Ozempic® Overview
Ozempic®, a GLP-1 agonist, works by increasing the activity of the hormone GLP-1. This hormone helps release insulin, slows digestion (gastric emptying), and reduces appetite. It lowers blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels and reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients. Ozempic® can improve type 2 diabetes symptoms when used alongside healthy lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.
If you’re prescribed Ozempic®, complete the full course unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Not following the prescription as directed will prevent it from treating type 2 diabetes or weight-related medical concerns, both of which are chronic conditions.
Ozempic® requires a prescription. While it was originally created to help manage blood sugar levels and is not classified as a weight loss drug, its active ingredient, semaglutide, was approved by the FDA in 2021 for weight management under the brand name Wegovy®.
If you have type 2 diabetes and want to get Ozempic® online, you can speak with one of our board-certified physicians to see if it’s right for you. If you’re considering other GLP-1 medications for weight loss, our doctors can guide you in finding the best option.
Ozempic® is injected under the skin once weekly, at any time of day, with or without food. Inject on the same day each week.
Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully. A typical schedule may include:
• First 4 weeks: 0.25 mg once weekly
• After 1 month: 0.5 mg once weekly
• After 2 months: Increases every 4 weeks, up to 2 mg once weekly, based on response
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue your regular schedule. If you are more than five days late, skip the missed dose and resume normally. If you miss a dose by two or more weeks, consult your doctor before resuming. If you take too much Ozempic®, seek emergency medical help or contact poison control.
Zepbound® is a GLP-1/GIP agonist used for weight management. It is taken once weekly as part of a clinical weight management program to help individuals reach health and weight goals. Your physician may prescribe Zepbound® vials or pens based on availability and individual needs.
Key points:
• Can lead to up to 20.9% body weight loss
• Once-weekly injection
• Prescriptions for Zepbound® vials available through LillyDirect
Zepbound® contains tirzepatide, approved for weight loss in November 2023. It is available in auto-injection pens and single-use vials. Vials are available through LillyDirect for cash-pay buyers without insurance.
Tirzepatide works on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It mimics GLP-1, a natural hormone that promotes fullness and reduces hunger. It also helps control digestion and blood sugar levels.
Weight loss medications like Zepbound® require lifestyle changes such as low-calorie, nutrient-dense meals, exercise, and muscle building. Without these, results may be temporary.
• Dual mechanism for metabolism and appetite control
• Noticeable weight loss within weeks for many users
• Clinically proven, with up to 20.9% total body weight loss in some individuals*
• FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe sleep apnea when combined with a weight loss plan
Depending on insurance and availability, doctors may recommend other GLP-1 medications. Compounded tirzepatide is no longer an option now that Zepbound® is not on the FDA shortage list. Zepbound® vials are available through preferred pharmacies in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg strengths.
Your doctor will provide dosage instructions. Zepbound® is usually taken through single-dose injection pens.
General usage guidelines:
• Take once weekly at home, with or without food
• Injection pens eliminate direct needle handling
• Injection sites may include the upper arm, lower stomach, or upper thigh
• Clean the site and rotate weekly
• Remove the cap, place the base on the skin, unlock, and press the injection button for 10 seconds
• Dispose of used pens in a sharps container
Results may appear within a few weeks and vary by individual.
Doctors will order an obesity lab panel, including CMP, CBC, lipids, TSH, A1C, and insulin, before prescribing.
Without insurance, Zepbound® pens cost around $1060 per month. Vials offer cost savings. Prior authorization is often required. If denied, you can still pay cash or use a discount card.
If uninsured, Zepbound® vials through LillyDirect are available.
PlushCare members can use an in-app Rx price finder to locate the lowest pharmacy price. The in-app Prescription Discount Card can save 7–20% on other GLP-1 medications.
Manufacturer coupons may reduce costs but have eligibility rules. For example, the Zepbound® savings card may reduce costs to as little as $25 with eligible insurance plans. Manufacturer coupons cannot be combined with the Prescription Discount Card.
Both contain the same medication but differ in:
Administration:
• Vials require syringes and needles
• Pens are prefilled, single-use with built-in needles
Supplies:
• Vials require syringes, needles, and alcohol wipes (included with medication)
Available doses:
• Vials: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg
• Pens: up to 15 mg
Insurance:
• Vials are cash-pay only through LillyDirect
• Pens may be covered by insurance
• 2.5 mg: $349/month
• 5 mg: $499/month
• 7.5 mg: $499/month*
• 10 mg: $499/month*
*Special pricing for first fill and refills within 45 days via LillyDirect mail-order.
SURMOUNT-1 trial results show Zepbound® is among the most effective weight loss drugs. It outperforms semaglutide and liraglutide due to its dual mechanism.
Half of patients on 10 mg and 57% on 15 mg lost over 20% body weight—results exceeding lap-band surgery and comparable to sleeve gastrectomy.
Step 1
Book an appointment to discuss Zepbound®.
Step 2
Speak with your doctor online about your weight management goals.
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