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FDA-approved · off-labelRx

Ozempic®

Semaglutide in a once-weekly pen, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. May be prescribed off-label for weight management at your prescriber's discretion.

Molecule
Semaglutide
Form
Prefilled weekly injection pen
FDA status
Approved for type 2 diabetes; not approved for weight management
Off-label
May be prescribed for weight management at a licensed provider's discretion; off-label means the FDA has not approved that use
Made by
Novo Nordisk; dispensed as the manufacturer's product
Compounded
Never
Rx required. Prescription products require an online consultation with a California-licensed healthcare provider who will determine whether a prescription is appropriate.

How it works

In plain terms.

The same semaglutide as Wegovy®, at the doses approved for type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar by boosting insulin response, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite. When a prescriber uses it for weight management, that is an off-label decision made for the individual patient.

How to take it

  • Once a week, same day each week, under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm.
  • The label's schedule starts at 0.25 mg and steps up; your prescriber sets the pace.
  • Your pharmacist will walk you through the pen.

What to expect

  • Nausea and early fullness in the first weeks at each step.
  • Prescribers sometimes choose it when Wegovy® is unavailable or not covered; the effect on appetite is the same molecule at work.
  • Regular check-ins with your prescriber.

Not for

  • Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.
  • Anyone with a history of pancreatitis, unless a prescriber decides otherwise.
  • Pregnancy, or planning pregnancy within two months.
  • Anyone using another GLP-1 medication.

Important safety information

Read before you start. Your prescriber reviews the full profile with you.

Semaglutide: Wegovy® (pen and pill) and Ozempic®

Boxed warning. Semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; it is unknown whether it causes thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in people. Do not use if you or a family member has had MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your prescriber about any lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.

Wegovy® is FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Ozempic® is FDA approved for type 2 diabetes; a prescriber may prescribe it off-label for weight management at their discretion, and off-label means the FDA has not approved that use. Both are dispensed only as the manufacturer's product.

  • Serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems from dehydration, severe allergic reactions, worsening of diabetic eye disease, and low blood sugar (especially with insulin or sulfonylureas).
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviour have been reported with weight-management medicines; tell your prescriber about any history of depression and report any new or worsening mood changes.
  • Semaglutide slows stomach emptying and can affect how other oral medicines are absorbed; it may also increase the risk of aspiration during procedures under anaesthesia. Tell any clinician treating you.
  • Do not use if pregnant; stop at least two months before a planned pregnancy.
  • Common side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness, heartburn.

This is not a complete list of side effects, warnings, or interactions. Read the full prescribing information or medication guide, and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. FarmaciaRx is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk.

Request a consultation

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There's no charge to request a consultation. A California-licensed prescriber reviews your intake before anything is prescribed.

Prefer to talk? Call (714) 215-4740, Mon to Sat 9 am to 7 pm Pacific.

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Questions about Ozempic®

Anything else, call (714) 215-4740.

Why would a prescriber choose Ozempic® over Wegovy®?

Availability, cost or coverage. Wegovy® is the semaglutide product approved for weight management; Ozempic® is approved for diabetes and may be used off-label. Your prescriber will explain the choice.

Is off-label legal?

Yes. Prescribers may prescribe an FDA-approved medication for an unapproved use when they judge it appropriate for a patient. We do not market Ozempic® for weight loss; we state the approved use and the off-label possibility.

Is it compounded?

No. Manufacturer's product only.

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