Ozempic (semaglutide)
The best-known semaglutide brand — FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and widely used off-label for weight loss.
Pricing last updated:
Avg. weight loss
over ~40 weeks
Ozempic — cost by route
- Brand cash$969/mo
- Savings cardCheapest$25/mo
- Telehealth$199/mo
- Compounded$150/mo
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Ozempic pricing routes, ranked
- Brand cash price + manufacturer savingsOften cheapest
Novo Nordisk savings card can lower cost to as little as $25/mo for eligible commercially-insured patients; not valid with government insurance.
$25/moCheck price at Ro - Compounded version (cash-pay)
Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and are only legally available in limited situations. Availability varies by state and current shortage status.
$150–$300/moCheck price at Henry Meds - Telehealth subscription
A telehealth membership that helps you get the medication, often on top of the medication cost.
$199–$499/moCheck price at Ro - Brand full cash price (no discounts)
The undiscounted list/cash price you'd pay with no coverage or savings program.
$969/mo
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist from Novo Nordisk. It is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and used off-label for weight.
The best-known semaglutide brand — FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and widely used off-label for weight loss.
How Ozempic works and dosing
Ozempic is taken as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. It is typically titrated up slowly to reduce side effects, moving through 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.
The usual maintenance dose is 1 mg or 2 mg weekly. Your prescriber decides the right dose and pace for you.
How much weight can you lose on Ozempic?
In clinical data, Ozempic was associated with roughly 12% average body-weight reduction over about 40 weeks (Semaglutide clinical data (SUSTAIN program); off-label for weight).
That is an average — real results vary widely with dose, diet, activity, and how long you stay on treatment.
How much does Ozempic cost?
Cash price runs about $969/mo. A manufacturer savings program can bring it to around $25/mo for eligible patients. Telehealth routes run roughly $199–$499/mo, and compounded versions (where legal) run about $150–$300/mo.
Use the calculator to rank these routes for your insurance and state, and see the cheapest way to get Ozempic.
Side effects and safety
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. Most are gastrointestinal and often ease as the dose is increased gradually.
Ozempic carries serious warnings, including boxed warning: risk of thyroid c-cell tumors and pancreatitis. Only a licensed clinician can decide whether it is appropriate for you.
Insurance and coverage
Frequently covered for type 2 diabetes; rarely covered when prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Sources & further reading
Educational references only. Figures are averages that vary by person, dose, and duration.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Ozempic cost per month?
Cash list price is about $969/mo, but savings programs (~$25/mo) and telehealth (~$199–$499/mo) are usually cheaper. Check the calculator for your situation.
Is Ozempic FDA-approved for weight loss?
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and is used off-label for weight loss.
How much weight can you lose on Ozempic?
Clinical averages are around 12% of body weight over ~40 weeks (Semaglutide clinical data (SUSTAIN program); off-label for weight). Individual results vary.
Do I need a prescription for Ozempic?
Yes. Ozempic is a prescription medication requiring evaluation by a licensed clinician.