Will a doctor prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Ozempic is for those who are diabetics or pre-diabetics. It's only given to a certain dose, I think 1mg. Saxenda/Wegovy is the same medication, but is approved for weight loss, and given up to 2.4mg. Doctors are not going to prescribe Ozempic for weight loss, as that's not what it is approved for.

You are very wrong. I and many others without diabetes are prescribed Ozempic off label for weight loss. It is approved for up to 2.0 mg.

It is not approved for weight loss only in any dose. It's approved indication is only for management of Type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is approved for weight managment, but only for those that are clinically obese or for those struggling with weigh-related health conditions. It is not approved for vanity weight loss.

Am I an expert in drug policy? Yes. Is off-label prescribing legal? Yes. It is ethical for what amounts to cosmetic reasons when the drug is in shortage? No. Is it legal for a pharmacy to compound this? No. Compunding pharmacies by law cannot compound "copies" of FDA-approved medications. Is getting it from Canada legal? No, its not.

Not sure about the compounding pharmacies, but a lot of them are openly offering compounded semaglutide so I don’t think it’s illegal.

It’s definitely not illegal to use a Canadian pharmacy as an American. That’s where I’ve been getting my Ozempic for 8 months now.

Which Canadian pharmacy do you use?

It definitely is illegal. Its not well policed, but its not legal.

From the FDA website (Ozempic does not qualify under the exceptions, BTW):


Can I purchase or bring drug or device products from a foreign country to the U.S.?

U.S. Citizens:
In most circumstances, it is illegal for individuals to import drugs or devices into the U.S. for personal use because these products purchased from other countries often have not been approved by the FDA for use and sale in the U.S. If a drug is approved for use in another country but is an unapproved new drug in the U.S. it is illegal to import.

The FDA cannot ensure the safety and effectiveness of medicine purchased over the Internet from foreign sources, storefront businesses that offer to buy foreign medicine for you, or during trips outside the U.S. For these reasons, the FDA recommends only obtaining medicines from legal sources in the U.S.

Are there any circumstances when I could purchase or bring an unapproved drug or device into the U.S.?

The FDA has guidance for personal importation of drug or device products. Below provides information regarding situations for which this might be allowed:

Product is not for treatment of a serious condition and there is no known significant health risk (Over the Counter, OTC); or

Product is for the treatment of a serious condition ( Prescription Drug Products):
-The product is for a serious condition for which effective treatment may not be available domestically either through commercial or clinical means.
-There is no known commercialization or promotion of the product to persons residing in the U.S.
-The product does not represent an unreasonable risk.
-The consumer affirms in writing that the product is for personal use.
-The quantity is generally not more than a three month supply and either:
-Provide the name and address of the doctor licensed in the U.S. responsible for your treatment with the product, or
-Provide evidence that the product is for the continuation of a treatment begun in a foreign country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Ozempic is for those who are diabetics or pre-diabetics. It's only given to a certain dose, I think 1mg. Saxenda/Wegovy is the same medication, but is approved for weight loss, and given up to 2.4mg. Doctors are not going to prescribe Ozempic for weight loss, as that's not what it is approved for.

You are very wrong. I and many others without diabetes are prescribed Ozempic off label for weight loss. It is approved for up to 2.0 mg.

It is not approved for weight loss only in any dose. It's approved indication is only for management of Type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is approved for weight managment, but only for those that are clinically obese or for those struggling with weigh-related health conditions. It is not approved for vanity weight loss.

Am I an expert in drug policy? Yes. Is off-label prescribing legal? Yes. It is ethical for what amounts to cosmetic reasons when the drug is in shortage? No. Is it legal for a pharmacy to compound this? No. Compunding pharmacies by law cannot compound "copies" of FDA-approved medications. Is getting it from Canada legal? No, its not.

Not sure about the compounding pharmacies, but a lot of them are openly offering compounded semaglutide so I don’t think it’s illegal.

It’s definitely not illegal to use a Canadian pharmacy as an American. That’s where I’ve been getting my Ozempic for 8 months now.

I actually negotiated the legislation that made it illegal, so yes, I can assure you, its not legal to compound copies of FDA-approved drugs. I have no doubt that shady pharmacies are attempting to get around it given the demand, but its still not legal.

Here is some light reading on the topic: https://www.fda.gov/media/98964/download

The compounded version is different - it's semaglutide with b12 and sometimes carnitine. Does that make a difference? I don't know ozempic's formula, but I'm guessing someone has looked into this. You can literally find a compound pharmacy anywhere that's making it. Google "weight loss spa/clinic semaglutide" and you'll find countless mds - so it's not like it's just a couple shady fly by night businesses. The mounjaro version (tirepazide or something like that) is not readily available in the same way, though, maybe due to how it's formulated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Ozempic is for those who are diabetics or pre-diabetics. It's only given to a certain dose, I think 1mg. Saxenda/Wegovy is the same medication, but is approved for weight loss, and given up to 2.4mg. Doctors are not going to prescribe Ozempic for weight loss, as that's not what it is approved for.

You are very wrong. I and many others without diabetes are prescribed Ozempic off label for weight loss. It is approved for up to 2.0 mg.

It is not approved for weight loss only in any dose. It's approved indication is only for management of Type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is approved for weight managment, but only for those that are clinically obese or for those struggling with weigh-related health conditions. It is not approved for vanity weight loss.

Am I an expert in drug policy? Yes. Is off-label prescribing legal? Yes. It is ethical for what amounts to cosmetic reasons when the drug is in shortage? No. Is it legal for a pharmacy to compound this? No. Compunding pharmacies by law cannot compound "copies" of FDA-approved medications. Is getting it from Canada legal? No, its not.

Not sure about the compounding pharmacies, but a lot of them are openly offering compounded semaglutide so I don’t think it’s illegal.

It’s definitely not illegal to use a Canadian pharmacy as an American. That’s where I’ve been getting my Ozempic for 8 months now.

Which Canadian pharmacy do you use?

It definitely is illegal. Its not well policed, but its not legal.

From the FDA website (Ozempic does not qualify under the exceptions, BTW):


Can I purchase or bring drug or device products from a foreign country to the U.S.?

U.S. Citizens:
In most circumstances, it is illegal for individuals to import drugs or devices into the U.S. for personal use because these products purchased from other countries often have not been approved by the FDA for use and sale in the U.S. If a drug is approved for use in another country but is an unapproved new drug in the U.S. it is illegal to import.

The FDA cannot ensure the safety and effectiveness of medicine purchased over the Internet from foreign sources, storefront businesses that offer to buy foreign medicine for you, or during trips outside the U.S. For these reasons, the FDA recommends only obtaining medicines from legal sources in the U.S.

Are there any circumstances when I could purchase or bring an unapproved drug or device into the U.S.?

The FDA has guidance for personal importation of drug or device products. Below provides information regarding situations for which this might be allowed:

Product is not for treatment of a serious condition and there is no known significant health risk (Over the Counter, OTC); or

Product is for the treatment of a serious condition ( Prescription Drug Products):
-The product is for a serious condition for which effective treatment may not be available domestically either through commercial or clinical means.
-There is no known commercialization or promotion of the product to persons residing in the U.S.
-The product does not represent an unreasonable risk.
-The consumer affirms in writing that the product is for personal use.
-The quantity is generally not more than a three month supply and either:
-Provide the name and address of the doctor licensed in the U.S. responsible for your treatment with the product, or
-Provide evidence that the product is for the continuation of a treatment begun in a foreign country.

I don’t think you understand what what you posted, Based on what you posted, why would it be illegal to purchase ozempic from Canada?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Ozempic is for those who are diabetics or pre-diabetics. It's only given to a certain dose, I think 1mg. Saxenda/Wegovy is the same medication, but is approved for weight loss, and given up to 2.4mg. Doctors are not going to prescribe Ozempic for weight loss, as that's not what it is approved for.

You are very wrong. I and many others without diabetes are prescribed Ozempic off label for weight loss. It is approved for up to 2.0 mg.

It is not approved for weight loss only in any dose. It's approved indication is only for management of Type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is approved for weight managment, but only for those that are clinically obese or for those struggling with weigh-related health conditions. It is not approved for vanity weight loss.

Am I an expert in drug policy? Yes. Is off-label prescribing legal? Yes. It is ethical for what amounts to cosmetic reasons when the drug is in shortage? No. Is it legal for a pharmacy to compound this? No. Compunding pharmacies by law cannot compound "copies" of FDA-approved medications. Is getting it from Canada legal? No, its not.

Not sure about the compounding pharmacies, but a lot of them are openly offering compounded semaglutide so I don’t think it’s illegal.

It’s definitely not illegal to use a Canadian pharmacy as an American. That’s where I’ve been getting my Ozempic for 8 months now.

Which Canadian pharmacy do you use?

It definitely is illegal. Its not well policed, but its not legal.

From the FDA website (Ozempic does not qualify under the exceptions, BTW):


Can I purchase or bring drug or device products from a foreign country to the U.S.?

U.S. Citizens:
In most circumstances, it is illegal for individuals to import drugs or devices into the U.S. for personal use because these products purchased from other countries often have not been approved by the FDA for use and sale in the U.S. If a drug is approved for use in another country but is an unapproved new drug in the U.S. it is illegal to import.

The FDA cannot ensure the safety and effectiveness of medicine purchased over the Internet from foreign sources, storefront businesses that offer to buy foreign medicine for you, or during trips outside the U.S. For these reasons, the FDA recommends only obtaining medicines from legal sources in the U.S.

Are there any circumstances when I could purchase or bring an unapproved drug or device into the U.S.?

The FDA has guidance for personal importation of drug or device products. Below provides information regarding situations for which this might be allowed:

Product is not for treatment of a serious condition and there is no known significant health risk (Over the Counter, OTC); or

Product is for the treatment of a serious condition ( Prescription Drug Products):
-The product is for a serious condition for which effective treatment may not be available domestically either through commercial or clinical means.
-There is no known commercialization or promotion of the product to persons residing in the U.S.
-The product does not represent an unreasonable risk.
-The consumer affirms in writing that the product is for personal use.
-The quantity is generally not more than a three month supply and either:
-Provide the name and address of the doctor licensed in the U.S. responsible for your treatment with the product, or
-Provide evidence that the product is for the continuation of a treatment begun in a foreign country.

I don’t think you understand what what you posted, Based on what you posted, why would it be illegal to purchase ozempic from Canada?

I don't think you understand what I posted. Under which exemption do you think Ozempic falls? Its not without serious health risks, meaning its not OTC, etc and does not qualify under the first exemption. It also doesn't fall under the exemptions for treating a serious condition....which from a policy perspective are aimed at providing availability to those with serious conditions for which there are no approved available treatments in the US. I get that, to a lay person, they think they understand these policies, but you obviously do not. Like I said, its not well polices/enforced, which is why pharmacies ship in, but it is also not legal. There were some attempts by the Trump administration folks to create a new pathway to allow for important of drugs into the US from Canada by allowing states to set up importation programs, but no state has done so that I am aware and Canada signaled their complete unwillingness to participate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Curious why on earth doctors refuse to prescribe it? Especially for people who are truly overweight. It’s baffling.

Because there is a shortage and people with diabetes need it?

[Anonymous]

I tried ozempedic and now I’m doing even better Mounjaro for $25/month through insurance. But I actually have diabetes, so maybe just try to up your sugar intake so you can qualify?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you actually 25 pounds overweight or do you just want to lose 25 pounds?

OP here - whats the difference? I am heavy for my height 5'7" and need/want to lose 25 pounds. I had 3 kids and have not been able to lose the extra weight. I gained 60 pounds when I was pregnant each time. I have never weighed this much in my life. I was 125 when I got married and would like to get back to that.

The difference is if you qualify. No need to be so rude!

[Anonymous]

You should get a physical first and get your a1c tested.

[Anonymous]

Lmaoooooooo all the ladies with their Burberry jackets wanting my diabetes medication. No I’m not overweight and fat, but I still got type 2 diabetes. I love that you’re so desperate and VAIN to pay $1200 a month indefinitely for diabetes meds. Good luck getting your prescription filled, because pharmacies prioritize diabetes patients even if they don’t tell you that. There’s no shortage for me at Walgreens and the pharmacist told me exactly why I don’t have issues filling my script.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lmaoooooooo all the ladies with their Burberry jackets wanting my diabetes medication. No I’m not overweight and fat, but I still got type 2 diabetes. I love that you’re so desperate and VAIN to pay $1200 a month indefinitely for diabetes meds. Good luck getting your prescription filled, because pharmacies prioritize diabetes patients even if they don’t tell you that. There’s no shortage for me at Walgreens and the pharmacist told me exactly why I don’t have issues filling my script.

How does the pharmacist even know? They get a slip of paper? Not a full blown diagnosis. 🙄

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lmaoooooooo all the ladies with their Burberry jackets wanting my diabetes medication. No I’m not overweight and fat, but I still got type 2 diabetes. I love that you’re so desperate and VAIN to pay $1200 a month indefinitely for diabetes meds. Good luck getting your prescription filled, because pharmacies prioritize diabetes patients even if they don’t tell you that. There’s no shortage for me at Walgreens and the pharmacist told me exactly why I don’t have issues filling my script.

Did you get diabetes due to being overweight? Why are you being so hateful?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lmaoooooooo all the ladies with their Burberry jackets wanting my diabetes medication. No I’m not overweight and fat, but I still got type 2 diabetes. I love that you’re so desperate and VAIN to pay $1200 a month indefinitely for diabetes meds. Good luck getting your prescription filled, because pharmacies prioritize diabetes patients even if they don’t tell you that. There’s no shortage for me at Walgreens and the pharmacist told me exactly why I don’t have issues filling my script.

How does the pharmacist even know? They get a slip of paper? Not a full blown diagnosis. 🙄

There is a code you enter from the prescribing doctor. Ask a pharmacist!

[Anonymous]

Don’t even try to get Mounjaro for your vanity weight loss

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/weight-loss-drug-shortages-access-now-limited-to-diabetes-medication-mounjaro-tirzepatide

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Ozempic is for those who are diabetics or pre-diabetics. It's only given to a certain dose, I think 1mg. Saxenda/Wegovy is the same medication, but is approved for weight loss, and given up to 2.4mg. Doctors are not going to prescribe Ozempic for weight loss, as that's not what it is approved for.

You are very wrong. I and many others without diabetes are prescribed Ozempic off label for weight loss. It is approved for up to 2.0 mg.

It is not approved for weight loss only in any dose. It's approved indication is only for management of Type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is approved for weight managment, but only for those that are clinically obese or for those struggling with weigh-related health conditions. It is not approved for vanity weight loss.

Am I an expert in drug policy? Yes. Is off-label prescribing legal? Yes. It is ethical for what amounts to cosmetic reasons when the drug is in shortage? No. Is it legal for a pharmacy to compound this? No. Compunding pharmacies by law cannot compound "copies" of FDA-approved medications. Is getting it from Canada legal? No, its not.

Not sure about the compounding pharmacies, but a lot of them are openly offering compounded semaglutide so I don’t think it’s illegal.

It’s definitely not illegal to use a Canadian pharmacy as an American. That’s where I’ve been getting my Ozempic for 8 months now.

I actually negotiated the legislation that made it illegal, so yes, I can assure you, its not legal to compound copies of FDA-approved drugs. I have no doubt that shady pharmacies are attempting to get around it given the demand, but its still not legal.

Here is some light reading on the topic: https://www.fda.gov/media/98964/download

The compounded version is different - it's semaglutide with b12 and sometimes carnitine. Does that make a difference? I don't know ozempic's formula, but I'm guessing someone has looked into this. You can literally find a compound pharmacy anywhere that's making it. Google "weight loss spa/clinic semaglutide" and you'll find countless mds - so it's not like it's just a couple shady fly by night businesses. The mounjaro version (tirepazide or something like that) is not readily available in the same way, though, maybe due to how it's formulated?

It a way a super shady pharmacy, which a lot of compounding centers are (although there are some very good ones) tries to skirt legal regulations on compounding. BUT compounding like this can impact drug efficacy and introduce a host of risks that compounding pharmacies are notoriously lax about. No compounding pharmacy has ever performed any studies on the impacts of these additives to the products they are making. Everyone is also unsure where the compounding pharmacies are getting the bulk active ingredient from, which should scare the crap out of you. Form what I understand Novo Norodisk is about to sue the you know what out of host of them as well, as it's patent infringement. I get y'all want an easy way to drop some pounds, but pursuing an unapproved drug product compounded with ingredients with unknown impacts on the drug safety and efficacy with an active that is sourced from lord knows where really isn't the way you want to do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lmaoooooooo all the ladies with their Burberry jackets wanting my diabetes medication. No I’m not overweight and fat, but I still got type 2 diabetes. I love that you’re so desperate and VAIN to pay $1200 a month indefinitely for diabetes meds. Good luck getting your prescription filled, because pharmacies prioritize diabetes patients even if they don’t tell you that. There’s no shortage for me at Walgreens and the pharmacist told me exactly why I don’t have issues filling my script.

Did you get diabetes due to being overweight? Why are you being so hateful?

It’s genetic. I’ve always been slim. I’m not hateful, I just think it’s really sad there is a shortage for actual diabetics and yet people are still trying to access this medication for vanity purposes. Use adderall like everyone else!