Pros
Average of 12% of body weight loss with exercise and diet
Significantly lowers blood glucose levels (1.8% A1C reduction)
Works great with low-carb, low-calorie eating and daily moderate exercise
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.
Ozempic® is available only by prescription. While Ozempic® was initially designed to help blood sugar levels and is not a weight loss drug, its active ingredient called semaglutide was approved for weight management by the FDA in 2021 under the brand Wegovy®.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Average of 12% of body weight loss with exercise and diet
Significantly lowers blood glucose levels (1.8% A1C reduction)
Works great with low-carb, low-calorie eating and daily moderate exercise
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® has many possible drug interactions. Don’t start other medications while taking Ozempic® without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Ozempic® include:
Other diabetes medication, such as dulaglutide, exenatide, or liraglutide
Vitamin B12 and vitamin D3
Alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes, which can lead to an increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol.
The side effects associated with taking Ozempic® are typically mild. Most Ozempic® side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort.
The most common side effects of Ozempic® include:
Nausea is commonly experienced after the first injection. This side effect goes away for most people within a few days or weeks.
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
Vision changes
Unusual mood changes
Pounding heartbeat
Talk to your doctor if you notice adverse effects, such as low blood sugar or kidney problems. Do not stop taking Ozempic® unless directed by your doctor. The use of Ozempic® is not recommended in children under 18.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Ozempic® is only FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Based on clinical trials completed, Ozempic® is an effective drug for helping individuals with type 2 diabetes achieve weight loss when it is part of a lifestyle change program.
Research published in 2021 concluded that “in participants who are overweight or obese, 2.4 mg of semaglutide (Ozempic®) once weekly plus lifestyle intervention was associated with sustained, clinically relevant reduction in body weight.”1 The results of the clinical trials showed that in 1961 adult patients, the average weight loss in 68 weeks was:
15.3 kg (33.1 lbs) with 2.4 mg of semaglutide (Ozempic®) weekly
2.6 kg (5.1 lbs) with placebo
To refill your Ozempic® prescription, book a virtual appointment with one of our top-rated, board-certified doctors. After reviewing your health, ordering any necessary lab work or evaluations, and assessing your results, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Avoid taking Ozempic® if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2
Type 1 diabetes
Pancreatitis
Diabetic retinopathy
Kidney disease
Step 1
During your first visit, your PlushCare doctor will review your medical history and health goals.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer. Often, lab work is required, and they’ll send an order to your preferred lab. Once your results are available, your doctor will review them with you and discuss treatment options at a follow-up visit.
Step 3
Prescriptions are provided based on eligibility and safety. Our physicians may prescribe medications, help you set diet and exercise goals, and monitor your progress through routine follow-up appointments.
How pricing works
To discuss Ozempic®, become a member for medically guided diabetes management.*
$16.99/month
First month free
Copay
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
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:
$16.99/month
First month free
$129
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
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.
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
"Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity." The New England Journal of Medicine. Accessed on November 7, 2023, at https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183.
Food and Drug Administration. Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection prescription label. Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/209637s003lbl.pdf
Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014
Mayo Clinic. Semaglutide (Subcutaneous Route). Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20406730
Ozempic: "Ozempic - Semaglutide." Accessed on December 5, 2023, at https://www.ozempic.com/.
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.