How Much Does Ozempic® Cost? Ozempic® Price U.K.
Can you get Ozempic® in the U.K.? Yes. Ozempic® is a prescription medicine licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to treat type 2 diabetes. In some cases, it might be prescribed off-label for weight loss, though healthcare professionals are advised not to do this in the United Kingdom to prevent drug shortages.
But how much does Ozempic® cost?
The cost of Ozempic® varies based on factors like:
Whether you can get it on the NHS (National Health Service)
Where you buy it if you access it privately
Keep reading to learn about the cost of Ozempic® on the NHS, whether you can get Ozempic® privately, and how Ozempic® injection prices compare to other weight loss medicines.
Can you get Ozempic® in the U.K.? Yes. Ozempic® is a prescription medicine licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to treat type 2 diabetes. In some cases, it might be prescribed off-label for weight loss, though healthcare professionals are advised not to do this in the United Kingdom to prevent drug shortages.
But how much does Ozempic® cost?
The cost of Ozempic® varies based on factors like:
Whether you can get it on the NHS (National Health Service)
Where you buy it if you access it privately
Keep reading to learn about the cost of Ozempic® on the NHS, whether you can get Ozempic® privately, and how Ozempic® injection prices compare to other weight loss medicines.
How Much Does Ozempic® Cost in the U.K. Privately?
You can pay for an Ozempic® private prescription in the U.K. But in most cases, you’ll only be able to get a prescription for the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medicine if you have type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic® may be prescribed off-license, but current guidelines don’t recommend it. This is to reserve the supply of Ozempic® for those with type 2 diabetes.
A private healthcare professional will most likely recommend an alternative medication if you don’t have type 2 diabetes. Wegovy®, for example, contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic® (semaglutide) and is licensed for weight loss. Mounjaro® is another weight loss medicine that works in a similar way.
The costs of Wegovy® and Mounjaro® vary depending on where you purchase them and sometimes on which dose you get. You can get them through private weight loss clinics, online pharmacies, or telemedicine platforms.
Through Hers U.K., for example, you can access a weight loss programme that includes Wegovy® or Mounjaro® (if suitable for you, of course). Subscriptions start from £165 per month for a 12-month plan paid in full upfront.
As well as medication, you’ll get online check-ins, ongoing access to clinicians to ask questions, and tools to help you make the lifestyle changes needed for healthy, long-term weight loss.
Weight loss your way
Can You Get Ozempic® on the NHS?
You may be able to get Ozempic® on the NHS if you have type 2 diabetes. If you don’t have type 2 diabetes and are looking into Ozempic® for weight loss, you won’t be able to get it on the NHS.
You may be able to get other weight loss medicines on the NHS, though, like Wegovy® or Mounjaro®.
How Much Does Ozempic® Cost on the NHS?
If you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions, you may be able to get Ozempic® for free on the NHS. You can use the NHS assessment form to see if you’re eligible for free prescriptions or help with prescription costs.
If you’re not eligible for free prescriptions, you’ll need to pay the prescription charge. It’s currently £9.90 per item.
Alternatives to Ozempic® for Weight Loss
Other medicines can help you in your journey towards a healthier body weight. Here are a few of your options.
Mounjaro®
Mounjaro® is a once-weekly injection containing the active ingredient tirzepatide. It can reduce appetite and food cravings and make you feel fuller for longer. Alongside diet and exercise changes, this medicine can help promote weight loss.
Mounjaro® targets two hormone receptors, whereas Ozempic® targets one. And unlike Ozempic®, Mounjaro® is licensed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
You may be able to get Moujaro® on the NHS, but the eligibility criteria are quite strict. You’ll need a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or more and at least four weight-related medical conditions.
You can also get a Mounjaro® prescription privately. In that case, you’ll need a BMI of 30 or more — or 27 or more with a weight-related health condition — to be eligible.
Weight-related health conditions include high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), sleep apnoea, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Mounjaro® is a Black Triangle medicine (▼) requiring enhanced safety monitoring. It’s not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — stop taking it at least 2 months before trying to conceive.
Read our blog on switching from Ozempic® to Mounjaro® for more details.
Wegovy®
Wegovy® is a once-weekly weight loss injection containing the same active ingredient as Ozempic® in a higher dose. It’s licensed to help people with overweight or obesity lose weight.
Specifically, Wegovy® may be prescribed if you have a BMI of:
30 or more
27 or more with a weight-related health condition
It’s also licensed to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (like heart attack and stroke) in people with cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity.
Wegovy® is intended for use alongside increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet for weight loss and weight management.
As with Mounjaro®, you may be able to get Wegovy® on the NHS. Eligibility criteria are a bit stricter, though. You can also access Wegovy® privately.
Wegovy® is a Black Triangle medicine requiring enhanced safety monitoring. It’s not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Saxenda®
Saxenda® contains the active ingredient liraglutide. It’s licensed for weight loss in those with obesity and overweight. The key difference with Saxenda® is that it’s a daily injection instead of a weekly jab.
This medicine can reduce appetite and help you feel fuller with less food.
Like other GLP-1s, Saxenda® isn’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stop taking it at least 2 months before trying to conceive. If taking the combined pill, use additional barrier contraception for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase.
Orlistat
Orlistat is a weight loss pill. It’s available as a prescription medication under the brand name Xenical® and in non-prescription medicines in lower strengths under the brand names Alli® and Orlos®.
Orlistat works by stopping some of the fat in the food you eat from being absorbed by your body.
Your plan is waiting
Cost of Ozempic® Alternatives for Weight Loss
If you get weight loss medicine on the NHS, you’ll only have to pay the prescription charge — or possibly nothing if you don’t need to pay for prescriptions.
If you go private, here’s what Ozempic® alternatives for weight loss can cost. Prices are subject to change and include a weight loss programme available on subscription.
Medicine | Injection or pill | Licensed for weight loss? | Cost per month |
Wegovy® ▼ | Weekly injection | Yes | ≈£145–£220 |
Mounjaro® ▼ | Weekly injection | Yes | ≈£165–£250 |
Saxenda® | Daily injection | Yes | ≈£150–£350 |
Orlistat | Daily pill | Yes | ≈£40–£180 for Alli ≈£60–£80 for Orlos ≈£55–£70 for Xenical |
If you’re interested in Mounjaro® or Wegovy® for weight loss, you can connect with a licensed clinician through the Hers platform to see if these meds might suit you.
Hers U.K. weight loss programmes include medication, unlimited access to clinicians to ask questions, online check-ins, high-protein recipes, advice on lifestyle changes, and behaviour change tools to help you make those changes.
Hers weight loss subscriptions start from £165 per month for a 12-month plan paid in full upfront.
What Are the Side Effects of Ozempic®?
Just like any medicine, Ozempic® comes with potential side effects. Common side effects of Ozempic® include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Stomach pain
Constipation
Rare but serious side effects may include:
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Injection site reactions
Increased heart rate
Changes in taste
A GP (general practitioner) or private healthcare professional can make sure Ozempic® is right for you.
Get a plan today
How Much Is Ozempic®? In Summary
Here’s what to bear in mind about Ozempic® prices in the U.K.:
Ozempic® is licensed as a type 2 diabetes medicine to help manage blood sugar levels. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be able to get it on the NHS, in which case it could be free or £9.90 per item for the prescription charge.
You may be able to buy Ozempic® pens off-license for weight loss if you go private, but this is not advised in the U.K.
More likely, a clinician will recommend an alternative medicine that’s licensed for weight loss, like Mounjaro® or Wegovy®.
Privately, costs for Mounjaro® or Wegovy® range from £145 to £250 per month, depending on the medication and where you get it.
If eligible, you can access weight loss programmes through Hers that include Wegovy® or Mounjaro®. Subscriptions start from £165 a month for a 12-month plan paid in full upfront.
If you think you might benefit from weight loss treatments, explore the options available through Hers U.K.
Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Hims, Inc. is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk A/S.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your GP about the risks and benefits of any treatment.