Pros
Average of 12% of body weight loss with exercise and diet
Works great with low-carb, low-calorie eating and daily moderate exercise
Significantly lowers blood glucose levels (1.8% HA1C reduction) in T2D patients
Ozempic®, a GLP-1 agonist, works by increasing insulin release, delaying gastric emptying, and reducing appetite.
It is used to lower blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients. Ozempic® can be extremely effective in improving type 2 diabetes symptoms when used alongside healthy lifestyle modifications, such as enhancing diet and exercise.
Ozempic® is available only by prescription.
While Ozempic® was initially designed to help blood sugar levels and is not a weight loss drug, semaglutide was approved for weight management by the FDA in 2021 under the brand Wegovy®.
If you're prescribed Ozempic®, be sure to complete the full course of the GLP-1 agonist unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, it may not fully treat your type 2 diabetes or weight-related medical problems.
Ozempic® is injected under the skin, usually once weekly at any time of the day, with or without food. Inject the medication on the same day of each week.
Ozempic® can come in different doses, so be sure to follow your doctor's dosing instructions carefully. The dosing schedule may be similar to the following:
For the first 4 weeks: 0.25 mg injected once weekly
After 1 month: 0.5 mg once weekly
After 2 months: increases every 4 weeks, reaching up to 2 mg once weekly, depending on how you respond to the medication
If you miss a dose of Ozempic®, take the medication as soon as possible and return to your regular dosing schedule. If you're more than five days late for the injection, skip the missed dose and follow your regular schedule.
If you take too much Ozempic®, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical help.
Ozempic® is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic® is FDA-approved as an adjunctive therapy with diet and exercise to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic® can also help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Ozempic® is not recommended for adults with type 1 diabetes.
Alternatives to treat type 2 diabetes include:
Average of 12% of body weight loss with exercise and diet
Works great with low-carb, low-calorie eating and daily moderate exercise
Significantly lowers blood glucose levels (1.8% HA1C reduction) in T2D patients
Only indicated for type 2 diabetes
May need prior authorization for each dose increase
Requires ongoing use and lifestyle changes for sustained weight loss
Ozempic® has 245 drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Ozempic® include:
Other diabetes medication, such as dulaglutide, exenatide, or liraglutide
Vitamin B12 and vitamin D3
Gabapentin
Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Tresiba (insulin degludec)
Alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes, which can lead to an increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Talk to your healthcare professional before drinking alcohol.
The side effects associated with taking Ozempic® are typically mild. Most Ozempic® side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort.
Ozempic® has some side effects. The most common side effects include:
Low blood sugar
Upset stomach, heartburn, or bloating
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
Nausea is commonly experienced after the first injection. For most people, this side effect goes away within a few days or weeks.
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
Vision changes
Unusual mood changes
Pounding heartbeat
If you notice adverse effects, such as low blood sugar or kidney problems, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking Ozempic® unless directed by your doctor. The use of Ozempic® is not recommended in children under 18.
Ozempic® is a type 2 diabetes drug. If you have type 2 diabetes, a BMI of at least 27, and are struggling with weight loss, speak with one of our trusted, board-certified physicians online to discuss your health concerns and start the evaluation process for Ozempic®. This would include discussing your medical history and current medication and ordering baseline tests and studies to determine if you qualify for an Ozempic® prescription.
While Ozempic® is not specifically for weight loss, Ozempic’s® ingredient semaglutide was approved for weight management by the FDA in 2021. This branding of semaglutide has been named Wegovy®. If you're considering a Wegovy® prescription online, our board-certified doctors can provide valuable insights into how it may be beneficial for you.
Wegovy® and Saxenda® are type 2 diabetes medications that are extremely effective for weight loss. They have now been approved for weight loss only without type 2 diabetes. Speak to one of our trusted, board-certified doctors about how Wegovy® and Saxenda® could be right for you.
If you're seeking support on your weight management journey, Ozempic® Health Coaching provides tailored guidance. Their diabetes health coach sessions are designed to steer, assist, and inspire you toward achieving diabetes goals.
If you qualify for an Ozempic® prescription and the drug is included in your insurance plan’s formulary, your monthly cost may vary. Without insurance, depending on your pharmacy, Ozempic® costs around $949 for 2 mg/3 mL injectable solution (price may vary depending on dose).
Many branded type 2 diabetes and weight loss medications require prior authorization in order for insurance to cover the cost. Your PlushCare physician and care team will reach out to your insurer on your behalf, and this process can take several business days. If you are denied the prior authorization or do not have health insurance, you may still purchase the medication at the full cash price. It is important to note that a type 2 diabetes diagnosis is usually required for insurance approval of this medication.
Although only FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic® may help with weight loss. Results vary in adult patients with Ozempic®. Some people lost weight quickly in the trials; for others, it may take more time to lose weight. Ozempic® has been shown to help individuals with type 2 diabetes lose body weight in a safe, long-term, and healthy way. One of our top-rated, board-certified doctors will help you with dosages of Ozempic® and might recommend slowly increasing dosage over time to maximize results.
The speed at which you lose weight is largely influenced by the amount of lifestyle changes you are able to make: there is no magic weight loss drug on the market. It’s important to remember that weight loss takes time, and you’ll have the best results if you use Ozempic® in combination with exercise and a healthy diet.
Ozempic® is not a weight loss drug. Ozempic® may be able to help patients with type 2 diabetes lose weight. How much weight you can lose with Ozempic® depends on what dosage you are taking, and for how long. In clinical trials, it took 68 weeks for the average study participant to lose 33 pounds.
It is important to note that these studies were done with lower doses of Ozempic® (1 mg and 0.5 mg) but that as of March 2022, Ozempic® has been FDA-approved to use at higher doses as well (up to 2 mg weekly). It isn’t clear if higher doses will lead to more weight loss. While these results were dramatic, it is critical to know that the drug must be used in conjunction with diet and exercise: no drug can cause weight loss entirely on its own. Always talk to your doctor about your weight loss goals to establish realistic and healthy health plans, and make sure to include any relevant personal or family history when it comes to high blood pressure or obesity treatment.
Ozempic® is only FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Based on clinical trials completed, Ozempic® is an effective drug when it comes to helping individuals with type 2 diabetes achieve weight loss when it is part of a lifestyle change program. In a one-year clinical trial done by the makers of Ozempic®:
People who weighed 197 pounds on average who took a 1mg dose of Ozempic® lost 12 pounds on average.
People who weighed 198 pounds on average who took a 0.5mg dose of Ozempic® lost 9 pounds on average.
A newer study published in 2021 concluded that “in participants with overweight or obesity, 2.4 mg of semaglutide (Ozempic®) once weekly plus lifestyle intervention was associated with sustained, clinically relevant reduction in body weight.” The results of the clinical trials showed that in 1961 adult patients, the mean weight loss in 68 weeks was:
15.3 kg (33.1 lbs) with 2.4 mg of semaglutide (Ozempic®) weekly
2.6 kg (5.1 lbs) with placebo
To refill your Ozempic® prescription, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After reviewing your symptoms, ordering any necessary lab work or evaluations, and assessing your results, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Avoid taking Ozempic® if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2
Type 1 diabetes
Pancreatitis
Diabetic retinopathy
Kidney disease
Step 1
During your first visit, your PlushCare doctor will review your medical history and health goals.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer. Often, lab work is required, and they’ll send an order to your preferred lab. Once your results are available, your doctor will review them with you and discuss treatment options.
Step 3
Prescriptions are provided based on eligibility and safety. Our physicians may prescribe medications, help you set diet and exercise goals, and monitor your weight loss progress.
How pricing works
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$14.99/month
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Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
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$14.99/month
First month free
$129
Repeats only $99
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included.
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Ozempic (semaglutide) injection prescription label. Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/209637s003lbl.pdf
Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014
Mayo Clinic. Semaglutide (Subcutaneous Route). Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20406730
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.