Can You Get Ozempic Online? Tips to Avoid Scams and Buy From Trusted Sources

With the popularity of Ozempic (semaglutide), it’s no surprise that people may be looking for ways to get it online. Whether it’s for convenience or due to past supply issues, online options can seem appealing — but not all of them are safe.

Ozempic is a prescription-only medication. It must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional and filled through a legitimate pharmacy. Unfortunately, some websites sell counterfeit or otherwise unsafe versions, putting your health at risk.

Thinking about buying Ozempic online? Here’s how to avoid scams and buy from trusted sources.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a once-weekly injection that’s FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It also supports weight loss, though it’s not officially approved for that purpose. Ozempic belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which help regulate blood glucose (sugar), digestion, and appetite.

Because it works well, Ozempic has become a popular treatment option. High demand has also made it harder to access in some areas, giving rise to online retailers selling Ozempic.

Prescription requirements for Ozempic

Ozempic is a prescription medication. This means you can’t legally buy it in the U.S. without a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. It requires a prescription whether you’re picking it up at your local pharmacy or ordering it online.

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Ozempic can cause side effects and isn’t safe for everyone. Using it without healthcare professional oversight means missing out on important safety checks to review your health history, current medications, and treatment goals to determine if it’s right for you.

Can you buy Ozempic without a prescription?

No, in the U.S. it’s not legal or safe to buy Ozempic without a prescription. Websites that offer Ozempic without a prescription are likely operating outside of the law and may be selling counterfeit or fake products.

Counterfeit Ozempic is a real concern. It may look like the real thing but could contain the wrong ingredients — or none at all. Using these products could result in serious health risks or side effects.

How to get Ozempic online safely

The safest way to get Ozempic is through a licensed healthcare professional who understands your health history. Examples include your primary care provider or diabetes specialist.

But if you prefer the convenience of telehealth, you can also use a reputable online platform, as long as it’s allowed in your state. Telehealth prescribing rules can vary. For example, some states may require an initial in-person visit before a prescription can be issued.

Follow these steps to protect your health and lower the risk of getting counterfeit or unsafe products.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Real vs. fake: Counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) is a real concern. Here’s what real Ozempic looks like and how to tell if your product is fake.

• Who shouldn’t use Ozempic? Medications like Ozempic aren’t right for everyone. Here’s what to know before starting treatment.

• How much does Ozempic cost? The price you pay for Ozempic may vary based on your insurance. Experts break down Ozempic’s cost, coverage options, and ways to save.

Choose a reputable telehealth provider

Not all telehealth websites are created equal. Some operate legally with licensed healthcare professionals, while others may cut corners or sell medications without proper oversight. Choosing a legitimate provider is the first step in staying safe. Here are a few things to look for:

• Licensing and certification: Confirm the service uses licensed U.S. healthcare professionals. Look for certifications, such as LegitScript, which indicate the site meets verified legal, transparency, and safety standards.

• Transparency: Verify that the service is transparent about costs. This includes consultation fees and medication pricing, plus any ongoing subscription fees. Their contact information, licensing details, as well as their privacy, payment, and prescribing policies should also be clearly displayed on the website.

• Medical evaluation: Confirm that a healthcare professional will conduct a medical evaluation before prescribing Ozempic. Avoid platforms offering the medication without a prescription or medical consultation.

• Services provided: Confirm that the service prescribes FDA-approved Ozempic. Some telehealth platforms only prescribe compounded versions, which aren’t the same thing. Be wary of deep discounts or prices that seem too good to be true.

• Ongoing support: Opt for services that offer follow-up care and ongoing support, not just a one-time prescription.

• Reputation: Look for reviews and ratings to assess the service’s reputation and reliability.

• Marketing: Be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true. Watch for unrealistic promises, such as “instant weight loss” or guaranteed results.

Complete a virtual visit

Before prescribing Ozempic, a healthcare professional should evaluate whether it’s appropriate for you. This includes reviewing your medical background and possibly requesting recent labs or other information. During the virtual visit, you may be asked about:

• Current and prior health conditions

• Medications you take

• Lifestyle habits, such as your diet and level of physical activity

• Treatment goals, such as blood sugar management or weight loss

• Your height and body weight

• Recent blood test results

This information will be used to determine if you’re eligible for a medication like Ozempic. If not, your healthcare professional may consider an Ozempic alternative that’s a better fit.

Fill your prescription

If you qualify for Ozempic, your prescription may be sent to a trusted mail-order pharmacy or one of the service’s pharmacy partners for fulfillment. Some services may give you the option of sending your prescription to a pharmacy of your choice.

If you’re not using your regular pharmacy, make sure you know where your medication is coming from. That’s because there are many illegal online pharmacies, including those selling medications like Ozempic. Once you have that information, here are a few things to look for:

• Licensing: Check with your state’s board of pharmacy to verify the pharmacy’s license. Confirm that it’s in good standing and not revoked or expired.

• Legitimacy: If the pharmacy has a website, look for LegitScript certification and use the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) safe site search tool.

• Contact information: The pharmacy should list a physical U.S. address and a phone number where you can reach a licensed pharmacist. Try calling the phone number to confirm it’s active and staffed by pharmacy personnel.

• Reputation: Check for reviews and ratings to assess the pharmacy’s reliability and service quality.

Once you receive Ozempic, inspect the medication closely. Compare it to photos of real Ozempic and take note of any differences. Don’t use the medication if you think it might be fake. If something seems off or if you’re unsure, you can contact the manufacturer at 1-800-727-6500 to verify the product or report a potential counterfeit.

After you’ve confirmed that your Ozempic is real, the next step is understanding how to use it. Your prescription should come with instructions to follow. But don’t hesitate to contact the pharmacy if you have questions or if anything is unclear.

Cost and insurance coverage

Some services may bill your insurance, while others may have a set cash price. Sometimes the cost of the consultation and prescription are bundled together. But if you’re prescribed Ozempic and have difficulty paying for it, there are ways to make your prescription more affordable:

• Manufacturer copay cards: If you have commercial insurance, you could pay as little as $25 for a 30-, 60-, or 90-day supply of Ozempic with a manufacturer copay card.

• Patient assistance programs: If you’re eligible, you could get Ozempic at no cost through the manufacturer’s patient assistance program.

• GoodRx coupons: Save an average of $301 on Ozempic by using a free GoodRx coupon.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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