Ozempic (injection)
semaglutide · GLP-1 receptor agonist · Novo Nordisk
In short
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk, used for blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, lower risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease and reduce risk of kidney disease progression in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Schedule: once weekly. It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.
What it is used for
- Blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Lower risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
- Reduce risk of kidney disease progression in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Ozempic dosage
Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.
| 1Weeks 1–4 | 0.25 mg once weekly (starter dose) |
|---|---|
| 2Weeks 5–8 | 0.5 mg once weekly |
| 3If more control is needed | 1 mg, then 2 mg once weekly, each after at least 4 weeks |
| 4Maximum | 2 mg once weekly |
How to take it
Inject under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm on the same day each week, with or without food. Rotate injection sites.
Storage
Before first use: refrigerate 36–46°F (2–8°C). After first use: room temperature or fridge for up to 56 days. Do not freeze.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion / heartburn
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
Serious — get medical help
- Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
- Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
- Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
- Kidney problems, often from dehydration after vomiting or diarrhea
- Serious allergic reactions
- Diabetic retinopathy complications (people with type 2 diabetes)
- Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation — tell your surgical team you take it
Who should not use it
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2
- Prior serious allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients
- Pregnancy (stop before a planned pregnancy as advised by your prescriber)
- Use together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist
Cost
US self-pay through NovoCare and partner pharmacies has been about $349/month for most doses (higher for 2 mg). With commercial insurance, savings cards can lower copays. Verify current prices before you fill.
How to buy Ozempic legally
- Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
- Fill it at a licensed pharmacy, or through the manufacturer's self-pay pharmacy.
- Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).
Common questions
- What if I miss an Ozempic dose?
- Can you drink alcohol on Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound?
- How long does semaglutide stay in your system?
- What is 'Ozempic face'?
- Can you take Ozempic or Wegovy while pregnant or trying to conceive?
- Where do you inject Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound?
- How to manage nausea and constipation on GLP-1 medicines
- What is a GLP-1 agonist?
- Can Ozempic be prescribed for weight loss?
- When will generic semaglutide be available in the US?
- Generic Ozempic in Canada: what to know
- How to spot fake Ozempic or Wegovy pens
- Is compounded semaglutide legal?
- How to store and travel with GLP-1 pens
- Does insurance cover Wegovy, Zepbound or Ozempic?
Frequently asked questions
Is Ozempic approved for weight loss?
No. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. The same molecule at weight-management doses is sold as Wegovy.
Is there a generic Ozempic?
In Canada, yes: Health Canada authorized generic semaglutide injections in April and May 2026. In the US there is no FDA-approved generic as of October 2026.
Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
No. Compounded or 'research' semaglutide is not FDA-approved, and the FDA has warned about dosing errors and unknown ingredients.
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Sources
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