Key takeaways
- Semaglutide is the main ingredient in Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy and has become increasingly popular for weight loss.
- You must meet specific diagnostic criteria to get a prescription for semaglutide.
- Pharmacies and telehealth platforms offer semaglutide, such as Sesame Care for Ozempic.
Semaglutide is a drug that stimulates insulin production and can help manage weight. It belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
It’s the main ingredient in three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
While Ozempic has become increasingly popular for weight loss, it’s approved only for managing type 2 diabetes. Taking Ozempic for weight loss is still considered an “off-label” use. Wegovy is the only form of semaglutide currently approved for weight loss.
Once you have a prescription, you can buy semaglutide medications online and at your local pharmacy.
However, the FDA recommends obtaining semaglutide only with a prescription from:
- a licensed healthcare professional
- a
state-licensed pharmacy - an outsourcing facility registered with the FDA
Many products marketed as semaglutide online may not contain the FDA-approved active ingredient. Instead, they may contain unregulated, untested forms such as semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate or non-FDA-approved
Buying such products from unlicensed or unregulated sources online can pose risks to your health. In the event that you choose to use an online pharmacy, the FDA’s
Keep in mind that even if you successfully fill your prescription online, you will likely need to undergo in-person laboratory tests or other assessments.
You can get semaglutide from your doctor after an in-person visit. They will write a prescription for it.
You can also visit an online pharmacy or telehealth company if you prefer. Here are a few trusted options.
• weight loss curriculum
• food tracking app
• weight loss program
• Wegovy
• discounts on lab tests
• $249 per month for medication and services
• Rybelsus
• $10 off dental and primary care visits
• unlimited messaging with the care team
• Rybelsus
• weight loss curriculum
• ongoing support
• insurance assistance
Your eligibility for a semaglutide prescription is up to the discretion of your healthcare professional. However, insurance will typically cover the cost of semaglutide only for people who meet certain criteria. These criteria vary by brand, as each is formulated for a different use.
Eligibility for Wegovy typically depends on your body mass index (BMI).
Wegovy, the only form of semaglutide approved for weight loss, is intended for use by those with either of the following:
- a BMI of 27 or greater and one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure
- a BMI of 30 or greater
Both Ozempic and Rybelsus are intended for use in people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic has additional approval for reducing the risk of heart issues in people with either type 2 diabetes or heart disease. In some cases, it may also be prescribed to those with insulin resistance but not type 2 diabetes.
Even if you meet these criteria, many insurance plans require prior authorization before covering semaglutide. This means a healthcare professional must submit documentation to the insurance company showing that the medication is medically necessary for you. Approval may take time and is not guaranteed.
While some healthcare professionals may prescribe semaglutide off-label or for people who don’t meet the criteria above, such as for weight loss in individuals without diabetes, those prescriptions will not typically be covered by insurance.
The cost of semaglutide can vary depending on the brand, dosage, pharmacy, and whether you use a discount platform. Shopping around can help you find the best price.
The table below shows the cost of semaglutide at various online pharmacies when accessed through Optum Perks, a platform providing prescription discounts:
| Rybelsus | Ozempic | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy | $972 | $1,000 | $1,400 |
| Target (CVS) | $972 | $1,000 | $1,400 |
| Rite Aid | $937 | $1,000 | $1,400 |
| Walgreens | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,400 |
| Walmart | $974 | $1,000 | $1,400 |
It’s important to note that all three medications are brand-name only, with no cheaper generic alternatives currently available. Each product is manufactured by a single company, which, combined with high demand, can put added strain on supply and contribute to higher prices.
Health insurance companies may cover Ozempic and Rybelsus if you have type 2 diabetes. Wegovy injections may be covered by insurance if you have obesity or have overweight and at least one weight-related health condition.
If you have type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance and don’t have insurance, a patient assistance program such as NovoCare may be able to help you get Ozempic or Rybelsus at a lower price.
Medicare or Medicaid might cover semaglutide for type 2 diabetes but will not typically cover it for weight management.
If you’re interested, you may also be able to participate in a clinical trial for semaglutide medication. Searching terms such as “obesity” and “weight loss” combined with “semaglutide” at clinicaltrials.gov should give you the latest options in the United States.
No, you should not take semaglutide without guidance from a doctor.
In order to access this medication, a valid prescription from a licensed doctor or healthcare professional is needed.
Using semaglutide without medical supervision increases the risk of taking an incorrect dose or using a counterfeit or unsafe product.
No, you can’t get semaglutide over the counter.
All FDA-approved versions of semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus) are prescription-only medications. This means you must have a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional to access them.
If you’re interested in trying semaglutide, talk with a healthcare professional about whether it would be a good fit for your needs. Depending on your reason for taking it, insurance may cover some or all of the cost.
You can purchase semaglutide at local pharmacies or online, but the FDA recommends obtaining it only with a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional or a state-licensed pharmacy. While you may find semaglutide for sale online, these versions are unregulated and potentially harmful.