Key facts about Ozempic
- Active ingredient: Semaglutide
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- UK licence: Type 2 diabetes (MHRA-approved)
- Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection
- NHS availability: Available for type 2 diabetes management
- Private cost: Approximately £150–£250 per month
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a prescription medicine containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, it was originally developed and licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. In the UK, Ozempic received its marketing authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and has been available on the NHS for diabetes management since 2019.
Semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone produced in the gut after eating. It stimulates insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are elevated, reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and slows gastric emptying, which helps create a prolonged feeling of fullness after meals.
Although Ozempic is not specifically licensed for weight management in the UK (that indication belongs to Wegovy, which contains a higher dose of semaglutide), many patients experience significant weight loss as a secondary benefit. This has led to considerable public interest and, at times, supply pressures.
NHS availability and eligibility
Ozempic is available on the NHS as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in adults. According to NICE guidelines (NG28), GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide may be considered when other glucose-lowering treatments have not achieved adequate glycaemic control.
NHS eligibility criteria for Ozempic
To be prescribed Ozempic on the NHS, patients typically need to meet several criteria:
- A confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
- An HbA1c level that remains above target despite treatment with metformin and at least one other oral glucose-lowering medicine
- A BMI of 35 or above (or lower in certain ethnic groups where metabolic risk is higher at lower BMI thresholds)
- Agreement to participate in a structured weight management programme alongside medication
Your GP or diabetes specialist will assess whether Ozempic is appropriate based on your individual clinical circumstances. Some Clinical Commissioning Groups (now Integrated Care Boards) may have additional local prescribing criteria.
Important: Ozempic is not licensed for weight management alone in the UK. If you are seeking a GLP-1 medication specifically for weight loss, your clinician may consider Wegovy or Mounjaro instead.
Private prescriptions: costs and providers
If you do not meet NHS eligibility criteria or prefer not to wait for an NHS referral, Ozempic can be obtained through private healthcare providers. Several regulated online clinics and high street pharmacies now offer private prescriptions for semaglutide.
Typical private costs
| Dose | Approximate monthly cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 mg (starting dose) | £150–£180 | First 4 weeks |
| 0.5 mg (maintenance) | £170–£220 | Weeks 5–8 |
| 1 mg (standard) | £200–£250 | Most common maintenance dose |
| 2 mg (maximum) | £220–£280 | If additional control needed |
Prices vary between providers and may include or exclude the cost of a clinical consultation. Always check that any online pharmacy you use is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and that the prescriber is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
How Ozempic is used
Ozempic is administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week, on the same day each week. The injection is given using a pre-filled pen device into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Most patients find the injection straightforward and relatively painless.
Dosage schedule
Treatment follows a gradual dose-escalation approach to minimise gastrointestinal side effects:
- Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg once weekly (initiation dose, not therapeutic)
- Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg once weekly
- Week 9 onwards: 1 mg once weekly (standard maintenance dose)
- If needed: Dose may be increased to 2 mg once weekly after at least 8 weeks on 1 mg
The starting dose of 0.25 mg is intended to allow your body to adjust to the medication and is not a therapeutic dose. It is important not to skip the escalation steps, as doing so increases the likelihood of side effects.
Side effects of Ozempic
Like all medicines, Ozempic can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them. The most frequently reported side effects are gastrointestinal in nature and typically improve as the body adjusts to the medication.
Very common side effects (more than 1 in 10 people)
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people)
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Reduced appetite
- Dizziness
- Injection site reactions
Uncommon but serious side effects
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) — seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain
- Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), particularly when used alongside insulin or sulphonylureas
- Acute kidney injury, usually secondary to severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea
- Allergic reactions
For a more detailed overview of side effects across all GLP-1 medications, see our GLP-1 side effects guide.
Who should not take Ozempic?
Ozempic is not suitable for everyone. According to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and BNF guidance, it should not be used in the following circumstances:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients
- Type 1 diabetes
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (contraception should be used during treatment and for at least 2 months after stopping)
Caution is also advised in patients with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or diabetic retinopathy. Your prescriber will conduct a thorough assessment before initiating treatment.
Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro
It is helpful to understand how Ozempic compares with other GLP-1 medications available in the UK. While all three share a similar mechanism of action, they differ in their licensed indications, dosing and clinical outcomes.
| Feature | Ozempic | Wegovy | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| UK licence | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes + weight management |
| Maximum dose | 2 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly | 15 mg weekly |
| Average weight loss | 10–15% | 15–17% | 18–22% |
| NHS availability | Diabetes only | Weight management services | Diabetes + weight management |
For a comprehensive side-by-side analysis, visit our UK weight loss injections comparison page.
Supply and availability in 2026
The UK experienced intermittent supply issues with Ozempic during 2023 and 2024, largely driven by unprecedented global demand. As of early 2026, supply has largely stabilised, although periodic shortages of specific pen strengths may still occur.
The MHRA and the Department of Health and Social Care continue to monitor supply chains. NHS England has issued guidance prioritising Ozempic supply for patients with type 2 diabetes over off-label weight management use.
If you are affected by a supply shortage, your pharmacist or prescriber may suggest an alternative GLP-1 receptor agonist or adjust your treatment plan temporarily.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Ozempic for weight loss on the NHS?
Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK and is therefore not typically prescribed on the NHS solely for weight management. However, if you have type 2 diabetes, the weight loss that occurs during treatment is a recognised benefit. For weight management specifically, your clinician may consider Wegovy or Mounjaro.
How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
Most patients begin to notice improvements in blood sugar control within 1 to 2 weeks. Weight loss effects typically become apparent after 4 to 8 weeks, with the most significant results occurring during the first 6 months of treatment at the maintenance dose.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Ozempic?
There is no specific contraindication to moderate alcohol consumption while taking Ozempic. However, alcohol can affect blood sugar levels, particularly in people with diabetes, and may worsen gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea. It is advisable to discuss alcohol intake with your prescriber.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the next dose is due within 2 days, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.