Ozempic is a brand-name version of the generic medication semaglutide, which is a type of medication called a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist. Instead of that tongue-twister of a name, we call these medications “GLP-1s” for short.

Ozempic is FDA-approved for the management of certain symptoms and risks of type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Ro-affiliated healthcare professionals have the discretion to prescribe a medication off-label if they believe it is an appropriate course of treatment for a particular patient.

How can Ozempic help with weight loss? It acts like a natural hormone your body uses to regulate blood sugar and appetite—key steps in resetting your biological set point to help you maintain a new, lower weight.

See if Ozempic is right for you here.

Ozempic dosing starts out low, then gradually increases over the first few months until a steady dose is reached. If prescribed, your Ro-affiliated provider will work with you to find the schedule and dosing that’s right for you.

Due to significant demand, Novo Nordisk — the manufacturer of Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda — expects supply shortages of some of these medications. Novo Nordisk is anticipating that demand for Wegovy will continue to outpace supply. Patients may have difficulty filling Wegovy prescriptions at the lower doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg and Saxenda prescriptions through the remainder of 2023 and potentially beyond. We’ve seen that around half of patients are still unable to get access to the impacted Wegovy doses or Saxenda doses after 1 month of waiting.

We know these supply shortages are frustrating. If you’re prescribed a GLP-1 medication and there’s more than a 30-day delay from the time your prescription is sent to the pharmacy to when it is filled, we’ll issue a credit to your account so that your next month of the Body Program is free. Read eligibility requirements here.

We’re also taking additional steps to support new and existing patients on their weight loss journey. For example, our insurance concierge partner is frequently contacting pharmacies to look for available medication on your behalf. Our Ro-affiliated providers are also reaching out to patients to discuss how to manage their treatment plans in light of the shortages.

For patients just getting started, the first steps of the Body Program, before a prescription is filled, are unaffected by the supply shortage — including taking a metabolic lab test and connecting with a provider to review your health history.

Ozempic comes in a prefilled injection pen that contains multiple doses. If prescribed, you (or someone in your household) will select the prescribed dose, then administer the injection under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or arm once a week.

While a routine injection may sound intimidating, the Ozempic pen uses a tiny needle designed to minimize discomfort. You’ll also receive clear instructions on using the injection pen, and your Ro-affiliated provider can offer additional advice.

How to get Ozempic covered by insurance—it’s a very important question! Well, you can consider us your insurance concierge.

Our partners will work directly with your insurance provider to help with the process of determining coverage for your GLP-1 medication, which is paid for separately from the Body Program. Ro does not accept insurance for the Body Program, which is cash pay only. At this time, those with any form of government healthcare coverage (including programs such as Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE), whether primary or secondary, are not eligible for the Ro Body Program. These plans typically do not cover the type of medication the Ro Body Program may prescribe. Unfortunately, this means that those on Medicare or eligible for Medicare cannot join the Ro Body Program.

While a Ro-affiliated provider may offer personalized guidance for each individual, in general, there are no foods to avoid while taking Ozempic. In fact, our Body Program makes a point to avoid labeling any food as “off-limits,” and instead guides you in finding an approach to food that’s both enjoyable and supports your weight loss goals.

However, if prescribed Ozempic, you might choose to avoid certain foods on days that your doses are increased. Some gastrointestinal side effects like nausea may occur when Ozempic doses are increased, so you might find that it’s best to avoid foods that make you feel gassy or bloated on days that you’re increasing your dose.

All medications carry a risk of potential side effects. Ozempic’s side effects are typically mild and often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. When they occur, it’s usually when doses are increased, then tend to improve once a steady dose is reached. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Upset stomach

• Stomach pains

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Heartburn

• Acid reflux

• Belching and gas

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Fatigue

More severe side effects are uncommon but possible. Serious side effects include:

• Thyroid cancer—The FDA has issued its most serious warning (called a BOXED WARNING) that GLP-1s may be associated with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma. So far, this side effect has primarily been seen in laboratory studies using rodents, so the risk to humans has not been determined.

• Pancreatitis

• Gallbladder disease

• Rapid heartbeat

• Severe allergy (hypersensitivity)

• Low blood sugar

• Vision problems (diabetic retinopathy)

• Kidney disease

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Please see the full Prescribing Information, including the BOXED WARNING, for complete safety information.