GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Ozempic (Semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that has shown efficacy in promoting Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management. '.

If you think Ozempic (Semaglutide) is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Looking for licensed weight loss treatments?

UK Meds advise customers to avoid using Ozempic for weight loss as it reduces the availability for type 2 diabetes patients. Instead speak to your doctor about an alternative treatment that is licensed for the purpose of weight loss such as Wegovy, Mounjaro or Saxenda

Where can you buy Ozempic online?

Ozempic UK

IN STOCK NOW. Available in doses of 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg

The process at a glance:

1. Free Online Consultation: Answer a few health questions to see if Ozempic is right for you.
2. Prescription Approval: If approved by one of our registered independent prescribers, you can buy Ozempic from UK Meds with a quick, secure, and private process.

You can safely make your purchase of Ozempic online from UK Meds, as long as you have a prescription. To get an Ozempic prescription you will need to complete an online consultation with an independent pharmacist prescriber. They will take into account factors such as your BMI, your medical history and current medication that you're taking. If this consultation is approved you will be able to purchase your medication with us online.

Can I buy Ozempic in the UK?

Buy Ozempic UK

Yes you can buy Ozempic in the UK providing that you have a valid prescription. Ozempic is a fully approved and licensed medicine to treat type 2 diabetes in the UK. It is important to note that it is not licenced as a treatment for weight loss or weight management in the United Kingdom. You may notice that certain private weight loss clinics prescribe it legally, but this is classed as 'off-label' and the UK Government has urged them to stop prescribing antidiabetes drugs for weight loss purposes following the recent shortages (BMJ, 2023). You should always speak to your doctor prior to starting treatment of Ozempic. Wegovy is an alternative branded form of Semaglutide which is licenced for weight loss in the United Kingdom.

Buy Ozempic Online UK

If you want to buy Ozempic online in the UK, you can do so at UK Meds. Pending a successful review of your details from an online consultation by an independent pharmacist prescriber you can purchase the diabetes injection pen from UK Meds. Please always consult your doctor or healthcare professional prior to starting treatment with Ozempic to ensure that it is suitable to your individual requirements. If you require a weight loss injection, please refer to the Wegovy pen, which is a licensed treatment for significant weight loss to manage body weight for patients suffering from obesity.

Can you buy Ozempic over the counter?

Ozempic is not available over the counter; it is a prescription-only medicine (POM).

Can I get a private prescription for Ozempic in the UK?

Ozempic Private Prescription UK

Yes, you can get a private Ozempic prescription online in the United Kingdom at UK Meds. The process is simple, complete a quick online consultation. An independent pharmacist will review your answers and approve your private prescription if it is successful. Once you have your private prescription you can continue to purchase Ozempic at UK Meds. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare professional prior to starting any new treatment to ensure that it is suitable for your individual needs and for any diabetes management advice or a sustainable treatment plan.

How much does Ozempic cost?

The cost of Ozempic will vary based on factors such as the strength of the pen that you choose (0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1mg). Your private prescription for the medication would be free of charge.

Can I buy Ozempic in London?

Ozempic London

Yes. You can buy Ozempic online in London at UK Meds. If you're a Londoner based in the UK's capital city and you require the diabetes medication, you can purchase it online provided that you have a valid prescription for it. If you require a prescription, simply complete our quick online consultation. Once it has been reviewed by our independent pharmacist prescriber you can buy Ozempic online in London, from the comfort of your own home, provided that your prescription has been approved. You should always consult your doctor or healthcare provider prior to starting treatment with any medication to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

Google Web Story - Ozempic London: A Guide To Buying Ozempic in the UK's Capital

Buy Ozempic Online London

UK Meds have put together a Google Web Story to help you understand various factors relating to buying the diabetes medication, Ozempic, in the UK's capital city, London which you can explore below and for an even more detailed analysis you can also take a look at our dedicated guide called 'Ozempic London: A Guide To Buying Ozempic In The UK's Capital'.

Can I buy Ozempic in Leeds?

Ozempic Leeds

Yes. You can buy Ozempic online in Leeds at UK Meds. If you're a 'Loiner' based in the the English city and you require the diabetes medication, you can purchase it online with a valid prescription. If you require a prescription, simply complete our quick online consultation. Once it has been reviewed by our independent pharmacist prescriber you can buy Ozempic online in Leeds, from the comfort of your own home, provided that your prescription has been approved. You should always consult your doctor or healthcare provider prior to starting treatment with any medication to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

For a detailed analysis you can read our dedicated guide called 'Ozempic Leeds: A Guide To Buying Ozempic In Leeds'.

Can I buy Ozempic in Birmingham?

Ozempic Birmingham

Yes. You can buy Ozempic online in Birmingham at UK Meds. If you're a Brummie based in the the English city and you require the diabetes medication, you can purchase it online with a valid prescription. If you require a prescription, simply complete our quick online consultation. Once it has been reviewed by our independent pharmacist prescriber you can buy Ozempic online in Birmingham, from the comfort of your own home, provided that your prescription has been approved. You should always consult your doctor or healthcare provider prior to starting treatment with any medication to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

For a detailed analysis you can read our dedicated guide called 'Ozempic Birmingham: A Guide To Buying Ozempic In Birmingham'.

Can I buy Ozempic in Glasgow?

Ozempic Glasgow

Yes. You can buy Ozempic online in Glasgow at UK Meds. If you're a Glaswegian based in the the Scottish city and you require the diabetes medication, you can purchase it online with a valid prescription. If you require a prescription, simply complete our quick online consultation. Once it has been reviewed by our independent pharmacist prescriber you can buy Ozempic online in Glasgow, from the comfort of your own home, provided that your prescription has been approved. You should always consult your doctor or healthcare provider prior to starting treatment with any medication to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

Google Web Story - Ozempic Glasgow: A Guide To Buying Ozempic in the Scottish City

Buy Ozempic Glasgow

UK Meds have put together a Google Web Story to help you understand various factors relating to buying the diabetes medication, Ozempic, in the Scottish city of Glasgow, which you can explore below and for an even more detailed analysis you can also take a look at our dedicated guide called 'Ozempic Glasgow: A Guide To Buying Ozempic In Glasgow'.

Can I buy Ozempic in Edinburgh?

Ozempic Edinburgh

Yes. You can buy Ozempic online in Edinburgh at UK Meds. If you're a Dunediner based in the Scottish capital city and you require the diabetes medication, you can purchase it online with a valid prescription. If you require a prescription, simply complete our quick online consultation. Once it has been reviewed by our independent pharmacist prescriber you can buy Ozempic online in Edinburgh, from the comfort of your own home, provided that your prescription has been approved. You should always consult your doctor or healthcare provider prior to starting treatment with any medication to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

Google Web Story - Ozempic Edinburgh: A Guide To Buying Ozempic in Scotland's Capital

Buy Ozempic Edinburgh

UK Meds have put together a Google Web Story to help you understand various factors relating to buying the diabetes medication, Ozempic, in Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, which you can explore below and for an even more detailed analysis you can also take a look at our dedicated guide called ' Ozempic Edinburgh: A Guide To Buying Ozempic In Scotland's Capital'.

Can you get Ozempic at Quick Meds?

Quick Meds Ozempic

At the time of writing, Ozempic is not available at Quick Meds. However, should you wish to purchase it, you can do so at UK Meds.

Can you get Ozempic at Asda?

Ozempic Asda

At the time of writing, Ozempic is not available at Asda. However, should you wish to purchase it, you can do so at UK Meds and benefit from great savings!

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic Injection

Ozempic is an injectable medication used to help normalise blood sugar levels in people that have type two diabetes.

Ozempic Diabetes UK

This medication is ideal for helping people to get their blood sugar levels under control. Ozempic can also help people to manage type 2 diabetes when it is used it in conjunction with a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine (Wilding et al, 2021). It is worth noting that Semaglutide is not an insulin and is not recommended for patients suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (EMC, 2024)

Video: A Guide to Ozempic

UK Meds have created a video guide to explain what Ozempic is. You can watch it on TikTok.

Video - Comparing Semaglutide Treatments: Ozempic vs Wegovy

In the video below Dr Khalid Zalmay (GMC number: 7136533), explains the difference between two branded forms of Semaglutide, Ozempic (licenced for type-2 diabetes treatment) and Wegovy (licenced for weight loss):

Google Web Story: A Guide To Ozempic

What does Ozempic do?

Ozempic Pen for Diabetes

Ozempic (Semaglutide) is a medication that helps people suffering from type two diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels good with a once-a-day injection. Ozempic is a GLP-1 RA, which is short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (Vilsbøll et al, 2023). Ozempic is NOT insulin. GLP-1 is a hormone that is released by the body after you have eaten. By using Ozempic your body will receive a simulation of this hormone (incretins) and will then work to reduce blood sugar. Using Ozempic can help to prevent cardiovascular complications such as strokes, heart disease and heart attacks (Husain et al, 2020).

How long does Ozempic take to work?

Typically, many people notice lower blood sugar levels within the first week of using Ozempic, but it can take 8 weeks or more to see the full effects. Each individual will experience how long the medication takes to work differently.

How effective is Ozempic?

Research shows that semaglutide is effective at lowering blood glucose levels. In clinical trials, injected semaglutide reduced HbA1c levels by 1.01% and 1.38%, proving to be more effective than other anti-diabetic medications (Andreadis et al, 2018).

Recent studies show that patients using a 1mg dose of Ozempic lost an average of 12 lbs (5.5 kg), while those using a 0.5mg dose lost around 8 lbs (3.6 kg). It’s recommended to start with a smaller dose, such as 0.25mg, and gradually increase it after consulting a healthcare professional (Drugs.com, 2023).

You can buy Ozempic online from UK Meds. While Ozempic is sometimes mentioned in relation to weight loss, it is important to note that it is not licensed to treat obesity or aid weight loss in the UK. You can however buy Ozempic for weight loss under the brand name 'Wegovy' from UK Meds.

Launched in mid-2023, Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) and is designed to help people lose weight when used alongside a healthy balanced diet and plenty of regular exercise. This active ingredient belongs to a group of medications known as GLP-1 agonists.

Semaglutide appears to be a more potent option for those with a higher BMI (above 30, or 27 with a weight related co-morbidity) or who are classed as obese. While it's primarily licensed to treat type 2 diabetes, studies have also shown its effectiveness for weight loss. Currently, prescribing Ozempic for weight loss in the UK is strictly off-license but can be clinically justified. Wegovy is the licensed form of semaglutide weight loss treatment in the UK.

Other injection pen options for aiding weight loss include Saxenda and Mounjaro, both of which are also GLP-1 agonists. Like Ozempic and Wegovy, Saxenda and Mounjaro are injected under the skin (subcutaneously) and work by helping to reduce appetite.

Although Ozempic is not available for weight loss in the UK, Wegovy is a form of semaglutide used to aid weight management.

Weight loss capsules are also available and include Orlistat, Alli and Xenical, although, these medications work in a different way to GLP-1 agonists, affecting fat absorption.

You should always consult with your doctor prior to starting any new medication. This is to ensure that you are using the weight loss or diabetes treatment that is the most suitable and safest option for your individual needs.

Guide: Understanding The Facts Around The Use Of Ozempic For Weight Loss In The UK

Read our guide to gain a better understanding of the facts around the use of Ozempic for weight loss in UK.

Each diabetic patient has a unique individual experience when taking Ozempic injections as a treatment prescribed by their doctor for Type-2 Diabetes.

Ozempic Reviews

Read first hand what other UK Meds customers think about Ozempic and it's impact on diabetic patients lives on our customer reviews above. For further context there are also a large selection of Ozempic reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available at Drugs.com and Web MD.

It is important to note that people may have different experiences when they use Ozempic. If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that Ozempic is the right medication for you then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor or healthcare professional, and judge the medication based on your own experiences if they recommend it as a treatment. The importance of user reviews should not be understated. Reading reviews and patient experiences can provide you with important advice and information that you may not have known, and can inform you on whether or not to start using Ozempic. Before starting a medication you should always consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

Check out some independent Ozempic user reviews and user experiences below:

Ozempic Mumsnet

Many diabetes patients have also shared their experiences of using Ozempic as a treatment on the online community, Mumsnet; below we've shared a selection of these Ozempic reviews below:

• Mumsnet - Ozempic
• Mumsnet - Ozempic Part 3
• Mumsnet - Ozempic Thread Six
• Mumsnet - Any Experience of Ozempic
• Mumsnet - Ozempic Part 2
• Mumsnet - Ozempic for 4 Stone Weight Loss
• Mumsnet - Ozempic: How Do You Stop Gaining the Weight Back
• Mumsnet - To Ask About Ozempic
• Mumsnet - Ozempic New Starters Thread
• Mumsnet - Ozempic Thread Four
• Mumsnet - Ozempic Long-term Weight Maintenance

It's important to remember that everyone's experience with the medication will be unique and that you should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider prior to starting any new treatment to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your needs.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Ozempic 0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1mg patient information leaflets.

Ozempic for Weight Loss

Please be aware that these patient information leaflets are intended for patients who use Ozempic as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and may not be appropriate as guidance for anyone using Ozempic for weight loss as a private treatment as the dosage could differ (GOV.UK, 2023). The active ingredient in Ozempic, Semaglutide, can be prescribed as a weight loss medication but this form of Semaglutide is branded as Wegovy.

What is the recommended dose?

The starting dose for Ozempic is 0.25 mg once a week, usually taken for 4 weeks. After that, your doctor will increase your dose to 0.5 mg once a week if they feel that dose titration is appropriate for you.

If your blood sugar levels are still not under control after another 4 weeks, your doctor may prescribe a 1 mg weekly dosage. If there is no improvement after an additional 4 weeks, your dose can be increased to 2 mg per week, which is the maximum dose available.

Important: Only change your dose if advised by your doctor.

Do I have to start at the lowest strength?

Yes. Patients new to Ozempic should start on a low dose to allow their body to adjust to the medicine. Ozempic can cause nausea and vomiting, and increasing the dose too quickly can raise the likelihood of these side effects.

What dosage of Ozempic do you need?

Below is a guide to what the typical dosage for various strengths of Ozempic are. Please note that your doctor or healthcare professional can advise you on which dosage of Ozempic is suitable for your individual requirements and should always be consulted prior to starting a lower dose or higher dose.

Ozempic Dosage Guide

Ozempic 0.25mg to 0.5mg Doses	Ozempic 1mg to 2mg Doses
Source: novoMEDLINK	Source: novoMEDLINK

Ozempic Dispensing: Quick Reference Guide

UK Meds have created a quick reference guide for Ozempic dispensing. You can review it below:

What to do if you have missed a dose of Ozempic?

Ozempic, advise that following a missed dose of Ozempic, a patient should take the missed dose as soon as possible within 5 days. If it has been more than 5 days since the missed dose they should skip the missed dose, taking the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.

How long does an Ozempic pen last?

An Ozempic pen should be discarded after 56 days, even if it still contains medicine. Dispose of it in your sharps bin and mark the disposal date on your calendar.

How do you use Ozempic?

Ozempic Pen

Ozempic is a medication that is easy to use. For full in-depth instructions on injection technique, you can refer to the Patient Information Leaflet that is provided with your medication. Prior to purchasing, here are our step-by-step instructions.

Step 1 -

You first need to attach a new needle and check your pen. You will need to make sure your pen contains clear and colourless Ozempic. If it does, you should then screw on a new needle and pull off both needle caps.

Step 2 - 

Now, you should check the flow of your pen. Every new Ozempic pen will need the flow of medication checking. To do this you need to turn the dose selector to select the flow check symbol which you can check in the patient information leaflet. Then, press and hold the dose button and repeat until a drop of medication appears.

Step 3 - 

You will then need to select your dosage. To do this, you need to turn the dose selector until the counter shows your dose. Select the dose you have been told to take. Dosages range from 0.25 mg to 1.0 mg.

Step 4 - 

You can now inject your dose. To do this, insert the needle into the arm, stomach, thighs, or hips. Then, press and hold down the dose button. After the dose counter reaches 0, hold for at least six seconds to make sure you receive the full dose.

Step 5 - 

After six seconds you can then remove the needle. Replace the outer needle as well. Carefully remove and dispose of the needle into a sharps bin. Then, put the pen cap back on.

VIDEO: How to use Ozempic pen

The video below provides a simple set of instructions for how to use an Ozempic pen:

Where can I inject Ozempic?

Ozempic can be injected under the skin of your upper arm, stomach, or thigh. Avoid using the same injection site each time.

How do you store Ozempic?

Much like other injectable medications, Ozempic should be stored at a certain temperature. To correctly store your Ozempic keep it in the fridge between 2℃ and 8℃; after using it for the first time (& up to 56 days after this), ensure that it is stored at a room temperature of 15°C to 30°C or again kept in the fridge at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C (novoMEDLINK, 2024). Once you have opened your medication it can be stored for up to six weeks at the temperatures referenced. Never store Ozempic with the needle still on.

Who can use Ozempic?

Ozempic is recommended for adults with type 2 diabetes that cannot be controlled by other medications. For example:

• When metformin is not suitable due to intolerance or contraindications
• In addition to other diabetes medicines

Ozempic should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. Do not use Ozempic if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, including semaglutide, or if you have type 1 diabetes.

Is Ozempic safe?

Ozempic is considered safe for treating type 2 diabetes, but only under your doctor's supervision.

What precautions should I take before starting treatment?

To ensure proper use and suitability of this medication, follow all the precautionary measures below and consult your doctor with any questions before starting treatment:

• Before taking this medication, ensure you are not allergic or intolerant to Semaglutide or any other ingredient in this medication.
• Inform your doctor about any prescription or non-prescription medications you are using.
• If you have or have ever had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), diabetic retinopathy, or any kidney disease, make sure your doctor knows about it.
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before using this medication. If planning a pregnancy, your doctor will likely advise you to stop this drug two months before becoming pregnant.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If more than five days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled.
• Before using the Ozempic pen, ensure the liquid in the pen is clear. Do not use the pen if the liquid is coloured, cloudy, thickened, or contains particles.

What are the possible side effects of Ozempic?

Prescription-only medications can come with some side effects that some people may experience. This is the case with Ozempic (Stewart & Jarvis, 2021). There are more common side effects, as well as some rarer side effects.

The side effects listed below are from the Ozempic patient information leaflet, which is intended for people taking Ozempic for type 2 diabetes treatment. This information may not be accurate for those using Ozempic for weight loss through a private clinic, as the doses may differ.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Low blood sugar
• Vomiting

Less Common Side Effects:

• Anaphylactic reactions
• Increased heart rate

It's important to consult your doctor, GP or healthcare professionals if you experience any side effects whilst using Ozempic (semaglutide). They will be able to explain the potential side effects prior to starting treatment.

Can Ozempic (semaglutide) interact with other medications?

Semaglutide slows down gastric emptying, which can affect the absorption of oral medications. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking:

• Warfarin or other blood clotting medications
• Insulin

Interactions with food/drinks: If you have diabetes, limit your alcohol intake as it can impact your glucose control.

Alcohol Consumption Advice:

It’s important to speak to your doctor if you drink alcohol and use diabetes medications like Ozempic (semaglutide), as alcohol can affect blood sugar levels. Depending on how much you drink, alcohol can either lower (hypoglycemia) or raise (hyperglycemia) your blood sugar.

You should avoid alcohol if your diabetes is not well managed or if you have certain conditions like high triglycerides, nerve damage (neuropathy), or pancreatitis.

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

Wegovy is manufactured by Novo Nordisk Inc., the same company that makes Ozempic, and both contain the active ingredient semaglutide.

Wegovy is specifically designed for weight loss and has been approved and licensed for this purpose.

For more information on each medication, you can read our Beginner's Guide To Ozempic for Diabetes and our Beginner's Guide to Wegovy for Weight Loss.

Is Ozempic available as a tablet?

Although Ozempic isn’t available as a tablet, its active ingredient, semaglutide, is. It’s available for treating type 2 diabetes under the brand name Rybelsus. Rybelsus tablets are typically taken once per day, at least 2 hours after eating. It works the same way as an Ozempic injection and has the same effects.

What is the difference between Ozempic and Rybelsus?

Ozempic and Rybelsus are both made by Novo Nordisk and contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. They are primarily designed to treat type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is available as a self-injection pen, while Rybelsus comes in tablet form.

Is Ozempic legal?

Ozempic is a licensed medication for use in the UK. It is important to note that it has only been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not currently licensed as a weight-loss medication. Some private weight loss clinics may prescribe this medication for weight loss. This is legal and known as 'off-label' prescribing. This term is used to describe when a medication is prescribed outside the scope of its licence. Wegovy is another branded form of Semaglutide and this version of Wegovy is licenced for weight loss treatment.

Is Ozempic used for weight loss?

Ozempic is licensed in the UK as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and type 2 diabetes alone. It is meant to be used to control blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of diabetes-based complications. There is, however, evidence that it’s active ingredient, Semaglutide, can be used as a weight-loss treatment in various clinical trials and studies such as Ghusn et al (2022) and a clinical trial by Wilding et al (2021). Some private weight-loss clinics even prescribe Ozempic for weight loss to patients in the UK to help them achieve a healthy weight. This is known as off-label prescribing. Semaglutide is also available as the brand name, Wegovy, which is a medication licenced for weight loss.

How does Ozempic work for weight loss?

It is important to note that Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK. Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide. Semaglutide is very similar to a hormone produced naturally by the body called GLP-1. GLP-1 has an important role in controlling appetite. Ozempic helps appetite suppression, making you feel less hungry by mimicking this hormone which helps to reduce overall calorie intake. This could lead to people eating less and ultimately losing weight, although this is not the primary aim of this treatment. However, Wegovy is an alternative branded form of Semaglutide which is licenced for weight loss.

Does Ozempic suppress appetite?

A common side effect of Ozempic is a reduced appetite (Friedrichsen et al, 2020). Weight loss is also a side effect of Ozempic. This may be why some healthcare providers prescribe Ozempic for weight loss outside of the UK. Other medicines that help people to lose weight include Wegovy and the Saxenda injection. These are licensed weight-loss treatments and help to control appetite and lead to weight loss.

What are the alternatives to Ozempic?

Even though Ozempic isn't licensed for weight loss, there are other weight loss medications which have been licensed in the UK including Wegovy, the branded form of Semaglutide which is licenced as a treatment for losing weight. Another popular alternative is the Saxenda pen, which contains a similar active ingredient known as Liraglutide. Saxenda works in a similar way to help people lose weight and has been approved by regulators as an effective weight-loss medication. Saxenda is available to purchase online from UK Meds. 

Is Ozempic available on the NHS?

Ozempic NHS

Ozempic is available on the NHS, but only as a treatment for type 2 diabetes (Diabetes UK, 2024). Ozempic is not currently prescribed by the NHS to help people lose weight. Wegovy, is the alternative branded form of Semaglutide that is licenced as a weight loss medicine. If you prefer faster access or a private option, UK Meds offers Ozempic® through an online consultation with quick and discreet delivery. Simply complete a free online consultation with an independent prescriber to find out if it's suitable for you.

Can Ozempic affect eye health?

Research studies have demonstrated that Ozempic has the potential to cause vision changes including worsening of diabetic retinopathy, macular complications & blurred vision (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2024).

Can the active ingredient in Ozempic, Semaglutide, affect heart health?

Yes. research studies conducted by the American Heart Association, have indicated that Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic injections and Wegovy), can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients treated with the GLP-1 drug.

Can the active ingredient in Ozempic, Semaglutide, affect blood pressure?

Yes. Various clinical trials assessing Semaglutide have demonstrated significant reductions in blood pressure in patient's suffering from high blood pressure and people with normal blood pressure levels, highlighting that there is a greater chance that Semaglutide could lower blood pressure rather than increase it (Pope, C.; 2023).

Is there a shortage of Ozempic (semaglutide) in 2024?

Yes. NHS England and the Department for Health and Social Care have issued a National Patient Safety Alert, to address supply issues with GLP-1 RA medication, confirming that there is currently a shortage of Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) in the UK. You can find out more about the current Ozempic shortage on UK Meds dedicated blog that investigates the supply shortage in detail.

Is there a link between Ozempic (semaglutide) and thyroid cancer?

Following a review spanning a number of months, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have stated that there is no evidence that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic (semagludtide) are linked to thyroid cancer (Reuters, 2023). According to Ozempic manufacturer, they urge caution, suggesting that there could be a potential for possible thyroid tumors, including cancer but is it not known for sure; they encourage Ozempic patients to tell their doctor or healthcare provider if they experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, lumps and/or swelling in the neck or hoarseness of the throat as soon as possible.

What is Ozempic face?

'Ozempic face' refers to a common side effect of Ozempic where it causes sagging and aging of facial skin.

Video: A Doctor Explains 'Ozempic Face'

Dr Khalid Zalmay (GMC number: 7136533) provides an explanation of 'Ozempic face' including the symptoms to look out for in the video below:

• Ozempic: Tools and Resources
• BNF: Semaglutide
• Drugs.com: Ozempic
• WebMD: Ozempic Subcutaneous Injection
• Patient.info: Semaglutide (Ozempic)
• Medicines.org.uk: Ozempic (Semaglutide) PIL
• UK Government: Ozempic (PDF)
• ScienceDirect: Semaglutide
• European Medicines Agency - Ozempic

• Guide to Ozempic for Diabetes - Learn how Ozempic helps manage diabetes effectively.
• Ozempic for Weight Loss - Discover how Ozempic can support weight loss in the UK.
• Can You Take Ozempic Injections with Other Medications? - Information on how Ozempic interacts with other treatments.
• Is Mounjaro or Ozempic Better? - A comparison to help you decide which treatment works best for you.
• Ozempic Shortage UK: Why is There a Shortage of Ozempic? - Understand the reasons behind Ozempic's limited availability in the UK.
• Ozempic London: Buying Ozempic in the UK Capital - Where to find Ozempic in London.
• Ozempic Birmingham: Buying Ozempic in Birmingham - Tips for purchasing Ozempic in Birmingham.
• Ozempic Manchester: Buying Ozempic in Manchester - Find out how to access Ozempic in Manchester.
• Ozempic Glasgow: Buying Ozempic in Glasgow - Guidance for buying Ozempic in Glasgow.
• Ozempic Edinburgh: Buying Ozempic in Edinburgh - Where to buy Ozempic in Edinburgh.