From the Guidelines
The recommended age limit to use semaglutide is 10 years of age or older for children with type 2 diabetes, with no past medical history or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, as an alternative to metformin (with or without basal insulin) when glycemic targets are not met [ 1 ].
Key Considerations
- Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist therapy approved for youth with type 2 diabetes [ 1 ].
- The use of semaglutide in pediatric patients is considered when metformin (with or without basal insulin) is no longer effective in meeting glycemic targets [ 1 ].
- Important safety considerations include the absence of a past medical history or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 [ 1 ].
- The dose and administration of semaglutide in pediatric patients may vary, and its use should be carefully monitored and guided by a healthcare professional.
From the Research
Age Limit for Using Semaglutide
The age limit for using semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) is as follows:
- The minimum age for using semaglutide is 18 years old for patients with type 2 diabetes, as stated in studies 2 and 3.
- For adolescents with obesity, semaglutide can be used in patients aged 12 to <18 years, as shown in study 4.
- There is no maximum age limit specified for using semaglutide, but studies have shown its efficacy and safety in older patients with type 2 diabetes, including those aged 65 years and older 5 and even those aged 75 years and older 6.
Key Points
- Semaglutide can be used in patients with type 2 diabetes aged 18 years and older.
- For adolescents with obesity, semaglutide can be used in patients aged 12 to <18 years.
- Older patients with type 2 diabetes, including those aged 65 years and older, can use semaglutide, but attention should be paid to potential hypoglycemia and discontinuation due to adverse events, especially in those aged 75 years and older.