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Medication

Ozempic

Ozempic is brand-name semaglutide approved for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It is widely prescribed off-label for weight loss, particularly before Wegovy approval and during Wegovy supply shortages. List price runs approximately $968/month without insurance.

Generic name: semaglutide · Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk · Updated May 2026

FDA status
FDA-approved 2017
List price
$968/month
Schedule
Once weekly
Form
Subcutaneous injection (prefilled multi-dose pen)

Quick facts

Generic namesemaglutide
Brand manufacturerNovo Nordisk
FDA indicationType 2 diabetes (off-label use for weight loss is common)
FDA approval year2017
FormSubcutaneous injection (prefilled multi-dose pen)
ScheduleOnce weekly
List price (cash)$968/month

Available doses

What it's used for

How Ozempic compares

For drug-class comparisons, see our medication-comparison hub:

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide Ozempic vs Wegovy Mounjaro vs Zepbound Wegovy vs Zepbound Compounded vs Brand

Compounded alternatives

Compounded semaglutide is available through telehealth at $199–$449/month. Compounded products are not FDA-approved as finished drugs and are prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies on a per-patient basis. April 2026 FDA guidance applies to compounded GLP-1 advertising and prescribing. See our compounded vs brand-name guide for details.

Reputable telehealth options for compounded semaglutide:

Insurance coverage

Coverage varies significantly by carrier and employer plan. See our insurance hub for plan-specific guidance:

UnitedHealthcare Anthem BCBS Aetna Cigna Medicare Part D TRICARE

Frequently asked questions

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Ozempic is brand-name semaglutide approved for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It is widely prescribed off-label for weight loss, particularly before Wegovy approval and during Wegovy supply shortages. L

How much does Ozempic cost?

Ozempic list price is approximately $968/month. Insurance may cover it with prior authorization for FDA-approved indications. Compounded semaglutide is available at $199–$449/month.

Is Ozempic FDA-approved?

FDA-approved 2017. Indication: Type 2 diabetes (off-label use for weight loss is common).

What are the dosing steps for Ozempic?

Doses available: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg. Schedule: Once weekly. Always follow your prescribing clinician's titration plan.

What's the difference between Ozempic and other GLP-1s?

See our medication comparisons hub for head-to-head pages on Wegovy vs Zepbound, Ozempic vs Wegovy, and semaglutide vs tirzepatide.

Note: This page is an editorial overview, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician about whether Ozempic is appropriate for you.