Who it's for
Adults with type 2 diabetes, as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss in patients without diabetes; this is at the prescriber's discretion and may not be covered by insurance for the off-label use.
What the trials show
Ozempic's registration trial was SUSTAIN-6 (NEJM, 2016). At 104 weeks at the maximum dose, mean weight loss was 6.5% (3.6 percentage points greater than placebo). 47.0% of patients lost at least 5% of body weight; 13.0% lost at least 15%. Real-world results vary; trial patients are typically more adherent and more closely managed than typical telehealth patients.
Dose schedule
Dose levels: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 2.0mg. Standard practice is to titrate up monthly, holding at any tolerated dose. Maximum dose is 2.0mg weekly; many patients reach goal weight at sub-maximum doses and stay there.
What it costs in 2026
| Retail cash (no insurance, no DTC) | $998/mo |
| Manufacturer DTC (cash-pay direct) | $499-$899/mo via NovoCare (dose-tier dependent) |
| With insurance + prior authorization | $25-$50/mo with diabetes diagnosis and prior authorization |
| Compounded version (503A pharmacy) | $99-$249/mo via 503A pharmacies (same active ingredient as Wegovy) |
Telehealth programs add a membership fee on top of the medication cost (typically $40-$200/mo). For all-in monthly costs by program, see the chart.
Common side effects
The most commonly reported side effects in the registration trial:
- nausea (20%)
- diarrhea (12%)
- vomiting (9%)
- constipation (5%)
- abdominal pain (5%)
Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (rodent data); contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 syndrome.
How Ozempic differs from related drugs
Same molecule as Wegovy. Approved for diabetes, not weight loss. Maximum dose (2.0mg) is lower than Wegovy's (2.4mg). Insurance typically covers Ozempic only for diabetes; off-label weight loss patients usually pay cash or switch to Wegovy via prior authorization.
Compounded semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide is the same active molecule prepared by a 503A pharmacy under prescription rather than manufactured under FDA new-drug approval as Ozempic. Cash-pay savings versus branded Ozempic are typically 50-80%, but the regulatory environment has tightened. FDA shortage list resolved October 2024; off-label prescribing for weight loss continues but insurance coverage for off-label use is rare in 2026. For the comparison, see compounded vs FDA-approved semaglutide.
Programs that prescribe Ozempic
These programs in our chart prescribe Ozempic (with insurance coverage where applicable, or as a cash-pay option). Ranked by overall score.
Ozempic vs other GLP-1s
Editorial disclosure
GLP Chart is an editorial comparison site. We do not dispense, prescribe, or fulfill medications. Talk to a licensed clinician about whether Ozempic is appropriate for you. Pricing reflects publicly verified rates as of 12 May 2026; verify with the manufacturer or your prescriber before committing.