Introduction
If you’re considering Ozempic or Wegovy for type 2 diabetes or weight management, you’re not alone. Semaglutide’s popularity has grown quickly, with endorsements from public figures. After securing a prescription, your next step is to find a reliable source. Here’s where to buy semaglutide in the US.
What is semaglutide?
As popular as Ozempic and Wegovy may be, not everyone may be familiar with its active ingredient, semaglutide. What is it and why is it so effective? How does it work?
In our gut is a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1. Whenever we eat, our blood sugar levels spike and GLP-1 helps bring this down by triggering the pancreas to release the hormone insulin.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, acts like GLP-1, lowering blood sugar. This dual action helps control blood glucose.
At the same time, semaglutide also signals to the brain that you’re full, apart from delaying gastric emptying. Gastric emptying is the process wherein food exits the gut and enters the small intestine. Because digestion is slower, you don’t think of food as much and have fewer food cravings. As a result, you don’t eat as much and end up losing weight.
Semaglutide is available in Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Ozempic and Rybelsus are primarily for type 2 diabetes, but doctors sometimes prescribe these off-label for weight loss.
Oral and subcutaneous semaglutide
Before buying semaglutide, it’s important to understand its different formats as you may have a preference for one way of administering the drug over another. You may also want to take it daily or weekly.
There are two ways you can take semaglutide: either orally or subcutaneously (injecting it under the skin).
Ozempic has two sister semaglutide brands: Wegovy and Rybelsus. Both Ozempic and Rybelsus have FDA approval to treat type 2 diabetes, while Rybelsus has FDA approval to treat obesity.
Ozempic and Wegovy are subcutaneous (under the skin) injections, while Rybelsus is an oral tablet. All three regulate blood sugar and aid in weight loss, although Novo Nordisk markets them for different uses.
Although they might be different brands for different uses, essentially, they are all semaglutide. They also offer the same therapeutic benefits of regulating blood sugar levels and promoting weight.
Because semaglutide is so effective, many healthcare providers choose to prescribe Ozempic or Rybelsus off-label for their weight loss effect.
Eligibility
Although Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are FDA-approved to be safe, not everyone can just take semaglutide. You first need to meet certain diagnostic criteria. Your doctor may have already explained to you when you were issued your prescription.
With Ozempic and Rybelsus, you need to have type 2 diabetes. In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe these for those with heart disease. This is because they have the additional approval for reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Healthcare providers may also at times prescribe these for those dealing with insulin resistance.
With Wegovy, on the other hand, you need to have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater and have one weight-related health condition (ex: high blood pressure) or a BMI of 30 or greater.
Dosage and administration
Dosage frequency can affect how convenient semaglutide is for your routine. Ozempic and Wegovy are injected once weekly, with or without food. Rybelsus is a daily tablet taken on an empty stomach.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, advises pairing semaglutide with a balanced diet and exercise for best results. Your healthcare provider will likely start you on a low dose and increase it gradually.
Oral and subcutaneous semaglutide
You may be familiar with Ozempic and Wegovy and how they come in pre-filled injectable dosing pens. Since they’re injected under the skin, they’re referred to as subcutaneous semaglutide.
There’s another semaglutide brand, Rybelsus, which, in contrast, comes in tablet form and is taken orally. Just like Ozempic, it’s FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.
Where to buy semaglutide in the US
As mentioned, you must first meet certain criteria before you can buy Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus for your treatment plan.
To obtain Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, you need a valid prescription. The safest way is to visit a doctor in person. After an evaluation and discussion, they can issue a prescription, which you can fill at licensed pharmacies.
Be prepared to share details about your medical history and any past or ongoing medications. It will also allow your doctor to explain all about semaglutide, how it works, what it does, as well as its potential risks and side effects.
If your healthcare provider deems you a good candidate for semaglutide, he or she will give you a prescription that you can fill at a licensed pharmacy.
As long as you have a valid prescription from a healthcare provider, you can also purchase semaglutide online. Make sure that you’re buying from a regulated source such as a licensed healthcare professional, a state-licensed pharmacy, or an outsourcing facility registered with the FDA so that you can avoid falling prey to illegally procured or unsafe medicine.
Looking for a reputable online pharmacy? Check out this link from the FDA website to locate a state-licensed online pharmacy.
Insurance companies may cover Ozempic and Rybelsus if you have type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy may be covered if you are overweight, have obesity, or suffer from a weight-related condition. Note that Meidcare or Medicaid may cover semaglutide for type 2 diabetes but not for weight loss.
Here are several options:
Amazon Pharmacy
- Website: https://pharmacy.amazon.com/
- What it is: Amazon Pharmacy offers low prices for semaglutide, with or without insurance. They automatically refill your medicines and deliver them to your doorstep. You also get access to pharmacists 24/7.
Calibrate
- Website: https://www.joincalibrate.com/
- What it is: Calibrate offers a comprehensive online weight loss program based on science-backed support. They help you build proper habits on nutrition, sleep, and exercise in tandem with prescription medication.
- How much does it cost? Calibrate programs start at $199* per month.
- Eligible members can avail of GLP-1s like Ozempic and Mounjaro in combination with 1:1 video coaching.
Ro Body Program
- Website: https://ro.co/weight-loss/
- What it is: Ro Body provides one-on-one weight loss coaching support through a curriculum-based program. This includes advice on diet, exercise, and sleep habits. If you are qualified, you can avail of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide brands Ozempic and Wegovy.
- How much does it cost? To enroll in Ro Body, you’ll need to pay $45* for the first month and $145* for every succeeding month.
- Is it covered by insurance? No, but it may cover GLP-1s, depending on your insurance plan.
Everlywell Weight Care+
- Website: https://www.everlywell.com/glp-1-weight-loss-online/
- What it is: Everlywell Weight Care+’s program offers programs with regular clinician care, lab testing, and support for type 2 diabetes and obesity. This includes regular 1:1 visits from a licensed physician as well as quarterly at-home lab tests or supplements.
- How much does it cost? Enrolling at Everlywell Weight Care+ costs $39* monthly or $449* yearly.
- Your GLP-1 meds may cost around $830-$1,349.02* without insurance.
LifeMD
- Website: https://lifemd.com/
- What it is: LifeMD gives you access to licensed healthcare providers who can prescribe medications and deliver these to your doorstep. Patients can request for a nurse to perform labs and/or bloodwork. They can also head straight to a nearby healthcare facility.
- How much does it cost? Membership starts at $39* per month to $892* per year. They also have a GLP-1 program at $149* per month that offers access to GLP-1 medications, metabolic testing, clinical guidance, and insurance assistance.
Noom Med
- Website: https://www.noom.com/med/
- What it is: Noom Med is a healthcare program that combines personalized medical solutions with psychological support for long-term, transformational weight loss.
- Members go through an in-depth evaluation to test for conditions that cause weight gain, before being connected to a relevant physician. Lab results and medical history are reviewed to come up with a custom care plan.
- Patients also get free follow-ups and access to tools through Noom’s app for personalized daily lessons, food tracking, and personal coaching.
- How much does it cost? $149* per month
PlushCare
- Website: https://plushcare.com/
- What it is: Plush Care offers online doctor visits for primary care, mental health, and therapy. You can also get new prescriptions online, as well as prescription refills, and discounts on prescriptions.
- How much does it cost? If you’re paying with insurance, pay $19.99* per month with a co-pay arrangement for doctor visits. If you’re paying without insurance, pay $19.99* per month plus $129* per doctor visit. These both include access to same-day appointments, unlimited messages with the PlushCare team, a prescription discount card, lab test discounts, as well as free family memberships.
Sesame Care
- Website: https://sesamecare.com/
- What it is: Sesame Care offers access to online doctors and specialists, prescription refills, in-person visits, mental health consults, and urgent care visits, among other features.
- How much does it cost? Pay $37 to $47 per visit.
*Prices are subject to change.
FDA warns against the use of compounded semaglutide
Amid the clamor for weight loss drugs have been a massive supply issue, affecting semaglutide. You might have also already heard about compounded semaglutide. These are versions that still contain semaglutide, but with the addition of other ingredients, such as vitamins.
While the FDA has approved some drugstores to custom-mix variations of semaglutide, there have been reports citing adverse effects from these. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have also reported impurities in the compounded medications.
Other reports have noted that salt forms of semaglutide, such as semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate, were being used by compounders.
Although compounded semaglutide offers a cheaper alternative for patients to get access to semaglutide, they need to make sure that they’re getting it from an outsourcing facility or a state-licensed pharmacy. If you are buying semaglutide online, make sure you are purchasing from a valid and reputable online pharmacy.
The downside of buying semaglutide online
Apart from compounders illegally using salt forms of semaglutide, consumers must also stay vigilant as they may fall prey to financial scams. Online purchases can expose you to financial scams or unregulated drugs. Some online providers may use unapproved salt forms of semaglutide, posing health risks. Delayed deliveries can also disrupt your treatment schedule.
The convenience of buying semaglutide online may also tempt patients to disregard medical advice, leading to the medication’s misguided use. On top of this, faulty delivery systems may lead to late delivery of semaglutide, impacting the timing of treatment plans.
Conclusion
Consumers must meet certain diagnostic criteria before they can seek a prescription for Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus.
To obtain semaglutide safely, secure a prescription and buy only from licensed sources. Choose regulated sellers, whether in person or online, to avoid compounded or unsafe versions. Pair your treatment with a balanced diet and exercise for best results.
Glossary of terms:
- GLP-1: Glucagon-like peptide-1 is a gut-based hormone involved in the secretion of insulin to lower blood sugar levels typically elevated after meals.
- GLP-1 Ra: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the actions of GLP-1.
