Ozempic® (semaglutide) prescription available online
Ozempic® is a prescription drug for adults with type 2 diabetes used to improve blood sugar levels. Ozempic® may also help with weight loss when accompanied by eating changes and exercise. Speak to one of our trusted, board-certified doctors about how Ozempic® could be right for you. In the event of a nationwide shortage, in which Ozempic is commercially unavailable according to the FDA, your physician may recommend compounded semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic®) as an alternative.*
- Only taken once a week
- Average weight loss of over 15 pounds*
- Type 2 diabetics can significantly reduce A1C and risk of major cardiovascular events
*Due to the Ozempic® shortage, specific dose strengths, particularly starter doses, may be unavailable. If Ozempic® is commercially unavailable and listed on the FDA shortage list, our doctors may prescribe compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic®, if deemed appropriate. These compounded medications are prepared by our preferred state-licensed sterile compounding pharmacy partner that complies with all federal and state laws and FDA regulations. However, compounded semaglutide, like all compounded drugs, is not FDA-approved and does not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing. Compounded semaglutide prescriptions are limited to residents in the following states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, MA, MD, ME, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, Washington D.C., WY.
What is Ozempic®
Ozempic®, a GLP-1 agonist, works by increasing the activity of a hormone we have called GLP-1. This hormone helps insulin release, slows down digestion (gastric emptying), and reduces appetite.
It lowers blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels and reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients. Ozempic® can improve type 2 diabetes symptoms when used alongside healthy lifestyle modifications, such as enhancing diet and exercise.
It is important to note that if you're prescribed Ozempic®, complete the entire course of the GLP-1 agonist unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t continue to use your prescription as directed, it will not continue to treat your type 2 diabetes or weight-related medical problems, both of which are chronic conditions.
How to get Ozempic®
Ozempic® is a drug that requires a prescription before use. While Ozempic® was initially designed to help blood sugar levels and is not a weight loss drug, its active ingredient, semaglutide, was approved for weight management by the FDA in 2021 under the brand Wegovy®. If you have type 2 diabetes and are interested in getting prescribed Ozempic® online, you can speak with one of our trusted, board-certified physicians online to see if it's right for you.
If you're considering other GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, our board-certified doctors can help support your weight management journey and see if one of these drugs is best for you.
How to take Ozempic®
Ozempic® is injected under the skin, 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 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 immediately 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 miss a dose by two or more weeks, consult with your doctor before resuming.
If you take too much Ozempic®, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical help.
How to take Ozempic®
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Ozempic® is FDA-approved as therapy to use alongside 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.
We are committed to offering personalized solutions for our patients. While Ozempic® (semaglutide) is an excellent choice for many, we want to highlight alternative options to ensure patients can access the most suitable treatment. Based on availability and individual needs, our skilled online doctors may offer or prescribe another GLP-1 to treat type 2 diabetes. These GLP-1 options include:
If you take too much Ozempic®, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical help.
- Compounded Semaglutide: In the event of a national shortage in which Ozempic® is commercially unavailable according to the FDA shortages list, physicians may prescribe compounded semaglutide. prescribed Although compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved, our preferred pharmacy provider complies with pertinent federal and state laws and FDA regulations.*
- Rybelsus® (semaglutide): This oral GLP-1 medication provides a convenient option for those who prefer a pill over an injection.
- Mounjaro® (tirzepatide): This dual-action GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist helps regulate blood sugar levels and may be recommended for patients looking for a comprehensive approach to managing their diabetes.
- Trulicity® (dulaglutide): Trulicity® is a once-weekly injection known for its user-friendly design, featuring a pre-filled, disposable pen.
- Victoza® ((liraglutide):Victoza® is a daily injectable GLP-1 drug with a proven track record in managing diabetes.
- Bydureon® (exenatide): Bydureon® is unique for its extended-release formulation, requiring only once-weekly injections.
*Prescriptions for compounded semaglutide, when available, may be prescribed as an alternative to commercially unavailable branded medications on the FDA shortage list. These compounded medications are prepared by our preferred state-licensed sterile compounding pharmacy partner which complies with all federal and state laws and FDA regulations. However, compounded semaglutide, like all compounded drugs, is not FDA-approved and does not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing. Compounded semaglutide prescriptions are limited to residents in the following states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, MA, MD, ME, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, Washington D.C., WY.
What are the pros and cons?
Ozempic®
Pros
- Average of 12% of body weight loss with exercise and diet (6)
- Significantly lowers blood glucose levels (1.8% A1C reduction)
- Works great with low-carb, low-calorie eating and daily moderate exercise
Cons
- Only indicated for type 2 diabetes
- Insurance may require prior authorization for each dose increase
- Requires ongoing use and lifestyle changes for sustained A1C improvement
Ozempic® prescription FAQs
How to get Ozempic® for weight loss?
Ozempic® is a type 2 diabetes drug. If you have type 2 diabetes and are interested in Ozempic®, speak with one of our trusted, board-certified physicians online to see if it's right for you. This includes discussing your medical history and current medications, and ordering baseline lab tests 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 benefit 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.
How much does Ozempic® cost?
Your monthly cost may vary if you qualify for an Ozempic® prescription and the drug is included in your insurance plan’s formulary. Without insurance, depending on your pharmacy, Ozempic® costs around $949 for a 2 mg/3 mL injectable solution (price may vary depending on dose).
Many branded type 2 diabetes and weight loss medications require prior authorization by insurance carriers 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 required for insurance approval of this medication.
Does Ozempic® work for weight loss?
Although only FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic® may help with weight loss alongside diabetes management. Results vary in adult patients with Ozempic®. Some people lost weight quickly in the trials; for others, losing weight may take longer. 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 primarily influenced by the lifestyle changes you can make with diet and exercise. 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.
How much weight can you lose on Ozempic®?
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 your dosage and how long. In clinical trials, it took 68 weeks for the average study participant to lose 33 pounds on a 2.4mg dose of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic®.1
How does Ozempic® work for type 2 diabetes?
Ozempic® works by increasing the activity of a hormone in our bodies called GLP-1. This hormone helps the body use insulin better to manage blood sugar and also signals to our brain that we’re full. Over time, this can significantly lower your A1C and lead to much better control of your diabetes. Using Ozempic® long-term under close monitoring by our doctors at PlushCare can lead to improved health and reduced risks of long-term complications of type 2 diabetes.
Who should not take Ozempic®?
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2
- Type 1 diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Kidney disease
3 simple steps to discuss your online Ozempic® prescription
Step 2
Discuss your weight goals with your doctor online.
See a doctor online from your phone or computer. Labs will be ordered, and results reviewed at your follow-up visit with treatment options.
Step 1
Book an appointment to discuss Zepbound®.
To get a new or refill on your Zepbound® prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Step 3
Pick up your Zepbound® medication, if prescribed.
Pick up your Zepbound® medication at your local pharmacy or have it sent to LillyDirect, if prescribed.
Ozempic® prescription pricing details
Join our monthly membership to speak with a physician about starting or refilling an Ozempic® prescription and enjoy discounted visits*
30 days of free membership
- Same-day appointments 7 days a week
- Exclusive discounts on lab tests
- Cancel anytime
- Unlimited messages with your Care Team
- Free memberships for your family
Paying with insurance
$19.99 First month free + Copay
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less! We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying with insurance
$19.99 First month free + $129
Visit price with insurance
Initial visits are $129.
*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. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.
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Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
- New England Journal of Medicine. “Once-Weekly Tirzepatide for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.” Published in NEJM, Accessed on November 7, 2023 at https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038.
- FDA Press Announcement. “FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management.” Accessed on November 7, 2023 at https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management.
- Lilly’s Zepbound™ Official Website. Accessed on November 7, 2023 at https://uspl.lilly.com/zepbound/zepbound.html#ug.
- Lilly Investor News Release. “FDA Approves Lilly’s Zepbound™ for Chronic Weight Management.” Accessed on November 7, 2023 at https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fda-approves-lillys-zepboundtm-tirzepatide-chronic-weight.
- Zepbound™ Official Website. Accessed on February 26, 2025 at https://www.zepbound.lilly.com/.
- Lilly launches additional Zepbound vial doses and offers new savings for self-pay patients. Accessed on February 26, 2025 at https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-launches-additional-zepbound-vial-doses-and-offers-new
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.dipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
