Everything You Need To Know about Getting a Prescription for Ozempic

Ozempic is a prescription blood sugar medication that helps treat type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient in Ozempic is called semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists—more commonly known as GLP-1s. 

This medication works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which triggers insulin release, increases satiety (fullness), slows stomach emptying, and blocks the secretion of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar levels).

Your healthcare provider can recommend and prescribe this medication for you if you live with diabetes or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).  

Who Is Eligible for Ozempic?

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ozempic for:

• Treating type 2 diabetes
• Lowering the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death in people with type 2 diabetes and other known heart diseases

According to the drug manufacturer, Ozempic may not be a good option for you if you:

• Have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)—a cancer of the thyroid gland
• Received a diagnosis for multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), which is a rare hereditary disorder of the endocrine system
• Are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredient in Ozempic
• Live with diabetic retinopathy or pancreatic and kidney problems

Currently, Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, but some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label to help you manage obesity. Research suggests that the mechanisms Ozempic uses (such as slowing stomach emptying and reducing appetite) can help with weight management.

Your provider can prescribe Ozempic if you have type 2 diabetes, but it's not always the first medication of choice. The gold standard treatment for type 2 diabetes is Glucophage (metformin) because this medication is the most studied, well-tolerated, and affordable. However, if you have both type 2 diabetes and heart disease, your provider will opt to try Ozempic first.

Options for Getting Ozempic

Ozempic is not available over the counter, so you’ll need a prescription from your healthcare provider to access the drug.

If you're considering Ozempic, your healthcare provider will likely order lab tests and review your medical history, current medications, and symptoms to determine if Ozempic is the best treatment for you. They will review the potential benefits and side effects of the medication with you so you understand how it will affect your body before starting the medicine.

After you have received a prescription, you can get Ozempic in the following ways:

• In-person at a traditional pharmacy: A local pharmacy near you is a great place to start if you want to buy Ozempic. You will need to go with your prescription approval. The cost of Ozempic may vary depending on the pharmacy's location and your insurance coverage. 
• Online purchase: You can get an Ozempic prescription using telehealth services and purchase the medication from reputable online pharmacies. This method can be fast and stress-free, but there are downsides, such as a higher risk of buying counterfeit medicine from unlicensed sources. To reduce these risks, buy from reputable brands, read reviews, and ask your healthcare provider for recommendations for online sources.

Considering Costs

It can be challenging to offset the out-of-pocket (OOP) cost of Ozempic. If you have insurance coverage, you can often save on Ozempic, depending on your plan. Check to see if the pharmacy you want to use accepts insurance.

If you have an HMO (a type of insurance plan), ensure you are getting care from the network of healthcare providers under your HMO, as these costs will often be covered while out-of-network (OON) providers won't be. 

You might also consider applying for the Ozempic Savings Card, which allows eligible people to pay as little as $25 for a one-month, two-month, or three-month supply of Ozempic for up to 24 months. With this option, you can save up to $150 for a one-month prescription, $300 for a two-month prescription, and $450 for a three-month prescription.

Ozempic Shortages

Ozempic was listed on the FDA’s drug shortages list as of May 2023. This means the supply is not meeting the demand, and according to the FDA, such drug shortages can happen for many reasons. Some reasons include production delays, discontinuations, and drug quality problems.

The Ozempic shortage has not been linked to safety issues or quality defects. Rather, sources have indicated that its shortage is linked to increased demand for the medication, both for treating type 2 diabetes and for its off-label use of weight loss.

The increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity may have also caused the increase in demand for this medication, and the shortages are speculated to continue throughout 2024. 

Falsified Medication

These shortages have raised issues, such as falsified and compounded semaglutide in the market. Associations like the World Health Organization and Food and Drug Administration have issued warnings about this.

These organizations have received reports on the falsification of this medication and the increased use of compounded versions, which may be unsafe or ineffective and increase the risk of:

• Adverse side effects
• Inadequate management of weight or blood sugar levels
• Health complications resulting from unmanaged weight or blood sugar levels

To protect yourself from fraudulent products, consider the following tips:

• Purchase your Ozempic only from state-licensed pharmacies
• Speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medication
• Read up on how to differentiate between an authentic FDA-approved Ozempic pen in the US and a counterfeit product
• Report any adverse effects you experience while taking the medication to your provider
• Avoid buying your medication from unverified or unfamiliar sources

Alternatives to Ozempic

Different medications are also available for treating type 2 diabetes. If you are already taking Ozempic and find it unavailable, speak to your healthcare provider about your options. They may suggest where to get it or place you on another injectable GLP-1, such as Wegovy. They may also prescribe another diabetes medication that belongs to a different class of drugs, such as:

• Metformin
• Sulfonylureas
• Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
• Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors
• Thiazolidinediones

Each of these medications has side effects, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about switching medications before you actually do.

Alongside medication, it may also help to implement lifestyle changes that can improve your blood sugar levels and manage weight. Consider the following:

• Engage in physical activities like stretching, aerobic exercise, and resistance or strength training
• Choose nutrient-dense and high-fiber foods like vegetables, poultry, fruits, and whole grains
• Limit foods that are high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fats
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Quit or avoid smoking

A Quick Review

Ozempic is a GLP-1 medication that helps treat type 2 diabetes. While FDA-approved for diabetes management, sometimes your provider may recommend this medication for weight loss. You can only access this medication via a prescription from your provider.

Before you purchase Ozempic, go to a reputable pharmacy or use an approved online telehealth system to ensure you're buying an authentic and safe product.