Ozempic semaglutide
pronounced as (sem a gloo' tide)
FDA-approved semaglutide for type 2 diabetes. Widely used off-label for weight loss.
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Ozempic vs Mounjaro
Both are diabetes labels of the molecules sold for weight loss as Wegovy and Zepbound. Comparable cost, comparable trial efficacy.
| Ozempic | Mounjaro | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | semaglutide | tirzepatide |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly |
| FDA status | FDA-approved 2017 | FDA-approved 2022 |
| Clinical efficacy | 1.4–1.8% HbA1c reduction across SUSTAIN trials (1.0 mg dose) | 2.0–2.3% HbA1c reduction across SURPASS trials (15 mg dose) |
| Pivotal trial | SUSTAIN-6 (NCT01720446) — cardiovascular outcomes | SURPASS-2 (NCT03987919) — vs semaglutide |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Full page | Ozempic → | Mounjaro → |
Ozempic availability by dose
Full supply tracker →- 0.25 mg· Available
- 0.5 mg· Available
- 1.0 mg· Available
- 2.0 mg· Available
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and to reduce cardiovascular event risk in T2D patients. Same active ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide) but typically prescribed at lower doses (0.25-2mg weekly vs Wegovy's 2.4mg). Off-label weight-loss use is widespread, especially during Wegovy supply constraints.
How does Ozempic work?
Same mechanism as Wegovy — GLP-1 receptor agonist. Lowers blood glucose by improving insulin response to meals and slowing gastric emptying. Weight loss is a side effect of appetite suppression.
Who can take Ozempic?
FDA-approved indication: adults with type 2 diabetes for glycemic control and CV risk reduction. Many telehealth platforms prescribe off-label for weight management when Wegovy is unavailable or insurance won't cover Wegovy.
How is Ozempic taken?
0.25mg weekly for 4 weeks, then 0.5mg, then 1mg, max 2mg. Lower max dose than Wegovy (2.4mg).
| Phase | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 0.25 mg once weekly | Starter dose; not for glycemic control |
| Weeks 5–8 | 0.5 mg once weekly | |
| Week 9+ (if needed) | 1.0 mg once weekly | Common maintenance dose |
| Week 13+ (if needed) | 2.0 mg once weekly | Maximum approved dose |
Ozempic weight loss over time (trial average)
- Week 42%
- Week 126%
- Week 2010%
- Week 4013%
- Week 6815%
Mean total body-weight reduction at the 2.4 mg weekly maintenance dose, from STEP 1 (NCT03548935). Individual results vary widely; ~10% of trial participants lost less than 5%.
How much does Ozempic cost?
List price ~$900-1,000/month. Diabetes coverage is generally better than weight-loss coverage — many insurance plans cover Ozempic with a T2D diagnosis at standard copay.
What side effects can Ozempic cause?
Same as Wegovy. Same MTC/MEN2 contraindication.
Ozempic side-effect timeline: when to expect what
- Weeks 1-40.25 mg starter
Mild nausea begins for many; occasional constipation. Side effects are usually manageable at this dose. The starter dose is about tolerance, not weight loss.
- Weeks 5-12Dose escalation
Each step up (0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 mg) can bring a fresh wave of nausea for a few days, then settle. This is the hardest stretch. Eating smaller, lower-fat meals helps.
- Weeks 13-20Approaching maintenance
Most people adapt; nausea becomes intermittent rather than constant. Constipation may persist — fiber and hydration matter.
- Week 20+2.4 mg maintenance
Side effects are typically mild and occasional at steady state. If severe symptoms persist past this point, talk to your prescriber about slowing the titration or adjusting the dose.
Typical timing from FDA labels and trial data. Individual experience varies; slower titration eases side effects for many patients.
What if I miss a dose of Ozempic?
Ozempic is dosed once weekly. If missed: take within 5 days of scheduled day, then resume regular weekly schedule. If more than 5 days late, skip and continue regular schedule. Do not double up. For T2D patients, missed doses can affect glycemic control — check blood sugar more frequently if you've missed a dose. If you miss 2+ consecutive doses, contact your prescriber; dose adjustment may be needed when resuming.
How should Ozempic be stored?
Refrigerate Ozempic pens at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) before first use. After first use, store at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) or refrigerated for up to 56 days. Do not freeze; discard if frozen. Keep cap on when not in use. Used pens go in sharps container.
What if I overdose on Ozempic?
Same molecule as Wegovy; same overdose guidance. No specific antidote for semaglutide. Long half-life (~1 week) means monitoring continues for days. Call US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately or seek emergency care for severe hypoglycemia (especially with insulin or sulfonylurea), persistent vomiting, dehydration, or altered mental status. Note the dose and time when calling.
Ozempic pharmacy prices
Reference monthly prices (28-day supply). Real pricing varies by zip code, dose, and changes frequently. Always check live coupons before purchase.
| Pharmacy | Monthly | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoodRx coupon | $935Lowest | discount-card · coupon | Discount card aggregator. Free card lowers retail pharmacy cash price. |
| SingleCare coupon | $945 | discount-card · coupon | Free pharmacy discount card competitive with GoodRx. |
| Costco Pharmacy | $965 | warehouse | Membership warehouse pharmacy with notably lower cash prices on many medications. |
| CVS Pharmacy | $997 | retail | Largest US retail pharmacy chain. Brand-name list price typical. |
| Walgreens | $997 | retail | Second-largest US retail pharmacy. Brand-name pricing in line with industry list. |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $997 | warehouse | Big-box pharmacy with $4 generic program. Brand prescription pricing closer to retail. |
| Amazon Pharmacy | $997 | online | Online pharmacy with Prime member discounts on select medications. |
Coupon and self-pay eligibility apply. Check each program's terms. Manufacturer self-pay programs (NovoCare, LillyDirect) typically require no commercial insurance coverage of the drug for eligibility.
Ozempic 30-day mean cash price
▼ 0.4% vs 30 days ago
Mean cash price across CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Costco. Snapshot refreshed weekly; individual pharmacy prices vary by zip.
Where to get Ozempic
Licensed US telehealth providers that prescribe/ship Ozempic. We earn commission when you book. See disclosure.
Ro
from $145/mo- Best for insured patients
- Best for clinical oversight
Ro Body — branded GLP-1 weight care program
Why we picked itThe insurance concierge actually files your prior authorization, which can drop the effective cost below $50/month when your plan covers GLP-1s. Named obesity-medicine leadership.
Who should skipSkip if you are cash-pay only — Ro's value is the insurance work, and you pay for clinical depth you may not need.
Behavioral layer2/10- Dietitian
- Curriculum
- Community
- Coach
- Muscle
- Off-Rx
Off-Rx: no planFlaws but not dealbreakers (3)
- Not the cheapest entry point in the category
- Not available in Louisiana or Alaska
- Compounded medication availability varies by FDA shortage status
We may earn a commission. Pricing on partner site is final.
Not sure which Ozempic program fits?
8 questions, ~60 seconds. We'll match you with three programs and explain the trade-offs.
Start free assessmentNo email required. Resume any time.
What's your primary goal?
- Lose weight (10+ lbs)
- Lose a few stubborn pounds
- Improve metabolic health
- Just exploring options
Have you tried weight loss medication before?
- Never
- Yes, GLP-1 (Wegovy, Ozempic, etc.)
- Yes, other medication
+ 6 more in the full assessment
Ask the obesity-medicine specialist
Related terms
Related topics
Ozempic news & research
Recent FDA actions, trial readouts, and market developments.
- Label change
Ozempic label updated for chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes
FDA approves indication expansion to reduce risk of kidney function decline in adults with T2D and CKD, based on FLOW trial.
- Market news
Orforglipron (oral non-peptide GLP-1) reaches FDA decision date
Eli Lilly's once-daily oral GLP-1 pill orforglipron hit its PDUFA date April 10, 2026, launching at $149/month via LillyDirect. First oral non-peptide GLP-1 — no compounded versions exist. Expands the market to patients who refuse injections.
Source ↗ - Supply update
Ozempic supply normalized across all dose strengths
FDA removed Ozempic from drug shortage list after 18 months. Compounding semaglutide for shortage-related reasons no longer permitted under 503A.
How to get it
Take the eligibility quiz
5 minutes of medical-history questions matched to the medication's FDA criteria. Free, no commitment.
Submit ID + a recent photo
Required by every legitimate US telehealth platform to verify identity and meet state prescribing rules.
Async clinical review
A licensed clinician in your state reviews your history and decides whether the medication is appropriate. Typically within 24-48 hours.
Prescription ships
If approved, the medication is sent from a partner pharmacy. Initial titration dose arrives in 3-7 days for most US states.
Ongoing support
Most programs include follow-up check-ins, dose adjustments, and side-effect support. Coverage varies by program.
Other brands of semaglutide
semaglutide is sold under multiple brand names. Each one is approved for a different indication or comes in a different form.
Sources
Primary references this page draws from. We cite original sources so you can verify any claim.
- ManufacturerNovo Nordisk Ozempic product information
Other weight loss medications
Wegovy
semaglutide · FDA 2021 · Once-weekly injectable semaglutide for chronic weight management. ~15% body weight loss in trials.
glp1Zepbound
tirzepatide · FDA 2023 · Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist for weight management. ~20% body weight loss in trials — strongest weight-los
glp1Saxenda
liraglutide · FDA 2014 · FDA-approved daily injectable liraglutide for chronic weight management. Older-generation GLP-1, dai
glp1Mounjaro
tirzepatide · FDA 2022 · FDA-approved tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes. Off-label for weight loss is common.
glp1Compounded semaglutide
semaglutide (compounded) · Custom-compounded semaglutide. Cheaper than branded Wegovy. Not FDA-approved; legal landscape shifts
glp1Compounded tirzepatide
tirzepatide (compounded) · Custom-compounded tirzepatide. Cheaper than Zepbound/Mounjaro. Not FDA-approved.
More on Ozempic
For clinicians: see the Ozempic prescribing summary.