What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand-name prescription medication containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients with established heart disease.

Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Ozempic was first FDA-approved in December 2017. It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen. Ozempic is not a controlled substance and is not insulin — it works through a completely different mechanism.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what Ozempic is used for, how it's taken, who should avoid it, and what it costs in 2026.

What Is Ozempic Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

Ozempic has two FDA-approved indications:

1. Type 2 diabetes management — As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control (blood sugar) in adults with type 2 diabetes.
2. Cardiovascular risk reduction — To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Off-Label Uses

Ozempic has gained significant attention for off-label uses, meaning uses not specifically approved by the FDA:

• Weight loss — While Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight management, the same active ingredient (semaglutide) is approved at a higher dose under the brand name Wegovy for chronic weight management.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH) — Emerging research suggests benefits, though this is still being studied.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — Some providers prescribe it to help with insulin resistance and weight in PCOS patients.

Related Medications

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in three brand-name medications:

• Ozempic — Weekly injection for type 2 diabetes (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg)
• Wegovy — Weekly injection for weight management (up to 2.4 mg)
• Rybelsus — Daily oral tablet for type 2 diabetes (3 mg, 7 mg, or 14 mg)

How Is Ozempic Taken?

Ozempic is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once per week using a pre-filled, disposable pen. Here's what the dosing schedule looks like:

Dose Titration Schedule

1. Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg once weekly (starting dose — not intended for blood sugar control, just to let your body adjust)
2. Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg once weekly
3. If needed: Increase to 1 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on 0.5 mg
4. If needed: Increase to 2 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on 1 mg (maximum dose)

How to Inject

• Inject in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
• Rotate injection sites to avoid irritation
• Take it on the same day each week — you can change the day as long as your last dose was at least 2 days prior
• Can be taken with or without food
• Store unused pens in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F). After first use, a pen can be kept at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 56 days.

Available Pen Options

• 0.25 mg / 0.5 mg pen — Used during the initiation phase and low-dose maintenance
• 1 mg pen — For patients on 1 mg maintenance dose
• 2 mg pen — For patients on the maximum 2 mg dose

Who Should Not Take Ozempic?

Ozempic is contraindicated (should not be used) in the following situations:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) — Ozempic carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodents.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Known allergy to semaglutide or any ingredient in Ozempic
• Type 1 diabetes — Ozempic is not for type 1 diabetes
• Pregnancy — Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy

Use with caution if you have a history of pancreatitis, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, or gastroparesis. For a complete rundown on side effects and risks, see our Ozempic side effects guide.

How Much Does Ozempic Cost?

Ozempic is expensive — here's what you can expect in 2026:

• List price: $935.77 per month (wholesale acquisition cost)
• Retail cash price: $800 to $1,100 per month depending on pharmacy and dose
• With insurance: $25 to $150 per month depending on your plan (most commercial plans cover it for type 2 diabetes with prior authorization)
• NovoCare Savings Card: Insured patients may pay as little as $25/month. Uninsured patients pay $349/month for 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1 mg pens, or $499/month for the 2 mg pen.
• Patient assistance: Novo Nordisk's Patient Assistance Program provides free Ozempic to qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients below 400% of the federal poverty level.

No generic semaglutide injection is currently available. For more ways to reduce costs, read our complete guide to saving money on Ozempic.

Final Thoughts

Ozempic is a powerful medication for managing type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risk. Understanding how it works, how to take it, and what it costs puts you in a better position to have informed conversations with your doctor.

If you have a prescription and need to find Ozempic in stock, Medfinder can show you which pharmacies near you have it available. You can also learn more about how Ozempic works or explore alternatives if Ozempic isn't the right fit.