Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) | Walgreens Weight Management

Yes, it is possible to switch from Ozempic to Wegovy, as both medications contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. However, this change should only happen with your healthcare provider’s guidance. Ozempic is for patients managing their type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with related health issues.

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication approved to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar when used alongside diet and exercise. It has also been shown to lower the risk of diabetes-related heart and kidney complications.

Although many people who take Ozempic experience weight loss, it is not FDA-approved specifically for that purpose. Some providers may prescribe it "off-label" for weight loss, but this is not its primary use. For those seeking an FDA-approved option for weight management, the same active ingredient (semaglutide) is available as brand name Wegovy, which is approved for adults and adolescents with obesity or for individuals who are overweight and have a related health condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Yes. Ozempic is approved by the FDA for several conditions in adults with type 2 diabetes:

• Improving blood sugar levels when used with diet and exercise
• Reducing the risk of major heart-related events in those with established cardiovascular disease
• Lowering the risk of kidney disease worsening, kidney failure, and cardiovascular-related death in adults with chronic kidney disease

Ozempic is a GLP-1 that contains semaglutide and is available in both a weekly injectable and a daily pill form. Both versions of Ozempic are approved to treat Type 2 diabetes and have similar general side effects. The main difference between injectable and oral versions of Ozempic is how and when you take them. The Ozempic pill is taken daily first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, 30 mins apart from any food or other medications, while the Ozempic injection is administered weekly without food or timing requirements.

Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, but other GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy, which also contains semaglutide, and Foundayo (orforglipron) are FDA approved for weight management. Wegovy is available as both an injection and pill while Foundayo is only available in pill form.

Ozempic is considered generally safe when used as prescribed for its FDA-approved uses (type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular and kidney risks in some adults). However, as with all medications, it has potential side effects - from common digestive issues to rare, serious health risks. The most common side effects are stomach-related, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Most of these typically occur when starting Ozempic and often get better over time.

Some may also experience headaches, tiredness, or a decreased appetite. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues, and serious allergic reactions. Ozempic should not be used by those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or a condition called MEN2. Additionally, GLP-1 agonists should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Low blood sugar can occur, especially if Ozempic is combined with insulin or certain diabetes medications. Most patients tolerate Ozempic well, but it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects or concerns. Regular check-ins and monitoring can help manage any side effects that may come up and determine if they are something more serious.

Some common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. Less common side effects include hair loss and change or loss in taste.

Notify your provider as soon as possible if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects:

• Thyroid C-cell tumor – a new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or trouble breathing.
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) – severe pain in your abdomen that will not go away, sometimes radiating to your back, with or without nausea or vomiting.
• Change in vision (particularly in those with diabetic retinopathy)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, shakiness, blurred vision, slurred speech, weakness, anxiety, hunger, headache, irritability or mood changes, confusion or drowsiness, fast heartbeat, or feeling jittery.
• Acute kidney injury – decrease in the amount of urine or swelling of ankles, hands or feet. This can be caused from dehydration due to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Be sure to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
• Acute gallbladder disease or gallstones – severe pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes, fever, or clay-colored stool.
• Severe dehydration – increased thirst, dry mouth, headache, feeling lightheaded, dark or brown urine.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions.
• Pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation – inform your healthcare provider that you are taking this medication before any surgeries or procedures.

Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity can occur with Ozempic. If you notice any signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling in your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very fast heartbeat, trouble breathing or swallowing, fainting or feeling dizzy, stop using Ozempic and seek medical care immediately.

If you have any questions or concerns about side effects, talk with your provider. They can discuss ways to help reduce them.

The amount of weight someone loses can vary based on the medication, dose, how consistently they take it, and their personal health conditions. Research from clinical trials show that patients who used Wegovy (semaglutide approved for weight loss) lost about 15% of their starting body weight in the first 1 to 1.5 years when compared to a placebo.

At first, most patients have monthly check-ins so their provider can adjust medication dosages for the best results. Overtime, check-ins typically become less frequent – about every 3 to 6 months, depending on your provider’s recommendation. If you need extra support with side effects, dosing, or any other questions or concerns, you can request an on-demand visit with a Walgreens Weight Management provider – available 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CST.

Yes, if clinically appropriate! To begin the process, you can start a Walgreens Weight Management online visit. A provider will review your medical history and current medications to confirm that you’re eligible for treatment. If it’s clinically appropriate and safe, your provider can create a personalized treatment plan and may prescribe Wegovy, a brand name for semaglutide approved for weight loss.

Walgreens Weight Management is currently intended for patients self-paying for weight loss medication. For those looking for an FDA-approved medication for weight loss, patients can start Wegovy (semaglutide) for as little as $149/month with a Wegovy savings card through Novo Nordisk. Through August 31, 2026, pay $149/month for the two lowest doses of daily Wegovy pills through a Novo Nordisk offer, subsequent doses are up to $299/month, restrictions and exclusions apply.** Or through June 30, 2026, get your first two months of weekly Wegovy injectables for $199/month through an introductory Novo Nordisk offer, subsequent doses up to $349/month, restrictions and exclusions apply.^† See Wegovy page for more details. Please note, the cost of the Walgreens Weight Management visits is separate from the cost of the medication.

While Walgreens Weight Management does not prescribe Ozempic for weight loss, patients with an Ozempic (semaglutide) prescription can start medication for as little as $149/month with an Ozempic savings card through Novo Nordisk. Get a one month fill of the 1.5 mg dose Ozempic pills for $149, subsequent fills range from $199 to $299 per month based on dosage through a Novo Nordisk offer, restrictions and exclusions apply.^‡ Through June 30, 2026, get Ozempic injectables for $199/month for your first two months through a Novo Nordisk offer, subsequent fills range from $349 to $499 per month based on dosage, restrictions and exclusions apply.^||

Walgreens Weight Management offers several FDA-approved medications for weight loss in the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist drug class such as semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Zepbound^®), orforglipron (Foundayo), and liraglutide (Saxenda^®). During your virtual visit, a doctor or nurse practitioner will review your medical history, BMI and other health considerations to determine whether a GLP-1 agonist medication is appropriate, and evaluate which option is right for you.

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic^§), tirzepatide (Zepbound), orforglipron (Foundayo), liraglutide (Saxenda)

• Contraindications
  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • Known serious hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the ingredients in the product.
• Warnings and Precautions
  • Thyroid C-cell tumors have occurred in animal studies; human relevance of this finding has not been determined. Report symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a lump in the neck, hoarseness, dysphagia, or dyspnea) to your healthcare provider.
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have severe pain in your abdomen that will not go away, with or without nausea or vomiting. Sometimes you may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
  • Acute gallbladder disease or problems including gallstones have occurred. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of gallbladder disease or complications: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stool.
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) risk is increased when using a GLP-1 agonist, especially if also taking medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, shakiness, blurred vision, slurred speech, weakness, anxiety, hunger, headache, irritability or mood changes, confusion or drowsiness, fast heartbeat, or feeling jittery.
  • Acute kidney injury: Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may lead to dehydration which may cause kidney problems such as acute kidney injury and, in rare cases, requiring hemodialysis. It is important that you drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away.
  • Gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe, have been reported. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions: Stop using the GLP-1 agonist and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, fainting or feeling dizzy.
  • Increased heart rate may occur, even when at rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest, lasting for several minutes.
  • Increased risk of pulmonary aspiration (food getting into your lungs) during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sedation due to delayed gastric emptying. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking this GLP-1 agonist before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.
  • Changes in vision. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision. A temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy could occur. (Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, or Foundayo only)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Speak with your provider if you are or plan to be pregnant or breastfeeding, as these GLP-1 agonists should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the potential benefit outweighs potential risk to the fetus or breastfed infant.
  • Increased risk of depression or thoughts of suicide. Pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you. (Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda only)
  • Do not share your medication pen or needles with anyone else. You may give an infection to them or get an infection from them.
• Common Side Effects
  • Wegovy: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal distension, belching, hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, flatulence, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and nasopharyngitis.
  • Ozempic: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.
  • Zepbound: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, upset stomach, injection site reactions, fatigue, hypersensitivity reactions, belching, hair loss, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Foundayo: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach (abdominal) pain, headache, swollen belly, feeling tired, belching, heartburn, gas, hair loss.
  • Saxenda: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, injection site reactions, headache, low blood sugar, upset stomach, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase (a digestive enzyme), upper abdominal pain, fever, and gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines).
• Drug or Food Interactions
  • Simvastatin: Do not exceed simvastatin 20 mg once daily when used along with Foundayo medication.
  • Delayed gastric emptying may impact absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications.
  • Use of GLP-1 medications may reduce the efficacy of oral hormonal contraceptives. If you are using oral hormonal contraceptives, add a non-oral contraceptive method or a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after starting medication and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.
  • Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. GLP-1 agonist medications can change how some medicines work, and other medicines may affect how GLP-1 medications work too.

Ondansetron (Zofran)***

• Contraindications
  • Known serious hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the product.
  • Concomitant use of apomorphine (brand names Apokyn, Onapgo).
• Warnings and Precautions
  • Allergies: Do not use ondansetron if you are allergic to it or similar medications. Seek emergency care if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing or swallowing; severe rash; or fainting.
  • Heart Rhythm Risks (QT Prolongation): Ondansetron can rarely affect heart rhythm. The risk is higher if you have heart conditions, low potassium or magnesium, liver disease, or take other QT-prolonging medicines. Tell your provider about all medications you take and your medical history.
  • Serotonin Syndrome: Rare but serious. Seek immediate care for agitation, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, sweating, fever, tremor, stiffness, or coordination problems—especially if taking antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs.
  • Drowsiness/Dizziness: May cause sleepiness or light-headedness. Avoid alcohol, marijuana, or driving until you know how it affects you.
  • Digestive Issues: Can disguise symptoms of bowel blockage; report severe abdominal swelling or lack of bowel activity.
  • Special Populations: Older adults may be more sensitive. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if recommended by your provider. Speak with your provider if you are or plan to be pregnant, as ondansetron should only be used during pregnancy when medically needed. Ondansetron passes into breastmilk – consult your provider before using it if you are or plan to be breastfeeding.
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU): The orally disintegrating tablet contains a small amount of phenylalanine.
• Common Side Effects
  • Headache, fatigue, constipation, and diarrhea.
• Drug or Food Interactions
  • Serotonin Syndrome has been reported with ondansetron alone, and particularly with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, mirtazapine, tramadol, fentanyl, lithium). Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include mental status changes (agitation, hallucinations, delirium); fast heartbeat, fluctuating blood pressure, dizziness, flushing, sweating; tremor, extremity rigidity, incoordination; seizures. If such symptoms occur, discontinue ondansetron and seek medical help promptly.

^§ Not FDA approved for weight loss
*** Not FDA approved for general nausea/vomiting; FDA approved for chemotherapy-induced, postoperative, radiation therapy-associated nausea and vomiting