Ozempic (semaglutide): uses, dosage, side effects, and price in India
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medicine from Novo Nordisk. It is approved in India for the management of type 2 diabetes in adults. It belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class and helps improve blood sugar control.
Ozempic was officially launched in India on 12 December 2025. It is a Schedule H prescription medicine that should only be used under a doctor's supervision.1,2
Before its official launch, Ozempic was available in India only through named-patient import pathways. Since receiving Indian regulatory approval in December 2025, it has been marketed in the country8 Both medicines contain the same active ingredient and are available only with a valid prescription.1 You can learn more about semaglutide on our semaglutide molecule page.
Prescription required. Ozempic is a Schedule H medicine and can only be purchased with a valid doctor's prescription. Every prescription is verified by our pharmacist before the medicine is shipped.
GLP-1 medicines are prescription-only. A doctor can tell you whether one is appropriate for you and at what dose.
Consult a doctor Or take the eligibility self-checkQuick facts
How Ozempic works
Ozempic contains semaglutide, a medicine that mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is a natural hormone released by the gut after you eat. It helps the pancreas release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high and reduces the release of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar) by activating GLP-1 receptors.2,5
Because this effect is glucose-dependent, semaglutide stimulates insulin release only when blood sugar levels are elevated. As a result, Ozempic has a lower risk of causing hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) when used on its own than some older diabetes medicines. However, the risk of hypoglycaemia still exists when it is taken together with insulin or sulfonylureas, so your doctor may adjust the doses of these medicines if needed.2,5
Semaglutide also slows stomach emptying and helps reduce appetite by acting on areas of the brain involved in regulating hunger. In people with type 2 diabetes, these effects contribute to better long-term blood sugar control, which is commonly monitored using the HbA1c blood test. Although semaglutide can also promote weight loss, Ozempic is approved in India only for the management of type 2 diabetes and not for chronic weight management.1,2 For a simple overview of how these medicines work, check our guide to GLP-1 medicines.
What Ozempic is approved for in India
In India, Ozempic is approved for the management of type 2 diabetes in adults, as an adjunct to a healthy diet and regular exercise to improve blood sugar control. This is its approved indication and it should only be used for this particular indication.1,2
Many people also search for Ozempic for weight loss because semaglutide has gained global attention for its effects on body weight. However, Ozempic is not approved in India for chronic weight management or weight loss. Using Ozempic for this purpose is considered off-label, meaning it falls outside its approved indication. Therefore, it is very important to understand that any off-label use should only be considered by a doctor after carefully assessing the potential benefits and risks for every individual patient.1,2
For adults seeking help for obesity or overweight with weight-related medical conditions, Wegovy is the semaglutide product approved in India for chronic weight management as an adjunct to diet and exercises. However, it is only for an initial BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher (obesity), or a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity.4 Although Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, they are approved for different indications and have different dosing schedules. You can learn more on our Wegovy hub.
Always consult your doctor regarding initiation and continuation of therapy with Ozempic and other GLP1 related medicines. consult a doctor they can assess your medical history, treatment goals, and overall health before recommending the most suitable option.
Ozempic strengths and prices in India
Ozempic is available in India as pre-filled, multi-dose pens. The prices below are the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) as of August 2026 and may change over time. So, always check the latest MRP on the product page before ordering.7
PharmEasy dispenses only 100% genuine, cold-chain-shipped medicines from licensed pharmacies. Since counterfeit GLP-1 related products have been reported in India (2026), it is very important to buy these medications only against a prescription from a licensed pharmacy.
Ozempic dosage
Ozempic is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). It can be taken with or without food but should be taken on the same day each week. The injection is given into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm (the injection site should be rotated with each dose). Your doctor or pharmacist will educate you how to use the pen correctly.2
To reduce the risk of side effects, Ozempic is generally started at a low dose, which is increased gradually over time:2
Treatment usually begins with 0.25 mg once weekly. This is an initiation dose to help your body adjust to the medicine and is not intended for long-term blood sugar control.
After 4 weeks, the dose is usually increased to 0.5 mg once weekly (only under a doctor's guidance), provided it is well tolerated.
Depending on your blood sugar control and response to treatment, your doctor may increase the dose further (only if needed).
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible within 5 days of the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day. Do not take two doses within 48 hours of each other. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose. Also, never change your dose or stop treatment without consulting your doctor. If you need help using the Ozempic pen, ask your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Side effects of Ozempic
Like all medicines, Ozempic can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects affect the digestive system and are usually more noticeable when you first start treatment or after your dose is increased. They often improve as your body adjusts to the medicine.
These are usually mild to moderate and often improve over time:2,5
Although less common, you should speak to your doctor if you experience:2,5
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:2
Ozempic also carries a warning about the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumours, based on findings from animal studies. See Who should not take Ozempic? for more information.
Seek medical help right away if you have severe or persistent stomach pain (a possible sign of pancreatitis), signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing), or symptoms of very low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion), especially if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea.
For everyday tips on managing nausea and other effects, see our GLP-1 side-effects management guide.
Who should not take Ozempic?
Ozempic may not be a good choice for some individuals. Therefore, before starting treatment, tell your doctor about your medical history and any medicines you are taking. Ozempic may not be suitable, or may require special monitoring, if you:
This is not a complete list of precautions or contraindications. Your doctor will consider your overall health, medical history, and current medicines before deciding whether Ozempic is appropriate for you.
Note: India's drug regulator (DCGI) advised in March 2026 that GLP-1 medicines should be prescribed only by specialists such as endocrinologists, internal-medicine physicians and cardiologists (only for certain approved indications).6
How to get Ozempic in India legally
Ozempic is a Schedule H prescription medicine and cannot be purchased over the counter.1,2 To ensure you receive a genuine product and use it safely, follow these steps:
A doctor (ideally an endocrinologist, cardiologist, or internal-medicine specialist) will assess whether Ozempic is appropriate for managing your type 2 diabetes and determine the right treatment plan for you.6
If Ozempic is suitable for you, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate strength and provide a dose-escalation plan.
Buying Ozempic only from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription helps reduce the risk of counterfeit medicines and ensures that the product has been stored and transported under the recommended conditions. Counterfeit GLP-1 medicines have been reported in India, so avoid purchasing them from unverified websites, social media, or unauthorised sellers.3
If you already have a prescription, you can view Ozempic on PharmEasy.
Consult a doctorStoring Ozempic in Indian conditions
Ozempic is a biologic medicine and must be stored correctly to maintain its effectiveness. Proper storage is especially important in hot climates such as India:2
If you order Ozempic through PharmEasy, it is shipped using an appropriate cold-chain process to help maintain the recommended storage conditions during transit.
Ozempic vs alternatives
Ozempic is one of the several brands of semaglutide medicines available in India. Although some contain the same active ingredient, they are approved for different conditions and are not used interchangeably. Only a doctor is allowed to choose between them based on your individual condition:2,4
Rybelsus contains oral semaglutide, while Ozempic is given as a once-weekly injection. Both are approved in India for the management of type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus is taken once daily on an empty stomach. Note that in some countries Rybelsus is being renamed to 'Ozempic tablets' (from 2026), so you may sometimes see both names for the same medicine. For more information, see our Rybelsus hub.
Wegovy also contains semaglutide, but it is approved in India for chronic weight management in eligible adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related medical condition, as an adjunct to reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. If your primary goal is weight management rather than diabetes treatment, your doctor may consider Wegovy instead. Learn more on our Wegovy hub.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which is different from semaglutide. In India, it is approved for both type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Read our Mounjaro vs Ozempic guide or read the Mounjaro hub.
Since the expiry of the semaglutide patent in March 2026, several semaglutide brands have become available in India.9 You can explore these options on our semaglutide molecule page and the Ozempic price page.
Educational tools to help you prepare for a conversation with your doctor. None of them prescribe or recommend a medicine.
Frequently asked questions
References
The information provided in this GLP-1 Library is intended solely to educate and inform users about GLP-1 medicines, their uses, benefits, risks, and other relevant considerations. The purpose of this content is to help users make informed decisions and have meaningful discussions with their healthcare professional. PharmEasy does not intend to promote or recommend any specific medicine, brand or treatment.
The medical and scientific aspects of the content in this GLP-1 Library have been reviewed by a qualified medical professional for medical accuracy and appropriateness. Such review is limited to the medical and scientific content and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any particular medicine, drug, brand, treatment, product, or mode of drug distribution.
The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified doctor or other healthcare professional. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment, please consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor can assess your individual health needs and determine whether a GLP-1 medicine is appropriate for you.