How Ozempic is Priced and Prescribed in South Africa – Get Tested South Africa

01-10-2024

Ozempic in South Africa: Price & How to Get It Prescribed

Ozempic, a medication originally intended to help control Type 2 diabetes, has received widespread attention due to its weight loss benefits. However, the recent ozempic stock shortages have made it difficult to obtain.

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Is Ozempic available in South Africa?

The Ozempic injection has gained popularity rapidly, leading to varying stock levels across the country. Many people often ask, "Is Ozempic available in South Africa?" The answer is yes, but due to high demand, it might not always be in stock. Checking with your pharmacy, doctor or telehealth services can help you determine availability.

How Get Tested helps you lose weight

At Get Tested, our clinicians can prescribe the Semaglutide injection (Generic) or the Ozempic injection following a medical assessment to determine your eligibility.

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Is there a generic for Ozempic in South Africa?

An alternative option is the Semaglutide injection, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic. You can either consult a doctor in person or through a telehealth service (online healthcare) to have it prescribed. 

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is an injectable drug that is administered once a week and contains semaglutide as its active ingredient. It works by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates blood sugar levels while also reducing appetite, resulting in weight loss

Using Ozempic for Weight Loss

Ozempic was originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, but its weight loss benefits have made it popular among those looking to lose weight. Clinical trials and numerous Ozempic weight loss reviews have revealed significant weight loss in users, sparking interest in this medication for weight management.

Ozempic Price in South Africa

It's important to note that Ozempic is a prescription medication, which requires a medical evaluation by a doctor before it can be prescribed.

Doctor and lab fees alone can amount to approximately R2000, 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. 

Where can I buy Ozempic from?

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.

Additionally, the semaglutide injections they provide are not obtained from legitimate pharmaceutical companies. Purchasing these injections online poses a serious health risk, as you are not receiving approval from a qualified medical practitioner. There is also no guarantee that these companies are selling safe and genuine products.

The Dangers of Purchasing from Unreliable Online Sources

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) announced its awareness of counterfeit Ozempic products being sold both in physical stores and online. They also mentioned that they've been informed about unauthorized ads for Ozempic and semaglutide products circulating on different media platforms. This is a major concern because using counterfeit or unauthorized products can pose serious health risks.

Understanding Ozempic Pen Dosages

The injection comes in a pre-filled pen, which makes it simple to administer at home. The dosage for weight loss may differ depending on your doctor's recommendations, but it usually begins with a lower dose and gradually increases to reduce side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get a prescription for Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription-only medication, meaning you’ll need to consult with a healthcare provider to obtain it. Your doctor will evaluate whether Ozempic is suitable for you based on your medical history and current health condition.

Where can I buy Ozempic in South Africa?

To purchase Ozempic in South Africa, you can visit a pharmacy with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. It’s available at major chains like Dis-Chem, Clicks, and independent pharmacies. Check availability and pricing beforehand, as stock may vary.

Does Takealot sell Ozempic?

Ozempic or its generic injection cannot be purchased from Takealot, as it is a prescription medication. It's also advisable to avoid buying any prescription medications online unless the service is a registered telehealth provider run by licensed medical practitioners.