Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which mimics the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone. GLP-1 signals to the brain, slowing the rate at which food empties from the stomach and suppressing appetite.

Ozempic also helps to reduce food cravings by stimulating the release of insulin. Insulin stabilises blood sugar levels, reducing the drastic changes in blood sugar that trigger hunger and cravings.

Both of these mechanisms help prevent overeating, which helps maintain a calorie deficit and aids weight loss.

For individuals with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic can start lowering blood sugar levels within a week of the first injection. For most people, it can take up to a month or more for their blood sugar levels to noticeably improve.

As treatment continues and doses increase, most people experience noticeable changes 12 weeks into treatment. This can differ for each individual and can be influenced by their age, weight, lifestyle, and genetics.

Ozempic can be bought online in the UK. Ozempic is a prescription-only medication (POM) and is licensed specifically to treat type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic should only be used for its approved purpose as a type 2 diabetes treatment and taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It is not licensed or available in the UK for weight loss.

Pharmica offers Wegovy and Mounjaro, alternative injectable treatments licensed specifically for weight loss. Both are clinically proven as safe and effective weight loss treatments.

Yes, you can get Ozempic on the NHS. However, it is only for individuals who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It is not available on the NHS as a weight loss treatment.

If you are looking to get Ozempic for weight loss, Pharmica prescribes Wegovy, which has the same active ingredient as Ozempic. Complete our quick online consultation to see if Wegovy is suitable for you.

Ozempic is not currently licensed for weight loss in the UK.

Wegovy is a safe and clinically proven alternative to Ozempic and is prescribed specifically for weight loss. It contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic and has been licensed as a weight loss treatment in the UK.

Ozempic has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated by adults with type 2 diabetes in clinical trials. While most individuals can safely take Ozempic, it may not be suitable for some people, such as those with a history of pancreatitis or medullary thyroid cancer.

Ozempic should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can assess the suitability of the treatment.

As with any medication, Ozempic can cause side effects, although they may not occur in everyone.

Common side effects of Ozempic include:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• being sick (vomiting)
• indigestion
• inflamed stomach (gastritis)
• heartburn
• stomach pain
• bloating
• constipation
• burping
• gallstones
• dizziness
• tiredness
• reduced appetite
• gas
• hypoglycaemia or retinopathy

Uncommon side effects of Ozempic include:

• change in food or drink taste
• fast pulse
• injection site reactions like bruising, irritation, itching and rash
• allergic reactions like rash, itching or hives

Ensure you have read the patient information leaflet before starting the treatment.

Both Ozempic and Wegovy are once-weekly injectable medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide.

Ozempic is licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and helps individuals manage their blood sugar levels. In some instances, doctors may decide to prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss, meaning it is prescribed for a condition outside of its license.

In contrast, Wegovy is specifically formulated for weight loss and is licensed in the UK as a weight loss treatment. Wegovy is also available in higher weekly doses than Ozempic.

Ozempic and Saxenda are not the same. They contain different active ingredients and have different dosing schedules.

Saxenda is a daily injectable treatment containing the active ingredient liraglutide and is specifically formulated for weight management. Saxenda is prescribed to obese or overweight individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27–29 with associated risk factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Yes, Ozempic is different to Mounjaro.

While they belong to the same class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, their mechanisms of action and active ingredients differ.

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which signals the brain to suppress appetite and slow gastric emptying. It also stimulates the release of insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Ozempic is licensed in the UK to treat type 2 diabetes, but it is not licensed for weight loss.

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and has a dual-action mechanism. This means it mimics both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, causing a stronger effect on appetite than Ozempic does. Mounjaro is licensed as a weight loss treatment in the UK and is available at Pharmica.

Complete our quick online consultation to see if Mounjaro is suitable for you.

1. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, 2021. [Accessed 05/08/2025]