Ozempic
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It was approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Like other GLP-1 medications, it works by enhancing insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. Although it is not FDA-approved for weight loss (that indication belongs to Wegovy, which uses the same molecule), many clinicians prescribe it for type 2 diabetics who also wish to manage weight, and significant weight loss is a commonly reported effect.
Educational reference only — your prescriber sets your actual schedule.
How Ozempic works
Semaglutide mimics the natural gut hormone GLP-1. It activates GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, the gut, and the brain. In the pancreas it boosts insulin release in response to meals and suppresses glucagon. In the gut it slows how quickly food empties from the stomach. In the brain it reduces appetite and food cravings. The molecule has a half-life of about a week, which is why a single weekly injection maintains stable drug levels.
Dose schedule
Ozempic is started at 0.25 mg weekly for the first four weeks. This dose is a titration dose — it is not effective for blood sugar control, but it gives your body time to adjust and reduces gastrointestinal side effects. After four weeks the dose increases to 0.5 mg weekly. Depending on glycemic response, your prescriber may step up to 1.0 mg, and from late 2022 a 2.0 mg maintenance dose has been available. Each step-up should follow at least four weeks at the prior dose. Reference ladder only — your prescriber sets your actual schedule.
Common side effects
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These are most common in the first weeks and after each dose increase, and typically improve as the body adapts. Other common effects: fatigue, sulfur-tasting burps, headache, and mild injection-site reactions. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is uncommon when Ozempic is used alone but can occur if combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Serious risks
Ozempic carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors based on rodent studies; it should not be used in people with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Cases of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney injury (often from severe dehydration), and diabetic retinopathy complications have been reported. Discuss your full medical history with your prescriber before starting.
Storage and handling
Unopened Ozempic pens are stored refrigerated (36-46°F / 2-8°C). Once in use, a pen can be kept at room temperature (up to 86°F / 30°C) or refrigerated, and should be discarded 56 days after first use. Never freeze the pen, and do not use it if the medication looks cloudy.
Cost and insurance
List price in the United States is generally $900-$1,000 per month without insurance, though many patients pay much less through commercial insurance, manufacturer savings programs, or pharmacy coupons. Insurance coverage for type 2 diabetes is widespread; coverage for off-label weight loss use is rare. The Novo Nordisk savings card may reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients with commercial insurance.
Comparison
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus all use the same molecule (semaglutide). Ozempic and Wegovy are injectable; Rybelsus is an oral tablet. Wegovy uses higher doses for weight management. Compared to Mounjaro / Zepbound (tirzepatide), Ozempic typically produces less weight loss on average in head-to-head studies, though individual response varies.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-24
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