Many pharmacies are still offering Ozempic and similar medications to help people with their weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. Those drugs are typically cheaper than the brand-name medication.
Some patients rely on the similitude-based GLP-1 medicines for their health, and delays and interruptions in treatment can lead to serious consequences.
Suppliers
As the shortage of Ozempic Weight Loss continues to grow, some doctors are turning to alternate sources for their patients’ GLP-1 medications. Amid the shortage, people with diabetes or obesity who want to lose weight have been able to buy Ozempic from illegal online pharmacies that purchase the drug from gray market vendors and then resell it for much higher prices. The unauthorized distributors also sometimes sell lower-dose versions of the medication to nondiabetics seeking to lose weight.
These counterfeit pharmacies often make the drugs by mixing or altering ingredients, and they may use labels that are similar to those of the real products. They can also charge higher shipping rates. These practices are a growing concern for health officials, who are taking action to stop the practice. Some state attorneys general have threatened to prosecute those who distribute the fake drugs.
Doctors are also urging their patients to only purchase the medication from sources they trust. One option is to ask their insurance company to change the pharmacy where they get their prescriptions. Other options include avoiding pharmacies that don’t have a medical director on staff and only buying the medication from places with MDs or DOs on-site. This is important because the FDA warns that people who purchase GLP-1 medications from unauthorized online sources can be exposed to dangerous side effects.
Many people are able to save money on their prescriptions by using discount cards and online services. The manufacturer of the drug, Novo Nordisk, offers an Ozempic savings card for up to a 90-day supply for people with private or commercial insurance. The card can reduce the cost of the medication to as little as $25 per month.
Novo Nordisk’s competitor, Sanofi, also offers savings cards for other products containing the same active ingredient as Ozempic, including Wegovy (semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide).
People with Medicare Part D can save on their prescriptions by enrolling in the program’s Extra Help program. Eligible beneficiaries have an annual income below $22,836 for an individual and $30,900 for a married couple. They must also not be enrolled in any other public or private medical insurance or drug program.
Pricing
While it’s not a secret that Americans pay far more than other countries for drugs, the price disparity has become even more dramatic with trendy weight loss and diabetes treatments. In fact, according to a recent KFF analysis, the list prices for four top products-Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Mounjaro-are nearly triple those of similar treatments in other nations.
Novo Nordisk, the century-old insulin maker behind Ozempic, has seen sales skyrocket since it was first approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in 2017. The injection is now favored for its ability to quell hunger and spur weight loss. It’s so popular, in fact, that influencers from Elon Musk to Oprah are helping spread the word. As a result, the drug has been in such demand that Novo is now facing global shortages.
As a result of the shortages, some consumers have turned to private online providers to buy the injections. Reuters was unable to verify these accounts, but several medical professionals and patients told them that people are buying Ozempic through unregulated outlets like beauty spas and nail salons, or from pop-up websites advertised on social media.
Some doctors have also been using the drug off-label, a practice known as “off-label prescribing” in Australia where Ozempic is available. This can be risky, especially for nondiabetics. The injections are lifesaving for diabetics, but can be fatal when injected by nondiabetics who are unfamiliar with injecting the medication.
Fortunately, the manufacturers of these GLP-1 medications have launched programs to help patients with the cost of their prescriptions. For example, the Ro Body program pairs personal coaching with the medication to help users lose 15% of their body weight after 12 months. Additionally, the company’s insurance concierge can work with patients’ insurers to get the medication covered if needed.
If you’re able to afford your prescription, you can save even more by purchasing the medication in bulk. Some pharmacies offer discounts when you buy a 90-day supply or more. And, you can use pretax dollars from a health savings account or flexible spending account to pay for the medication.
Availability
Ozempic is a popular drug in the GLP-1 class of medications that help patients control their appetite. It is prescribed to help with weight loss and to treat type 2 diabetes. It is available in a number of forms, including tablets and an injectable pen. During the shortage, patients may experience difficulty finding pharmacies that have it in stock and may encounter delays in getting prescription refills. In some cases, doctors will switch their patients to another GLP-1 medication or recommend an alternative weight loss method.
The FDA has reported that counterfeit semaglutide injectable products have been distributed in the United States. The agency is working with Novo Nordisk to identify and remove the fake products from pharmacies. The fake products are not the same as authentic Ozempic and can cause serious health problems. The FDA has warned consumers to use only pharmacies that purchase their GLP-1 medications from Novo Nordisk and to check for the authenticity of the product label, needle packaging, and cartons.
Some patients are using their insurance to cover the cost of GLP-1s during the shortage, and others are relying on alternative weight loss medications that contain the same active ingredient as Ozempic, such as Trulicity or Saxenda. These medications are often less expensive and don’t require a prescription. In addition, some employers offer insurance coverage for GLP-1s in their wellness programs.
Patients who are having trouble finding a pharmacy with genuine Ozempic can turn to a website that connects them with doctors that can prescribe the drug. Klarity lets users search for doctors, read their reviews, and book same-day video appointments starting at $19. Doctors can also write prescriptions for other GLP-1 drugs, such as Trulicity and Saxenda, which are in short supply.
The Australian government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warns that people should not buy Ozempic online. Buying medicines without a valid prescription is against the law. It is possible that fraudulent websites are selling fake medications, and the TGA is communicating supply updates on its website and in the Medicine Shortage Reports Database. Purchasing Ozempic online can also bypass medical supervision, which increases the risk of complications.
Shipping
For individuals looking for a reliable online supplier of Ozempic for weight loss, there are a few options available. One option is to use an online healthcare service like Everlywell or Sesame Care, which can provide prescriptions and deliver the medication directly to the patient’s door. The advantage of this option is that it can save time and money compared to visiting a traditional pharmacy or doctor’s office.
Another way to purchase Ozempic is through a compounding pharmacy. These pharmacies specialize in mixing and altering drug ingredients to create customized medications for patients with specific needs. In the United States, there are around 7,500 compounding pharmacies. However, there are several problems with purchasing these drugs online, including a shortage of the active ingredient. Some pharmacies have even been selling counterfeit versions of the medication.
The shortage of the drug has caused many individuals to search for alternative ways to get their prescriptions, including buying them on the Internet. This can be dangerous, as these sources may not be regulated and may have poor customer service. In addition, some of these websites may sell drugs without a prescription or offer illegally obtained pharmaceuticals.
It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with taking Ozempic, including a risk of pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. These side effects can be mild to severe, and should be reported to your health care provider right away. Symptoms of these problems include pain in the upper stomach area (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and clay-colored stools.
Some people with diabetes are also using Ozempic off-label for weight loss. While this is not an approved use of the medication, it can be effective for some individuals. Despite the shortage, it’s important to work with your healthcare professional to determine if it is right for you.
For individuals with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight, their doctor may prescribe a different medication called Wegovy. Wegovy is a generic form of Ozempic and works in the same way. Neither of these drugs are covered by insurance, but they can be purchased through an online medical service.
