Ozempic® (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication that helps people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar and lowers the risk of cardiovascular events in folks with heart disease.
Ozempic® (semaglutide) is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in people with established heart disease. It works by mimicking the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which increases insulin levels, decreases the release of glucagon (a hormone that increases blood sugar levels), and slows down the time it takes for food to move through your system.
Administered once weekly, Ozempic is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan for type 2 diabetes that includes diet and exercise. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and it should be used with caution in people with a history of pancreatitis.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is indicated:
As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease
To reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease
The drug category for Ozempic is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients are:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
Serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any of the excipients in Ozempic
Drug interactions: Ozempic delays gastric emptying and may impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications
Pancreatitis
Diabetic retinopathy complications
Never share an Ozempic pen between patients, even if the needle is changed
Low blood sugar: Concomitant use with an insulin secretagogue or insulin may increase the risk of low blood sugar, including severe low blood sugar
Acute kidney injury
Hypersensitivity reactions
Acute gallbladder disease
Females and males of reproductive potential: Discontinue Ozempic in women at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period for semaglutide
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS
In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether Ozempic causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.
Ozempic is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors.
The cost of Ozempic® may vary depending on factors such as the reason you’re taking it, your insurance plan, and which pharmacy you use. The cost of Ozempic without insurance can be about $1,000 per month, but coupons and discount programs may be available to lower the cost. Insurance plans may cover all or some of the cost of this medication.
Other drugs are available that can help manage type 2 diabetes and lower the risk of cardiovascular problems. Some medications may be better suited to you than others. Consult a healthcare provider to see if any of the following might be right for you:
Other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists:
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
Trulicity® (dulaglutide)
Victoza® (liraglutide)
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors:
Brenzavvy® (bexagliflozin)
Farxiga® (dapagliflozin)
Invokana® (canagliflozin)
Jardiance® (empagliflozin)
Steglatro® (ertugliflozin)
Ozempic is also sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. Examples of Ozempic alternatives for we
Injectable medications:
Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Compounded semaglutide**
Zepbound® (tirzepatide)
Saxenda® (liraglutide)
Oral medications that a provider might prescribe (sometimes off-label) to support weight loss include:
Rybelsus® (semaglutide)
Metformin
Contrave® (naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride)
Topamax® (topiramate)
Qsymia® (phentermine and topiramate extended-release)
Xenical® or Alli® (orlistat)
**Compounded semaglutide is not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA.
Muscle loss isn’t listed as a side effect of Ozempic, but muscle loss can occur when you lose a significant amount of weight. Increasing dietary protein and engaging in strength training can help you retain muscle mass while on Ozempic.
There are no specific limitations on what to eat on Ozempic. However, most providers recommend dietary changes to help support type 2 diabetes management and weight loss. Talk to your provider about the best foods to eat based on factors like your overall health and goals.
Research tends to look at longer-term weight-loss outcomes. However, one study found that people with overweight and obesity who received weekly semaglutide injections lost an average of nearly 15 pounds after three months and more than 27 pounds after six months.
Ozempic and Wegovy® are both prescription medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. And they are both taken as weekly injections. But they are FDA-approved for different purposes. Ozempic is approved to help manage type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with heart disease, while Wegovy® is approved to support weight loss in folks with obesity or those with overweight and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
You can get a prescription for Ozempic if a licensed healthcare provider determines that it’s right for you. Depending on your needs, you may choose to consult your primary care provider, a specialist, or a telehealth provider. You can get Ozempic at a local pharmacy, a mail-order pharmacy, or through a telehealth platform.
If you’re interested in Ozempic for weight loss, you can get Ozempic online through the Hers platform if a provider determines it’s right for you.
When you access weight loss medication through the Hers platform, your medication is shipped directly to your door (in temperature-controlled packaging, if appropriate). You’ll get all the supplies you need, along with instructional videos, ongoing provider support through the app, and a wealth of holistic health resources like meal plans, recipes, and fitness content.
*This information is from the label for brand name Ozempic®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient semaglutide.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
Ozempic and Wegovy® are the registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Hims, Inc. is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk A/S.