We don't sell any medication. Providers are compared on publicly verifiable data; featured providers are clearly marked. Medical content reviewed by BIG-registered doctors. General information — not medical advice.
Semaglutide

Ozempic

Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine containing the active substance semaglutide, originally approved for type 2 diabetes. It suppresses appetite and is sometimes used off-label for weight loss — commonly called a weight-loss medication or weight-loss injection — always under the supervision of a doctor. Ozempic is usually cheaper than Mounjaro. Below you'll find neutral, factual information — no sales and no medical advice.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by the manufacturer Novo Nordisk. It is given as a weekly injection (a pre-filled pen).

  • Active substance: semaglutide
  • Approved for: type 2 diabetes (use for weight loss is off-label)
  • Administration: once a week, subcutaneously
  • Prescription only: yes — available only through a doctor and pharmacy

How does Ozempic work?

Semaglutide mimics the body's own hormone GLP-1. As a result, you feel full sooner and for longer, your stomach empties more slowly and your blood sugar drops. Hunger decreases, so people eat less.

The dose is increased gradually to limit side effects. The effect supports lifestyle change; lasting results also require adjustments to diet and exercise.

What are the side effects of Ozempic?

Most side effects are gastrointestinal complaints, especially during the dose build-up phase. Common ones include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Abdominal pain, belching
  • Reduced appetite, headache, fatigue

Rarer, more serious risks include pancreatitis and gallstones. Always read the patient leaflet and consult your doctor; report side effects to the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb.

What does Ozempic cost per month?

With Ozempic too, the dose largely determines the price. Semaglutide is built up (0.25 → 2.0 mg); the higher the dose, the higher the monthly price. The price also varies by provider and depending on whether medical guidance is included.

  • Indicative monthly prices range from around €149 (entry level, lowest dose) to €450+ (highest dose).
  • Ozempic/semaglutide is usually cheaper than Mounjaro.
  • Longer programmes often work out cheaper per month; watch out for all-in pricing versus guidance billed separately.

The "from" prices shown on this site are therefore entry prices (lowest dose). Compare the price per dose and per clinic in our comparison tool and cost calculator.

Is Ozempic covered by insurance?

For type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is reimbursed under certain conditions from the basic insurance package in the Netherlands (subject to your own risk excess). For weight loss, it is almost never reimbursed. Always check your own situation with your health insurer. Read more on our coverage page.

Is Ozempic dangerous?

Ozempic is an approved medicine that is considered sufficiently safe for its approved indications when used under medical supervision. There are risks, however: gastrointestinal complaints are common and there are rare serious side effects. It is not suitable for people with, among other things, certain types of thyroid cancer in the family, and it is not advised during pregnancy. A doctor will assess whether it is safe for you. Be extremely careful with online counterfeit products sold without a prescription — this is a genuine health risk.

Can you buy Ozempic without a prescription?

No. In the Netherlands, Ozempic is prescription only and may not be sold without a prescription. The only legal and safe route is: a doctor assesses whether it is suitable, writes a prescription if appropriate, and a registered pharmacy dispenses it. Providers offering medication without a careful intake or without a prescription are acting unsafely and possibly illegally. We do not sell any medicines ourselves.

Ozempic or Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on two hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) and produces greater average weight loss, but is usually more expensive. Ozempic (semaglutide) acts on a single receptor and is generally cheaper. A doctor will assess which one is suitable. Read the full Ozempic vs Mounjaro comparison.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Both contain semaglutide. Wegovy is approved for weight management, Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. For weight loss, using Ozempic is off-label.
How quickly do you lose weight with Ozempic?
This varies greatly from person to person and depends on the dose, lifestyle and medical guidance. A doctor will discuss realistic expectations during the intake.
Can you get Ozempic without a prescription?
No. Ozempic is prescription only and is prescribed only after a medical assessment by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacy.
What is comparable to Ozempic?
Wegovy contains the same substance (semaglutide) but is approved for weight management; Rybelsus is semaglutide in tablet form; Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is more potent through a dual mechanism; Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection. A doctor will assess which comparable medicine is appropriate. See the comparisons Wegovy vs Ozempic and Ozempic or Mounjaro.
Is Ozempic dangerous?
Ozempic is an approved medicine, supervised and authorised, that is considered acceptably safe for its approved indications. Gastrointestinal complaints are common; serious side effects are rare. The greatest genuine danger is counterfeit products without a prescription. A doctor will assess whether it is safe for you.
What does Ozempic do to your body?
Ozempic (semaglutide) mimics the hormone GLP-1: it suppresses appetite, slows stomach emptying so you feel full for longer, and lowers blood sugar. As a result, you generally eat less. It works alongside an adjusted lifestyle, not instead of it.
Is Ozempic insulin?
No. Ozempic is not insulin but a GLP-1 receptor agonist (semaglutide). It stimulates your own insulin release when blood sugar rises, but you are not injecting insulin yourself. It is approved for type 2 diabetes and used off-label for weight loss.
How many clicks is 0.5 mg of Ozempic?
The Ozempic pen has a dose counter that you set to the prescribed dose (such as 0.5 mg) — you don't count 'clicks' yourself to dose. Always follow the patient leaflet and the instructions from your doctor or pharmacy; never adjust the dose yourself.
When are you eligible for Ozempic?
A doctor will assess this. For type 2 diabetes under certain conditions; for weight loss it is sometimes considered off-label for obesity (BMI 30+) or overweight (BMI 27+) with a weight-related condition. See who it is suitable for.

Official sources on this topic

Independent, authoritative information from official bodies:

Ozempic is prescription-only. Whether it is suitable and safe for you is always assessed by a doctor. Not medical advice.