Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsQualifying for ItInsurance CoverageWithout InsuranceAvoid ScamsConsidering Alternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Qualifying for It
Insurance Coverage
Without Insurance
Avoid Scams
Considering Alternatives
Many people want to know if they need a prescription for Ozempic (semaglutide) and what is the best way to get it.
While you do need a prescription for Ozempic, insurance coverage will vary and not everyone qualifies. You will need to speak with a healthcare provider, as they will determine whether Ozempic is right for you.
Ozempic is an injectable prescription medication used to manage blood sugar in people withtype 2 diabetesand lower the risk of heart events like heart attack and stroke in adults with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Getty Images /Steve Christo - Corbis/ Contributor
To Get Ozempic, You Will Need to Qualify
Because Ozempic is a prescription drug, you will need to talk to a licensed healthcare provider to determine if you’re qualified to get this medication. You can do this at an in-person appointment or sometimes online via telehealth.
The following steps outline the general process for getting an Ozempic prescription:
What to Do Before Your AppointmentIf you are interested in getting Ozempic prescribed for weight loss, you may want to contact your insurance company before visiting your healthcare provider. You can ask if your plan covers Ozempic for weight loss and if your healthcare provider will need to complete aprior authorization(a preapproval).You can also visit the website for Novo Nordisk (the manufacturer of Ozempic) and use the co-pay lookup tool. Having this information before you see your healthcare provider may speed up the process of getting Ozempic.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
If you are interested in getting Ozempic prescribed for weight loss, you may want to contact your insurance company before visiting your healthcare provider. You can ask if your plan covers Ozempic for weight loss and if your healthcare provider will need to complete aprior authorization(a preapproval).You can also visit the website for Novo Nordisk (the manufacturer of Ozempic) and use the co-pay lookup tool. Having this information before you see your healthcare provider may speed up the process of getting Ozempic.
If you are interested in getting Ozempic prescribed for weight loss, you may want to contact your insurance company before visiting your healthcare provider. You can ask if your plan covers Ozempic for weight loss and if your healthcare provider will need to complete aprior authorization(a preapproval).
You can also visit the website for Novo Nordisk (the manufacturer of Ozempic) and use the co-pay lookup tool. Having this information before you see your healthcare provider may speed up the process of getting Ozempic.
Reasons Providers Prescribe Ozempic
Healthcare providers prescribe Ozempic to adults with type 2 diabetes. They also prescribe it off-label for weight loss.
You may qualify for an Ozempic prescription for either of the following:
Diabetes
Ozempic is used to helpcontrol blood sugar levelsin adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of major heart events in people with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease, such as stroke, heart attack, or death due to heart disease. Note that Ozempic is not FDA-approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes.
For people with diabetes, it is important to control blood sugar levels to help decrease the risk ofdiabetes-related complicationslikekidney failure, eye problems, andnerve damage.
Off-Label for Weight Loss
Although Ozempic is not specifically approved for weight loss, healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for this use. Generally, they will use guidelines to decide who needs Ozempic.
For example, it may be prescribed to an adult withobesity, defined as having abody mass index(BMI) of 30 kilograms (kg)/meters squared (m2) or more. Or, it may be prescribed to an adult with overweight, with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or more, who has other risk factors such ashigh blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, orhigh cholesterol.
Clinical trials have found Ozempic to be very effective in controlling blood sugar levels. It is also associated with a reduction in body weight, although it is not FDA-approved for weight loss.Healthcare providers generally recommend combining Ozempic with other measures like ahealthy dietand increased exercise.
For dietary advice, you may want to consult a registered dietitian or certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES).
How Does Ozempic Work?
Getting Ozempic With Insurance
Every insurance plan is different. There are several ways to find out if Ozempic is covered:
You can check Novo Nordisk’s website for savings coupons. For people with certain types of insurance coverage, the manufacturer offers a savings coupon with which people can pay as low as $25 for up to a three-month supply.
Getting Ozempic Without Insurance
If your insurance does not cover Ozempic or if you do not have prescription insurance, you can still purchase the medication as long as you have a prescription. However, Ozempic is not inexpensive. Without insurance or discounts, a one-month supply (of any dosage) costs about $969.
If you do not have insurance or do not have insurance coverage for Ozempic, there are some ways to save:
Tips for Self-InjectionsIf you have never used an injectable medicine, it can feel overwhelming at first. If you get a prescription for Ozempic, ask your healthcare provider to show you how to use it. Be sure you or a family member or caregiver understands how (and where) to inject Ozempic.Some important tips to remember include rotating injection sites (use a different approved injection site each time you inject Ozempic) and knowing how to store your pen and discard needles properly. Never share your pen or needles with anyone else.
Tips for Self-Injections
If you have never used an injectable medicine, it can feel overwhelming at first. If you get a prescription for Ozempic, ask your healthcare provider to show you how to use it. Be sure you or a family member or caregiver understands how (and where) to inject Ozempic.Some important tips to remember include rotating injection sites (use a different approved injection site each time you inject Ozempic) and knowing how to store your pen and discard needles properly. Never share your pen or needles with anyone else.
If you have never used an injectable medicine, it can feel overwhelming at first. If you get a prescription for Ozempic, ask your healthcare provider to show you how to use it. Be sure you or a family member or caregiver understands how (and where) to inject Ozempic.
Some important tips to remember include rotating injection sites (use a different approved injection site each time you inject Ozempic) and knowing how to store your pen and discard needles properly. Never share your pen or needles with anyone else.
Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True
The best way to get Ozempic is to get a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and fill your prescription at a reputable local or online pharmacy. Watch for deals that seem too good to be true, as these may be scams, which can be potentially unsafe. Do not use companies that offer Ozempic without a prescription.
If you are looking for anonline pharmacy, you can search for a licensed pharmacy on the FDA’s website.According to the FDA, a legitimate online pharmacy will fulfill certain requirements, such as:
You may also see advertisements for compounded semaglutide products (those that have been combined with another drug, mixed, or altered). The FDA does not recommend using these products, noting some concerns such as:
The Bottom LineThe FDA advises only using drugs containing semaglutide with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and obtaining these medications only from state-licensed pharmacies or outsourcing facilities registered with the FDA.
The Bottom Line
The FDA advises only using drugs containing semaglutide with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and obtaining these medications only from state-licensed pharmacies or outsourcing facilities registered with the FDA.
When to Consider Ozempic Alternatives
When should you consider an Ozempic alternative? Only your healthcare provider can help you determine which medication is best for you, considering various factors, such as coexisting health conditions (comorbidities) and other medications you may be taking.
That being said, there are various alternatives you can discuss with your healthcare provider.
Alternatives to Ozempic for type 2 diabetes include:
Alternatives to Ozempic for weight loss include:
A Word From Verywell HealthBefore starting Ozempic, inform your healthcare provider about all your medications, including prescriptions, OTC drugs, natural products, and vitamins. If you have kidney or pancreas issues, consult your healthcare provider first. If you are trying to get pregnant, become pregnant, or are nursing while taking Ozempic, contact your healthcare provider, as it may not be safe.—FEMI AREMI, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell Health
Before starting Ozempic, inform your healthcare provider about all your medications, including prescriptions, OTC drugs, natural products, and vitamins. If you have kidney or pancreas issues, consult your healthcare provider first. If you are trying to get pregnant, become pregnant, or are nursing while taking Ozempic, contact your healthcare provider, as it may not be safe.—FEMI AREMI, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Before starting Ozempic, inform your healthcare provider about all your medications, including prescriptions, OTC drugs, natural products, and vitamins. If you have kidney or pancreas issues, consult your healthcare provider first. If you are trying to get pregnant, become pregnant, or are nursing while taking Ozempic, contact your healthcare provider, as it may not be safe.
—FEMI AREMI, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Ozempic is a prescription medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes and is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. To acquire Ozempic, you need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, which can be obtained through an in-person or telehealth visit.
Insurance coverage for Ozempic varies, so it’s important to check with your provider and explore financial assistance options if needed. Always obtain Ozempic from a healthcare provider to ensure safety and efficacy.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Ozempic- semaglutide injection, solution.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label.”MedlinePlus.Semaglutide injection.PDR.Semaglutide.Aroda VR, Ahmann A, Cariou B, et al.Comparative efficacy, safety, and cardiovascular outcomes with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: Insights from the SUSTAIN 1-7 trials.Diabetes Metab. 2019;45(5):409-418. doi:10.1016/j.diabet.2018.12.001Novocare Diabetes.Find out the cost for Ozempic.Novo Nordisk.Save on Ozempic (semaglutide) Injection.Novocare Diabetes.Patient assistance program.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Locate a state-licensed online pharmacy.Food and Drug Administration.Considering an online pharmacy?Food and Drug Administration.Medications containing semaglutide marketed for type 2 diabetes or weight loss.DailyMed.Label: Rybelsus- oral semaglutide tablet.DailyMed.Label: Mounjaro- tirzepatide injection, solution.DailyMed.Trulicity- dulaglutide injection, solution.American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; 9.Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment:Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024.Diabetes Care1 January 2024; 47 (Supplement_1): S158–S178. doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S009DailyMed.Label: Wegovy- semaglutide injection, solution.Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al.Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183DailyMed.Label: Zepbound- tirzepatide injection, solution.Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al.Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity.N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Ozempic- semaglutide injection, solution.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label.”MedlinePlus.Semaglutide injection.PDR.Semaglutide.Aroda VR, Ahmann A, Cariou B, et al.Comparative efficacy, safety, and cardiovascular outcomes with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: Insights from the SUSTAIN 1-7 trials.Diabetes Metab. 2019;45(5):409-418. doi:10.1016/j.diabet.2018.12.001Novocare Diabetes.Find out the cost for Ozempic.Novo Nordisk.Save on Ozempic (semaglutide) Injection.Novocare Diabetes.Patient assistance program.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Locate a state-licensed online pharmacy.Food and Drug Administration.Considering an online pharmacy?Food and Drug Administration.Medications containing semaglutide marketed for type 2 diabetes or weight loss.DailyMed.Label: Rybelsus- oral semaglutide tablet.DailyMed.Label: Mounjaro- tirzepatide injection, solution.DailyMed.Trulicity- dulaglutide injection, solution.American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; 9.Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment:Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024.Diabetes Care1 January 2024; 47 (Supplement_1): S158–S178. doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S009DailyMed.Label: Wegovy- semaglutide injection, solution.Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al.Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183DailyMed.Label: Zepbound- tirzepatide injection, solution.Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al.Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity.N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed.Label: Ozempic- semaglutide injection, solution.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label.”MedlinePlus.Semaglutide injection.PDR.Semaglutide.Aroda VR, Ahmann A, Cariou B, et al.Comparative efficacy, safety, and cardiovascular outcomes with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: Insights from the SUSTAIN 1-7 trials.Diabetes Metab. 2019;45(5):409-418. doi:10.1016/j.diabet.2018.12.001Novocare Diabetes.Find out the cost for Ozempic.Novo Nordisk.Save on Ozempic (semaglutide) Injection.Novocare Diabetes.Patient assistance program.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Locate a state-licensed online pharmacy.Food and Drug Administration.Considering an online pharmacy?Food and Drug Administration.Medications containing semaglutide marketed for type 2 diabetes or weight loss.DailyMed.Label: Rybelsus- oral semaglutide tablet.DailyMed.Label: Mounjaro- tirzepatide injection, solution.DailyMed.Trulicity- dulaglutide injection, solution.American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; 9.Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment:Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024.Diabetes Care1 January 2024; 47 (Supplement_1): S158–S178. doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S009DailyMed.Label: Wegovy- semaglutide injection, solution.Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al.Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183DailyMed.Label: Zepbound- tirzepatide injection, solution.Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al.Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity.N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
DailyMed.Label: Ozempic- semaglutide injection, solution.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label.”
MedlinePlus.Semaglutide injection.
PDR.Semaglutide.
Aroda VR, Ahmann A, Cariou B, et al.Comparative efficacy, safety, and cardiovascular outcomes with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: Insights from the SUSTAIN 1-7 trials.Diabetes Metab. 2019;45(5):409-418. doi:10.1016/j.diabet.2018.12.001
Novocare Diabetes.Find out the cost for Ozempic.
Novo Nordisk.Save on Ozempic (semaglutide) Injection.
Novocare Diabetes.Patient assistance program.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Locate a state-licensed online pharmacy.
Food and Drug Administration.Considering an online pharmacy?
Food and Drug Administration.Medications containing semaglutide marketed for type 2 diabetes or weight loss.
DailyMed.Label: Rybelsus- oral semaglutide tablet.
DailyMed.Label: Mounjaro- tirzepatide injection, solution.
DailyMed.Trulicity- dulaglutide injection, solution.
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; 9.Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment:Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024.Diabetes Care1 January 2024; 47 (Supplement_1): S158–S178. doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S009
DailyMed.Label: Wegovy- semaglutide injection, solution.
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al.Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
DailyMed.Label: Zepbound- tirzepatide injection, solution.
Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al.Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity.N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
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