What it's approved for
- Improving blood sugar control, with diet and exercise, in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
- Reducing the risk of kidney disease worsening and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (added January 2025)
- Not approved for weight management (that is Wegovy, the same medicine at different doses)
How it works
It mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone released after meals. It slows stomach emptying, lowers appetite and helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high.
Ozempic has a half-life of about 1 week for the injection, so steady levels take 4 to 5 weeks.
The same medicine is sold as Wegovy. See Ozempic vs Wegovy.
Dose steps on the label
Increase after at least 4 weeks on the current dose, only if more blood sugar control is needed. Maintenance: 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg once weekly.
What the main trials found
SUSTAIN program: A1C fell about 1.5 to 1.8 points at 1 mg, with average weight loss of roughly 10 to 14 lb in most trials.
Most common side effects
| Side effect | Ozempic | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 16% to 20% | 6% |
| Vomiting | 5% to 9% | 2% |
| Diarrhea | 9% | 2% |
| Stomach pain | 6% to 7% | 5% |
| Constipation | 3% to 5% | 2% |
| Low blood sugar | Higher with insulin or a sulfonylurea | n/a |
Placebo-controlled type 2 diabetes trials in the Ozempic label (0.5 mg and 1 mg). See all side effects.
Cost snapshot
| Option | Per month | Per year | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $998 | $12,974 | List price per pen (about 4 weeks), before insurance |
| Most doses (NovoCare Pharmacy self-pay) | $349 | $4,188 | Self-pay |
| 2 mg dose | $499 | $5,988 | Self-pay |
Compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly. All savings options.
Everything about Ozempic
Dosage
Every dose step, timing and the maximum
OpenSide effects
How common each one is vs placebo
OpenCost and savings
List price, self-pay and savings cards
OpenInsurance coverage
Prior authorization and appeals
OpenMissed dose
What the label says to do
OpenStorage
Fridge, room temperature and travel
OpenHow to take it
Step by step, from the label
OpenWarnings
Boxed warning and who shouldn't use it
OpenExplainer · 0:23
Read the transcript
- After you eat, your gut releases a hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 medicines copy it, but last much longer in the body.
- It slows how fast your stomach empties, so you feel full sooner and stay full for longer.
- It also acts on appetite centers in the brain, which quiets hunger and constant thoughts about food.
- When blood sugar is high, it helps the pancreas release insulin. Tirzepatide also acts on a second gut hormone, GIP.
Compare Ozempic
Common questions
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk. It's a once weekly injection.
What is the starting dose of Ozempic?
The label starts at 0.25 mg, 4 weeks first. Increase after at least 4 weeks on the current dose, only if more blood sugar control is needed.
What is the highest dose of Ozempic?
The highest dose on the label is 2 mg once weekly.
Is Ozempic approved for weight loss?
No. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. The same medicine is approved for weight management as Wegovy.
What if I miss a dose of Ozempic?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible within 5 days. If more than 5 days have passed, skip it and take the next dose on your usual day.
Sources
Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error