If you’re considering taking Ozempic, you should know that it can be tough to get through the NHS. This is why many people pay for private prescriptions. But how much does it cost to be treated with Ozempic in the UK? That’s what we’ll be exploring today.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a prescription medication used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that can help you lose weight by leaving you feeling fuller for longer.
It can help to manage type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin production when needed, slowing down digestion, and reducing glucose production by the liver. Although this drug is not licenced for weight loss in the UK, weight loss is a prominent, beneficial side effect of Ozempic.
Find out how to take Ozempic in this helpful blog post.
A Breakdown of Ozempic Cost
The monthly price of Ozempic can vary depending on the dose and the provider. Here is what you can expect to pay on average when you are on treatment with Ozempic:
- 0.25 mg – £149 - £180
- 0.5 mg – £165 – £180
- 1 mg – £165 – £180
At Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, our plans start at just £129.00 per month.
Some Ozempic providers will also offer package deals. For example, a starter pack for 2x months can cost around £300, including both the 0.25 mg and the 0.5 mg doses. This can work out cheaper than purchasing per month individually.
Can You Get Ozempic on the NHS?
Yes, you can get Ozempic on the NHS. However, Ozempic is only available via the NHS for patients with type 2 diabetes, who meet specific criteria that are based on guidelines developed by NICE, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence. The NHS does not prescribe Ozempic in the UK for weight loss in patients who do not have diabetes. Ozempic is licenced for use in patients with type 2 diabetes.
There is also a current shortage of some GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic. This shortage is expected to continue for some time– so of course, the NHS is prioritising these medications for their licensed usage. Ozempic is limited to around 35,000 people per year on the NHS.
The NHS is facing a high demand – so you could be waiting around 18 weeks just for a consultation. That being said, the government announced a £40 million pilot to try to make obesity drugs more accessible to the public and reduce waiting times back in June 2023. Unfortunately, these plans have not come to fruition.
Can You Get Ozempic for Free?
If you need Ozempic to manage your type 2 diabetes, you can receive the medication through the NHS free of charge, if you qualify, as you have a medical exemption. This means you can get free prescriptions. The NHS, however, does not prescribe Ozempic for weight loss purposes.
What is Included in The Cost?
When you buy Ozempic, you typically pay monthly for a subscription. As part of the subscription, you will receive easy-to-use injection pens.
Here’s a typical dose escalation for Ozempic:
Month 1 – 0.25 mg per week
Month 2 – 0.5 mg per week
Month 3 – 1.0 mg per week (maximum)
Month 4 onwards – 1.0 mg per week (maintenance)
When you buy weight loss medication with Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, you can also make the most of:
- Free shipping
- Dose escalation
- Support from qualified, registered weight loss nurses
- A bespoke plan for best results
- Support whenever you need it
- Regular progress assessments to ensure you’re on the right track
We won’t just give you your medication and send you on your way – we’ll stay in touch and help you along the way, ensuring you make the most out of your medication.
Is Ozempic Worth The Cost?
In short, yes – Ozempic is worth the cost if you are using it for its licenced purpose (diabetes management). However, if you hope to use Ozempic for weight loss, there are better options. We recommend Mounjaro if you are looking for an effective weight-loss medication.
Mounjaro is highly effective for weight loss, and this has been demonstrated in several studies and clinical trials For example, in the SURMOUNT-1 trial, patients lost up to 22.5% of their body weight.
If you are interested in medications for weight loss, complete a consultation with Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic today.
