How to get Ozempic: step-by-step guide

Steps to get an Ozempic prescription

Ozempic isn’t approved for everyone — you must meet specific criteria to obtain a prescription. To be eligible for Ozempic, you need to have a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and find it challenging to manage your blood sugar levels through diet and exercise alone. Healthcare providers may also prescribe Ozempic to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting a prescription for Ozempic:

1. Consult your doctor: The first step to getting Ozempic is to talk to your healthcare provider. Since Ozempic is a prescription medication, you’ll need to have a thorough discussion about your medical history, current medications and health goals to find the right weight loss medication for you.
   • Prepare for the consultation: Write down any questions about Ozempic, such as how it works, possible side effects and whether it’s a good option for your condition.
   • Discuss your health: Share details about your current health situation, especially if you have Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or are looking for weight management options.
2. Get a prescription: If your healthcare provider agrees that Ozempic is right for you, they will write a prescription. In most cases, a doctor will:
   • Confirm whether you need Ozempic for diabetes or weight management.
   • Review your insurance or check if you qualify for any patient assistance programs to lower the cost of the medication.
3. Find the best price: Ozempic can be expensive, so it’s essential to explore options to find the best price.
   • Check your insurance: Ensure your health insurance covers Ozempic. If it does, ask for details about co-pays or out-of-pocket costs.
   • Use prescription savings programs: Ozempic’s manufacturer offers a savings card that may reduce your cost if you're eligible. Websites like GoodRx can also offer coupons for discounts.
   • Explore patient assistance programs: Novo Nordisk (Ozempic's manufacturer) has programs that provide free or reduced-cost medication to eligible patients.
4. Fill your prescription: Once you have your prescription, you can fill it at your local pharmacy or through a mail-order pharmacy.
   • Traditional pharmacies: Ask your doctor to send the prescription electronically or take a paper prescription to a nearby pharmacy.
   • Mail-order pharmacies: If you prefer convenience, some health insurance plans or online pharmacies offer mail-order services, which can sometimes provide better pricing.

Buying Ozempic online

Ozempic is available online, but you should only pursue a prescription in a safe and legal manner. Ozempic is a prescription medication, so purchasing it online requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

When purchasing Ozempic online, look for pharmacies that require a prescription and offer consultations with licensed healthcare providers. Reputable online pharmacies will clearly display their credentials, such as accreditation from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or certification through Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS), a voluntary certification program.

Be cautious of websites that offer Ozempic without a prescription or at significantly reduced prices. Always check reviews and verify the pharmacy’s legitimacy before making a purchase.

Also note that online weight management companies sometimes connect users to providers who prescribe compounded semaglutide, which is made at compounding pharmacies. Compounded medications are not formally Food and Drug Administration-approved. While FDA-approved drugs are formulated under strict protocols for safety and consistency, a compounded version is handcrafted and does not guarantee these safeguards.

Additionally, compounding pharmacies can only produce certain medications if there is a specific personalized need in an individual patient (e.g., if a patient has difficulty tolerating an FDA-approved medicine due to the formulation) or if the FDA declares a drug shortage on the drug in question.

Chanapa Tantibanchachai, press officer at the FDA, said in an email to ConsumerAffairs recently that the FDA is working to determine if “the available supply of semaglutide would meet our definition of a Resolved Shortage.”

Pharmacies that carry Ozempic

Many local pharmacies will carry Ozempic, but not all of them do. The quickest way to check is to visit the website or give the pharmacy a call. Major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Walmart are known to stock Ozempic, making them good places to start your search. These pharmacies often have online tools that allow you to check the availability of Ozempic at locations near you — just enter your zip code to find out if it’s in stock.

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can always call the pharmacy to confirm whether they have Ozempic available. This can save you time, especially if you need the medication right away. Plus, some online pharmacies offer Ozempic with the convenience of home delivery, which might be a good option if you want to avoid a trip to the store.

Patient assistance programs for Ozempic

One of the primary options for patient assistance is the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program, offered by the manufacturer of Ozempic. This program provides free or low-cost medication to eligible patients who are uninsured or underinsured. To qualify, you must meet certain income requirements, be within 400% of the federal poverty level and not have any public or private prescription coverage for Ozempic.

Here’s how to apply for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program:

1. Check eligibility: Visit the program's website to review the eligibility criteria. You’ll need to provide information about your income, insurance status and household size.
2. Gather required documentation: Prepare documents such as proof of income (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs), a copy of your prescription for Ozempic and any relevant insurance information.
3. Complete the application: You can fill out the application form online or download it to complete it by hand. Ensure all sections are filled out accurately.
4. Submit the application: Submit your application along with the required documentation either online or by mail. Your healthcare provider may need to provide additional information, such as a signed prescription form.

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed and you’ll be notified of the outcome. If approved, you will retain enrollment for 12 months and receive instructions on how to obtain your medication through the program.

Cost of Ozempic without insurance

Ozempic averages around $1,000 for a one-month supply. However, those who have eligible insurance can pay as little as $25 for a three-month prescription, swaying the out-of-pocket cost by a large margin.

To reduce these out-of-pocket charges, you have the option of requesting a savings offer on the manufacturer’s main website, which will lower the payments to as little as $25 for up to 24 refills, equating to about a six-month supply. The other option, as mentioned earlier, is applying to the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program.

Some online weight management companies link consumers to healthcare providers who will prescribe compounded semaglutide from a compounding pharmacy. This might be less expensive, but there is a caveat. Compounded medications are not formally FDA-approved. As the FDA notes, in the process of producing compounded medications, the quality of bulk drug substances — known as active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients — may impact the quality of the resulting drugs.

Ozempic usage, benefits and alternatives

Ozempic (semaglutide) works in the body by mimicking the action of a natural hormone called GLP-1. This hormone is what’s responsible for regulating blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release when blood sugar is high, reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and slowing down digestion.

Ozempic also impacts appetite regulation by increasing feelings of fullness, which can lead to weight loss. With both of these effects working together, Ozempic has proven to be an effective medication for both blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes and weight management, even though it is not specifically approved as a weight loss drug.

However, like all medications, Ozempic comes with potential side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, particularly when starting the medication. These side effects are usually mild and tend to decrease as the body adjusts to the treatment.

To manage these side effects, it’s recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it as directed by a healthcare provider. Try coupling this strategy with eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding high-fat foods and that can help minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.

There are also some less common (and potentially more serious) side effects to note:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Kidney damage
• Thyroid tumors
• Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)

These effects are rare, but it’s important to be aware of them so that you can make an informed decision. Do tell your doctor if you have a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.

If you’re investigating alternatives, there are a few that are also FDA-approved for similar effects as Ozempic, including:

• Wegovy
• Rybelsus (the pill form of semaglutide)
• Victoza
• Saxenda
• Bydureon BCise
• Mounjaro
• Zepbound

It’s always wise to consider all of your options and consult with your physician to determine which medication is best for your individual needs.

Bottom line

When used correctly, Ozempic can help you manage your Type 2 diabetes while also aiding in appetite control. If this is of interest, talk to your provider to inquire about Ozempic or alternatives. Also remember to keep up lifestyle improvements such as a healthy diet and exercise.

Make sure to check eligibility for patient assistance programs to help manage costs and consider both in-person and online consultations to determine the best way to obtain your prescription. Always ensure you purchase from reputable pharmacies, whether online or local, to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of your medication.