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Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, is a type 2 diabetes medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals. The FDA approved it in 2017.
Designed to manage blood glucose levels in diabetics, it imitates a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which sends a message to your brain after eating that your stomach is full. Ozempic also works to slow down how fast your stomach empties so that you will eat less. There for many people want to get it for weight loss and start asking “Can I buy Ozempic over the counter?”
The short answer is that Ozempic is not approved as a weight loss solution, and it is available by prescription. However, some doctors and telehealth platforms like Jack & Jill do prescribe it off-label for weight management. Keep reading to learn more.
If what you’ve heard so far sounds interesting and you’re wondering, “Do I need a prescription for Ozempic?” The answer is yes. Ozempic can not be legally bought under its patented name without a prescription. However, the active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, is available in other forms, but more about that later.
To be eligible for Ozempic, you must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Those with a BMI over 27 are also eligible if they have at least one other weight-related symptom, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
According to the manufacturer’s website, you should not use Ozempic if you or anyone in your family has ever had Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC). You should also not use Ozempic if you have an endocrine system condition known as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).
Places where you can buy Ozempic legally with a prescription are:
Ozempic can be legally purchased with a prescription at several large pharmacy chains across the U.S., including CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, and Costco.
Can you buy Ozempic online? Several online pharmacies and telehealth options are available, though there are some things you should keep in mind.
Not all online pharmacies and telehealth options accept insurance, though many will try to work with you. Some also charge consultation fees and subscription fees that increase your total spend. Also, some of the counseling and coaching services are not provided by certified professionals.
If you’re thinking about buying Ozempic online, here are some things you need to consider beforehand.
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global warning regarding the online sale of fake GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic in the U.S. and other countries. These counterfeit medications can pose healthcare risks to customers and should be avoided.
To avoid this kind of scam, ensure you’re using a reputable online pharmacy, checking the prescription requirements, and verifying the pharmacy’s credentials. If you have any doubt, don’t buy it.
Because of recent global shortages of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, plus the high cost of these drugs without insurance, be wary of any discounts that are too good to be true.
Many illicit GLP-1 drugs can contain heavy metals and other harmful toxins, which is why they can be sold for so much cheaper than the real thing.
Compounded semaglutide is when a compounding pharmacy custom-makes your medication. That means it will contain the basic active ingredient of semaglutide, but the comparison ends there. It is hard to know what other substances have been added.
Do not assume that compounded semaglutide is a generic version of Ozempic or Wegovy, as the FDA has not approved generic variations of these drugs yet.
If a seller peddles a mock-up of a drug to you illegally, there is no reason to believe that they also won’t try to violate your privacy and steal your data during the transaction. Be smart. Stay away from buying medications online unless it is a reputable pharmacy.
You’re probably asking whether you can buy Ozempic over the counter because of the cost. Without insurance, Ozempic can be quite costly.
According to a 2024 article in Medical News Today, here’s the data for how much a 30-day supply of Ozempic without health insurance is at the major U.S. pharmacy chains [1]:
Generic versions are usually less expensive, but the FDA has not approved any generic versions of Ozempic at this time.
Insurance coverage for Ozempic is usually common among most private and work-related plans if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, you would have to check with your insurer if they will also cover it for off-label uses such as weight loss.
Medicare Part D covers many diabetic medications, as do some Medicare Advantage plans. However, Medicare doesn’t cover any weight loss medications under the MMA Act passed by Congress. Medicaid may cover it, but you must contact your state’s Medicaid agency for details.
Since 2022, Ozempic and Wegovy have been in short supply due to popular demand. As of 2025, the supplies of both medications are still listed as available. However, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, has stated that the current shortage will continue through 2025.
If you’re curious about what medicine is comparable to Ozempic, you’d be hard-pressed to find an alternative. According to an article on the FDA’s official website, the agency recommends avoiding compounded versions of semaglutide, as problems have been reported regarding its use [2].
Retatrutide, another GLP-1 drug, is also frowned upon by the FDA, as it has not been found safe and effective for any condition. There are also salt forms that have been compounded with semaglutide to mimic the drug’s actions, but there is no proof that these compounded forms work either.
If you’ve come this far in this read about Ozempic, check out our reviews of top telehealth platforms that offer Ozempic alternatives as well as Ozempic itself.
Jack & Jill offers personalized GLP-1 weight loss medications, including Ozempic, through a simple process. All you need do is share your health history and goals with their medical team.
If you meet the criteria, you’ll be onboarded to their weight loss program. After that, they will help you customize a treatment plan with the correct prescription drugs, and you can reach out to their care team anytime if you have questions about the program.
Jack & Jill boasts glowing testimonials on their website, with users like Angela celebrating a 15-pound weight loss journey (and aiming for even more!). The positive feedback highlights the helpful support provided by the Jack & Jill health team [3].
But, to get the whole picture of Jack & Jill’s weight loss programs, don’t rely solely on these rosy reviews. Seek out independent feedback for a more balanced perspective.
ReflexMD is an online service that provides compounded doses of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic. They advertise free access to a healthcare provider within 24 hours, free overnight shipping, phone support, and a proven 15% average weight loss.
ReflexMD is becoming popular with many users, boasting an impressive 4.3-star average from over 2,500 Trustpilot reviews! Donald, for instance, raves about his 61-pound weight loss journey in just 7 months, emphasizing the ease of the injections and the program’s effectiveness [4].
However, LaToya’s 3-star review reveals a potential snag: while she found the process smooth and hassle-free, she wasn’t impressed with the customer service when she had an inquiry [5].
Strut is an online medical service that offers a much cheaper and easier-to-get version of semaglutide. To get approved, you’ll complete a quick online questionnaire, and if necessary, you’ll be connected to an online MD.
A one-month supply of injectable semaglutide starts at $289, less than half the actual cost of the Ozempic without insurance. There are also semaglutide lozenges available for $149 per month.
Strut gets a thumbs-up for customer service, but watch out for subscription snags! One Trustpilot user, however, was very satisfied with their experience, highlighting the helpful medical staff, easy ordering, and timely delivery [6].
Meanwhile, Kelly struggled to cancel her subscription, being charged and sent products despite two cancellation attempts [7].
Maximus will help you lose weight with an online prescription of semaglutide or tirzepatide for $249.99 monthly. All you need to do is complete a 5-minute online quiz, pass an at-home blood test that costs an additional $99.99, and get a 1-month supply of semaglutide delivered to your door.
Maximus is a cash pay-only clinic that accepts Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for services. All orders include free priority shipping.
James, a satisfied customer on Trustpilot, praises Maximus for its streamlined process, easy-to-navigate systems, and excellent follow-up. He appreciates the thoughtful design of their entire approach [8].
On the flip side, while JC finds the user interface suitable, he notes slow doctor response times and occasional incomplete answers [9].
Here are some questions frequently asked by customers regarding where to buy Ozempic.
Yes, even though Ozempic has only been approved for type 2 diabetes, some doctors are willing to prescribe it off-label for weight loss.
As of 2025, Ozempic is back on the shelves in some places, though many pharmacies in the United States and elsewhere are still experiencing shortages.
Yes, even though the FDA has not approved it for weight loss alone, some doctors will prescribe it as an off-label medication for those struggling with weight loss.
The generic name for Ozempic is semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone to help address low blood sugar levels and reduce appetite.
According to a study published in the JAMA network online, 175 patients who were either overweight or obese lost an average of 5.9% of their body weight in 3 months of using Ozempic for weight loss [10].
The most common side effects of Ozempic are not usually dangerous or life-threatening and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and flatulence. More serious side effects include vision problems, rapid heart rate, problems swallowing or breathing, gallstones, pancreatitis, kidney problems, and thyroid problems.
Ozempic is generally unavailable over-the-counter in most countries, including the United States. It is a prescription medication primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy.
Ozempic is only available by prescription for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Some doctors and telehealth platforms like Jack & Jill may prescribe it for weight loss, but many won’t.
The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, is available in other generic weight loss drugs over the counter. However, the buyer should be aware that the FDA condemns compounded formulas using semaglutide as potentially dangerous.
Before considering using Ozempic, either by prescription or over the counter as semaglutide, you should first speak with your doctor to determine what is safe and efficacious for you.
Ever since high school, I dedicated myself to volunteering at Red Cross and other local NGOs, assisting peers and individuals struggling with health issues. My primary focus ever since, in my personal life and in my career, has been guiding others toward understanding how even small lifestyle changes like regular exercise, taking the right supplements and having proper nutrition can lead to significant improvements in their life. Education: Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, North Macedonia Personal anecdotes: “Good health is the foundation for happy life” Experience: Content Manager & Writer for Health & Wellness
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