless, with no cloudiness, crystals, or floating particles. Any discoloration suggests contamination or counterfeit product.
Verify the source: Obtain semaglutide only from licensed US pharmacies with verifiable credentials. Be extremely cautious of online sources, especially those not requiring prescriptions or offering prices significantly below market rates. The NABP's Safe.Pharmacy program can help verify legitimate online pharmacies.
Verification Steps for Oral Tablets: Authentic Rybelsus tablets display consistent color, size, and imprinting. The tablets should be uniform in appearance within each strength. Packaging includes tamper-evident seals and should come in the original manufacturer's blister packs, not loose or repackaged.
Red Flags Indicating Potential Counterfeits:
Solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles
Packaging lacks proper labeling, has misspellings, or shows poor print quality
Pen devices malfunction, feel lightweight, or have loose components
Tablets vary in size, shape, or color within the same strength
Source cannot provide pharmacy license verification
Price is substantially lower than typical retail cost
Patients who suspect counterfeit medication should not use the product and should report concerns to the FDA's MedWatch program and their healthcare provider immediately. The FDA has also issued warnings about compounded semaglutide products, noting that semaglutide sodium and other salt forms are not suitable for compounding. Compounded products are not FDA-approved and may differ in composition and appearance from FDA-approved medications.
Proper storage and handling of semaglutide are essential to maintain medication stability, efficacy, and safety. Improper storage can alter the medication's appearance and compromise its therapeutic properties, potentially leading to treatment failure or adverse effects.
Storage Requirements for Ozempic (Injectable Semaglutide for Diabetes): Unopened pens must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the expiration date printed on the label. Store pens in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze semaglutide; if the medication has been frozen, it must be discarded, as freezing can denature the peptide structure and alter its appearance and function.
In-use pens (after first use) may be stored at room temperature (59°F to 86°F or 15°C to 30°C) or continued in refrigeration for up to 56 days. Keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect from light and contamination. After 56 days, discard the pen even if medication remains, as sterility and potency cannot be guaranteed beyond this period.
Storage Requirements for Wegovy (Injectable Semaglutide for Weight Management): Wegovy comes as single-dose pens that should be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the original carton to protect from light. If needed, unopened pens may be stored at room temperature (59°F to 86°F or 15°C to 30°C) for up to 28 days in the original carton. There is no in-use period for Wegovy as each pen is used once and then discarded. Never freeze Wegovy pens.
Storage Requirements for Oral Semaglutide: Rybelsus tablets should be stored at room temperature (68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C) in the original blister package until time of use. Keep tablets in a dry place, as moisture can affect the SNAC absorption enhancer and tablet integrity. Do not remove tablets from the blister pack until immediately before administration.
Handling Best Practices:
Inspect the solution visually before each injection. If the liquid appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles, do not use it.
Allow refrigerated pens to reach room temperature (15-30 minutes) before injection to improve comfort and reduce injection site reactions.
Never share pens between patients, even if the needle is changed, due to infection risk.
Dispose of used pens in FDA-cleared sharps containers; never throw them in household trash.
Keep all formulations out of reach of children and pets.
During travel, follow product-specific temperature guidelines and storage time limits. Use insulated bags if traveling to very hot climates, but avoid direct contact with ice packs that could freeze the medication.
Signs of Compromised Medication: Changes in appearance often indicate storage problems. Discard semaglutide if you observe cloudiness, color changes from the normal clear and colorless appearance, crystal formation, or any particulate matter. These changes may indicate protein degradation, bacterial contamination, or chemical breakdown. Using compromised medication may result in reduced efficacy, lack of glycemic control, or potential adverse reactions.
Patients should maintain a medication log noting when Ozempic pens are first used and calculating the discard date. Pharmacists can provide additional guidance on proper storage, especially for patients with unique circumstances such as frequent travel or limited refrigeration access. When in doubt about medication appearance or storage history, consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider before administration rather than risk using potentially compromised medication.
Injectable semaglutide should always be clear and colorless. Any cloudiness, discoloration, or visible particles indicates the medication should not be used and may be compromised or counterfeit.
Verify authentic semaglutide by checking for clear, professional packaging from Novo Nordisk with proper lot numbers and expiration dates, ensuring the solution is clear and colorless, and obtaining medication only from licensed US pharmacies. Report suspected counterfeits to the FDA MedWatch program.
Rybelsus tablets are white to light yellow, oval-shaped, and film-coated with dose-specific imprints: "3" for 3 mg, "7" for 7 mg, and "14" for 14 mg doses. Tablets should be uniform in appearance within each strength.
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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider with any medical questions or concerns. Use of this information is at your own risk, and we are not liable for any outcomes resulting from its use.
