Ozempic (semaglutide) for weight loss prescription available 

Ozempic is type 2 diabetes drug that can also help with weight loss. If you have diabetes and are struggling with weight loss, speak with one of our trusted, board-certified physicians online to discuss your health concerns and start the evaluation process for Ozempic. This would include discussing your medical history and current medication and ordering baseline tests and studies to determine if you qualify for a 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.

Wegovy and Saxenda are type 2 diabetes medications that are extremely effective for weight loss. They have now been approved for weight loss only without type 2 diabetes. Speak to one of our trusted, board-certified doctors about how Wegovy and Saxenda could be right for you.

If you qualify for an Ozempic prescription and the drug is included in your insurance plan’s formulary, your monthly cost may vary.  Without insurance, depending on your pharmacy, Ozempic costs around $949 for 2 mg/3 mL injectable solution (price may vary depending on dose).

Most branded weight loss medications require prior authorization in order for insurance 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 usually required for insurance approval of this medication.

Learn more about prior authorizations for weight loss medications.

Results vary in adult patients with Ozempic. Some people lost weight quickly in the trials; for others, it may take more time to lose weight. Ozempic has been shown to help people 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 for weight loss and might recommend slowly increasing dosage over time to maximize weight loss.

The speed at which you lose weight is largely influenced by the amount of lifestyle changes you are able to make: there is no magic weight loss drug on the market. 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.

How much weight you can lose with Ozempic depends on what dosage you are taking, and for how long. In clinical trials, it took 68 weeks for the average study participant to lose 33 pounds.

 It is important to note that these studies were done with lower doses of Ozempic (1 mg and 0.5 mg) but that as of March 2022, Ozempic has been FDA-approved to use at higher doses as well (up to 2 mg weekly).  It isn’t clear if higher doses will lead to more weight loss.  While these results were dramatic, it is critical to know that the drug must be used in conjunction with diet and exercise: no drug can cause weight loss entirely on its own. Always talk to your doctor about your weight loss goals to establish realistic and healthy health plans, and make sure to include any relevant personal or family history when it comes to high blood pressure or obesity treatment.

Based on clinical trials completed, Ozempic is an effective drug when it comes to weight loss, when it is part of a lifestyle change program.

In a one year clinical trial done by the makers of Ozempic:

• People who weighed 197 pounds on average who took a 1mg dose of Ozempic lost 12 pounds on average.

• People who weighed 198 pounds on average who took a .5mg dose of Ozempic lost 9 pounds on average.

A newer study published in 2021 concluded that “in participants with overweight or obesity, 2.4 mg of semaglutide (Ozempic) once weekly plus lifestyle intervention was associated with sustained, clinically relevant reduction in body weight.” The results of the clinical trials showed that in 1961 adult patients, the mean 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 symptoms, 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

If you notice adverse effects, such as low blood sugar or kidney problems, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking Ozempic unless directed by your healthcare professional.

Ozempic helps lower blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels and stimulates insulin release. Along with improving diet and exercise, Ozempic can be extremely effective in improving type 2 diabetes.

After your first injection, you might experience nausea. For most people, this side effect goes away within a few days or weeks.

If you miss a dose of Ozempic, use the medication as soon as possible and return to your regular dosing schedule. If you're more than 5 days late for the injection, skip the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule.

If you've taken too much Ozempic, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical help.

You can take Ozempic at any time of day, with or without meals. Make sure to administer your Ozempic injection on the same day each week.