Ozempic is a popular prescription drug that helps manage Type 2 diabetes and supports weight loss. This medication slows gastric emptying to keep patients feeling full and suppresses appetite.

It's also the star of a burgeoning "med spa" industry that provides injections like Ozempic to customers without insurance. But these med spas can be price gouged, so it's important to shop around for the best prices.

1. MedsMatch

Ozempic is a prescription medication that helps manage Type 2 diabetes and supports weight loss in eligible patients. It isn’t insulin, but it complements other diabetes treatments like oral medications and lifestyle changes. It slows gastric emptying to keep you feeling full longer and suppresses your appetite. The drug is trusted by doctors to help patients achieve their health goals and become more active. It is also a popular choice for celebrities who have been struggling to lose weight.

Celebrities such as Tracy Morgan, Dolores Cantina and Golnesa ‘GG’ Gharachedaghi have touted the benefits of this injectable drug for both managing their diabetes and promoting weight loss. The drug was approved by the FDA in 2017 and has since become a major player in the fight against obesity. But despite the popularity of the drug, many people struggle to afford it. This is why savings cards, patient assistance programs, and manufacturer coupons are available to help reduce the cost of this medication.

When shopping for an affordable prescription, it is important to compare prices at multiple pharmacies before settling on one. Prices vary greatly, and mail-order pharmacies often offer the lowest prices on long-term drugs like Ozempic. Some of these pharmacies even offer free shipping with a 90-day supply of medication. These discounts can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs.

However, it is important to note that these discounts are only valid for prescriptions with a valid doctor’s prescription. In addition, it is important to follow the recommended injection site guidelines to ensure proper administration of the medication. Typically, the upper arm is recommended. Changing the injection site frequently can prevent irritation and inflammation at the injection site. It is also important to avoid sharing the medication with others, as this can lead to serious infections.

If you are on Medicare, it is important to check your insurance coverage before filling your Ozempic prescription. Most health plans have a formulary that lists medications they cover and the amount you will pay out-of-pocket. In some cases, your insurance may place Ozempic on a higher tier or it may not be covered at all.

2. Pharmacy Express

As of late, it’s hard to talk about diabetes management Ozempic for Weight Loss without mentioning the popular new prescription drug Ozempic (also known as semaglutide). This medication has quickly risen to prominence in America as a highly effective treatment for both diabetes and off-label use for aiding weight loss. Due to its effectiveness and high demand, however, it can sometimes be difficult to obtain a prescription for Ozempic even if you have a valid medical need.

Fortunately, there are some pharmacies that offer reliable access to this medication. By purchasing your Ozempic online from a reputable Canadian or international pharmacy website, you can save money and ensure continuous access to this life-changing medication.

The first step is to make sure you’re eligible to take Ozempic by assessing your health profile. This includes any existing conditions or medications you’re currently taking, as this will help determine whether it’s safe for you to use. It’s also important to be completely open and honest with your prescriber when you’re filling out your prescription, as certain conditions can exacerbate the effects of Ozempic. This is particularly true for individuals with pancreatic, kidney, or thyroid problems.

Lastly, if you’re thinking about using Ozempic to help with weight loss, it’s important to remember that it’s not a replacement for healthy eating and regular exercise. Rather, it’s intended to be used alongside these practices to support your overall lifestyle and help you achieve the results you’re looking for.

It’s also important to check with your insurance provider before buying a prescription for Ozempic, as they may decide to drop or reduce coverage at any time. Purchasing from an online Canadian or international pharmacy allows you to tap into a broad network of suppliers that can provide you with continued access to the medication, even in the event of local shortages. In addition, these pharmacies are regulated by Health Canada and operate under strict safety and authenticity standards, ensuring your health is always in good hands.

3. PlushCare

Originally prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes, Ozempic (semaglutide) has gained attention for its ability to aid weight loss. Despite being an expensive drug, discounts, prescription cards, and patient assistance programs can reduce the cost for those without insurance or who are ineligible for coverage. However, the process of obtaining the medication online can be a daunting one.

Several telehealth companies have emerged, including PlushCare, Hims & Hers, and Ro Body, that offer access to Ozempic in conjunction with their weight loss programs. Typically, patients must first consult with the company’s medical providers via video conference to determine whether the medication is right for them. After that, they can purchase the compounded version of semaglutide from the company’s pharmacy partners.

The consultation and medication fees can add up, especially if the telehealth provider isn’t transparent about pricing. “If an online pharmacy or telehealth platform is advertising extremely low prices on Ozempic, that’s a red flag,” says Dr. Kelvas. “It’s not typical for there to be that much of a discount on this medication.”

Aside from the price, some telehealth companies may also charge monthly subscription fees for their services. These can range from $99 to $150, which may be more than the cost of the medication itself. The subscription model has drawn the ire of Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. The pharmaceutical giant has sued many telehealth companies, including Hims & Hers and Ro Body, for trademark infringement.

While some telehealth companies offer easy ordering and short shipping times, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s website for official pricing information. While it is normal for exact pricing to fluctuate slightly, extreme discounts should be a warning sign.

Only a few of the telehealth companies that we vetted have an insurance option, and most require prior authorization for Ozempic, which can lead to a lengthy wait time. Noom Med is the exception, as it offers a comprehensive program that includes a health coach, an online learning hub for eating and exercise habits, and a smart scale to track weight loss progress.

4. Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk, the Danish drug giant that makes Ozempic, is reaping the rewards of the weight loss craze. Its net profit more than doubled between 2019 and 2023, and its stock has surged to new heights. But the company has also created what some observers call a “pharmastate,” in which its dominance of the Danish economy has become an issue of public concern.

The company is under pressure from lawmakers, who want to know if it is exploiting the drug craze for its own financial gain. The company says it is working to increase production to meet demand, but critics say the company’s prices are unjustified. In a congressional hearing, Novo Nordisk executives were grilled by senators about the pricing of the drugs. Senator Bernie Sanders argued that the company is charging Americans far more than other countries for the same drugs, which are approved to treat diabetes and obesity.

According to the FDA, more than half of all prescriptions for the diabetes drugs Ozempic and Wegovy in the United States are written off-label for weight loss. These medications are part of a new class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a gut hormone that reduces appetite and slows digestion to make you feel full longer. Other drugs in the class include Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound, and the market for them is growing fast.

Analysts expect that sales of the medicines will hit $150 billion by the early 2030s. But despite their popularity, many patients struggle to afford the medicines. Moreover, some have complained of side effects like suicidal thoughts and other serious problems.

To counter the criticisms, the company has been trying to negotiate with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). These companies are big players in the healthcare industry and work with insurers to negotiate discounts and rebates on medicines. The top PBMs, including UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Rx, CVS Health’s Caremark and Cigna’s Express Scripts, recently told Novo Nordisk that if the company substantially lowered the price of Ozempic and Wegovy, they would not remove them from their formularies.

But Novo Nordisk execs were still wary about pursuing the diet-drug market, Knudsen says. They were concerned about the risk of a repeat of past failures, such as the fen-phen diet drugs of the 1990s and 2000s, which were found to cause dangerous side effects and ultimately pulled from the market.