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What is Ozempic?
About this page. Written by the GLPInfo editorial team with AI assistance from the official sources listed at the end, and approved by the site owner before publication. It has not been reviewed by a named clinician. Published 7 Sep 2026 · next scheduled review 7 Dec 2026.
This page is information, not medical advice. It never tells you which medicine or dose is right for you: those decisions sit with you and a licensed prescriber. Report suspected side effects to FDA MedWatch. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Ozempic is semaglutide under its type 2 diabetes brand, FDA-approved in December 2017. It is the same molecule as Wegovy, which carries the weight-management indication at higher doses. GLPInfo lists Ozempic's price because people ask what it costs; it does not compare it as a weight-loss product.
How it works
A GLP-1 receptor agonist improving blood-sugar control and reducing appetite, taken once a week by pen at 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg or 2mg.
Ozempic and weight loss
Weight loss is a recognised effect of semaglutide and was studied for its own sake in the STEP programme at the Wegovy 2.4mg dose. Prescribing Ozempic for weight management is off-label, a lawful clinical decision for a prescriber and not something a comparison site advises on; the manufacturer's weight-management products are Wegovy and the Wegovy pill.
Side effects and safety
As for Wegovy: predominantly gastrointestinal, with the boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumours seen in rodents and pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, hypoglycaemia with other diabetes medicines and diabetic retinopathy complications among the risks in the prescribing information. Report suspected side effects to FDA MedWatch.
What it costs today
First-month all-in prices for Ozempic at the 0.25mg starting dose currently start from $199 at NovoCare Pharmacy across the channels we compare, read 6 Sep 2026. Compare all Ozempic channels or see the 12-month true cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Ozempic cost without insurance?
$199 for the first two fills of the lowest doses through NovoCare, then $349 up to 1mg and $499 for 2mg; GoodRx coupons show similar pen prices at retail. Live comparison.
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
Yes, semaglutide under two brands: Ozempic for type 2 diabetes at up to 2mg, Wegovy for weight management at up to 2.4mg (or 7.2mg). The prescriber chooses the licence that fits the diagnosis.