How to get semaglutide for weight loss
Reviewed by Felix Gussone, MD, Ro,
Written by Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro
last updated: Nov 09, 2023
1 min read
Here's what we'll cover
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Getting semaglutide for weight loss requires a prescription. We spoke with Dr. Yael Cooperman, M.D., about how to get semaglutide for weight loss.
Ozempic Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Wegovy Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
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How can you get semaglutide for weight loss?
If you want semaglutide to lose weight, a few options are available. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic (which is FDA-approved to treat diabetes) and Wegovy (which is FDA-approved to treat obesity). The first step is to get a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. You can either make an appointment with your primary care provider in person, or you may choose an online telehealth provider, who can provide you with a prescription if you qualify without ever having to leave your home.
Whether you see a provider in person or online, they will need information about your medical history and what medications, if any, you are currently taking. They may also perform blood tests and depending on the circumstances, may require you to submit additional information such as photographs to verify your medical information.
Once you have a prescription, you can get the brand-name medication from a local pharmacy. Since Ozempic and Wegovy have become more commonly prescribed, demand has exceeded supply, resulting in a national shortage for some dosages of the medications. Therefore, the FDA allows for compounding of semaglutide during the medication shortage. If you can’t find branded semaglutide at a pharmacy near you, search for a reputable compounding pharmacy to access your medications.
DISCLAIMER
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (2023). Drug Shortages. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/drug-shortages
How we reviewed this article
Current version
Yael Cooperman, MD
Felix Gussone, MD
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