How Ozempic is priced & prescribed in South Africa.
If you're considering Ozempic as part of your weight loss journey, you're not alone.
In this post, we break down what you need to know — from the price of Ozempic in South Africa to how to get it prescribed for weight loss.
Key Takeaways.
What it is. Ozempic is approved for the management of type 2 diabetes, but it’s also used off-label to support weight loss
Cost. The price of ozempic or its generic can range from anywhere between R 2833.93 - R 3224.99 for the injection only. This excludes other costs
How to get. You can only get Ozempic prescribed via a reputable telehealth platform or in person at the doctor’s office
Can I Buy Ozempic Over the Counter at a Pharmacy?
No, the pharmacy requires a prescription issued by a licensed medical professional. Ozempic cannot be purchased over the counter at pharmacies in South Africa without a prescription.
Is there a generic option available for ozempic injection?
Yes, your doctor may prescribe a semaglutide injection. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic, and this generic option is typically more affordable and less expensive than the brand-name Ozempic.
How to Get Ozempic Prescribed Safely for Weight Loss.
Visit a doctor
The traditional process of booking an appointment, visiting the doctor to get a prescription, and then going to the pharmacy to purchase the medication is one of your options.
Consult a doctor through telehealth
Alternatively, you can use a registered telehealth practice to support your weight loss journey.
This includes virtual consultations and having your medication delivered straight to your door.
How to access Ozempic® with Get Tested.
Our clinicians can prescribe the Semaglutide injection (Generic) or the Ozempic injection following a medical assessment to determine your eligibility.
1. Request treatment
2. Complete a brief medical survey
3. Visit a nearby Lab for a simple blood test
4. Consult with a doctor
5. Start losing weight
6. Get Ongoing care and medication
Start Your Weight Loss Plan
Why do I need clinical advice, blood tests, or a medical professional to oversee my weight loss journey?
It's a fair question. After all, if you can buy Ozempic online at a lower price with no questions asked, why go through all these extra steps?
What’s the actual risk of skipping an expert/doctor?
In South Africa, more and more people are purchasing semaglutide injections from online stores that aren’t run by licensed medical professionals or registered providers.
These products are sold without proper screening, no follow-up care, and no guarantee that what you're injecting is even real.
It’s easy to be swayed by short-term reviews: "I lost 5kg in a month and had no side effects!"
But weight loss medication isn’t just about how you feel after a few weeks. The real question is: what happens months from now? What if side effects appear? What if the dose isn’t right for you? What happens when you stop?
The Risks of Rebound Weight Gain and Side Effects
Semaglutide can be highly effective for weight loss, but it needs to be used under medical supervision. Without a plan to manage your progress and eventually stop the injections safely, rebound weight gain is very common (regaining the weight you lost, and sometimes even more).
A doctor helps prevent rebound weight gain by:
- Assessing if it’s safe for you to use
- Starting you on the right dose
- Monitoring side effects as your body adjusts
- Helping you come off the medication with a long-term strategy in place
What is the Price of Ozempic in South Africa?
It's important to note that Ozempic is a prescription medication that requires a medical evaluation by a doctor before it can be prescribed.
Doctor and lab fees alone can amount to approximately R1500, excluding the cost of the medication itself.
The price of Ozempic injections varies across pharmacies such as Clicks, Dischem, and Medirite, but you can generally expect to pay between R2700 and R4000 for the medication, depending on the dosage.
Why is Ozempic (Semaglutide) injection so costly?
Medical practices have no control over mediation prices in South Africa. The price of Ozempic is set by the government through the Single Exit Price (SEP) system, which requires pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies to sell it at the fixed price approved by the Department of Health. Branded medications, especially those in a newer class of treatment, are often expensive.
Are there cheaper options to get the semaglutide injection?
Currently, numerous online sources in South Africa are offering generic versions of Ozempic, known as semaglutide injections. However, these sources are not licensed medical practices or telehealth services.
Would you trust an unknown website with your heart medication? Then why take that risk with an injection.
Semaglutide is a prescription medication that alters how your body regulates blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. When sourced from unregulated websites or sellers without licensed doctors, there’s no guarantee of safety, quality, or even what’s actually in the vial.
The most reliable option is treatment guided by licensed doctors who conduct proper health assessments before prescribing and partner with trusted pharmacies. This ensures you receive the right treatment—safely, legally, and with accountability.