What is Ozempic and how is it different from Wegovy?

Is Ozempic Approved for Weight Loss in South Africa?

No. Ozempic is approved in South Africa as a prescription medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes only.

Although Ozempic contains the same active ingredient used in Wegovy, it is approved at doses intended for blood sugar control in people with diabetes. In South Africa, SAHPRA has not approved Ozempic as a weight-loss medicine.

How Ozempic Works for Type 2 Diabetes and How It’s Taken

Ozempic works in a similar way to a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone helps your body release insulin when blood sugar levels rise. Insulin plays an important role in keeping blood sugar within a healthy range.

In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to it properly. Ozempic helps support the body’s insulin response after meals, which can improve blood sugar control.

Ozempic is taken as a once-weekly injection. It also slows how quickly food leaves your stomach, which can help reduce spikes in blood sugar after eating. If you’ve been prescribed Ozempic, you can read more about how it’s taken in our detailed dosage guide.

Who Can Be Prescribed Ozempic in South Africa?

Ozempic may be prescribed for adults aged 18 years and over who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and need help with their blood sugar control. It forms part of an overall diabetes management plan, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Ozempic may be considered by your healthcare provider when other diabetes medicines are not providing enough benefit on their own.

There is no minimum body weight or BMI requirement for Ozempic. Instead, your healthcare provider will consider your overall diabetes management, medical history, and any other medicines you are taking before deciding whether it is right for you.

Ozempic may also be considered for some adults with type 2 diabetes who have established heart disease, as it has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the risk of certain serious heart-related events in this group. ¹

While Ozempic can improve blood sugar control for many adults with type 2 diabetes, it is not suitable for everyone. You can read our article about who is not suitable for Ozempic to find out if Ozempic is right for you.

Where Is Ozempic Injected?

Ozempic is given as a subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen. This means it is injected just under the surface of the skin, not into muscle.

Suitable injection areas include the stomach area, upper leg, or upper arm. You should avoid injecting too close to the belly button and try to use a different area each week. Changing the injection area can help prevent skin problems. Avoid injecting into skin that is damaged, sensitive, or showing signs of irritation. Do not reuse needles after use. Always use a new one for each injection.

For detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use the pen, see our Ozempic dosage guide.

How Long Can Ozempic Be Used?

Ozempic is generally used as a long-term treatment for type 2 diabetes. If it’s helping to manage your blood sugar levels and you are tolerating it well, your healthcare provider may recommend continuing treatment.

While there is no fixed time limit for how long Ozempic can be used, your diabetes treatment plan should be reviewed regularly to make sure it’s appropriate for your needs.

Your healthcare provider will decide how long you should continue using Ozempic based on how well you respond and your overall health.

Please note: Funding in South Africa

Ozempic is not funded by the state in South Africa; medical aid cover varies by scheme and plan. This means you will need to cover the full cost of the medicine yourself. Consultation fees from your healthcare provider may also apply. Your pharmacy can provide information about the current price of Ozempic.

Footnotes

• SOUL Trial (published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 2025) A more recent and large-scale study. Among people with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or both, oral semaglutide was associated with a significantly lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo. Available on PubMed.

Important safety information

Prescription medicine. Ozempic® is approved in South Africa for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood glucose control. Ozempic® contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is available as a solution for injection in a pre-filled pen (4 mg/3 mL; semaglutide 1.34 mg/mL). Ozempic® has risks and benefits. Ask your healthcare provider if Ozempic® is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If you experience side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional. For more information, see the approved professional information (semaglutide) available at: https://www.sahpra.org.za/registered-health-products/