Semaglutide 0.5mg / 1mg / 2mg — Weekly injection for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It mimics the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which is released after eating. By activating GLP-1 receptors, Ozempic:
Ozempic was approved in India by CDSCO in September 2025 and officially launched by Novo Nordisk in December 2025. Novo Nordisk cut prices by 36% in April 2026 in response to Indian generic competition.
Novo Nordisk also sells Ozempic as Extensior through Abbott India, and Wegovy as Poviztra through Emcure, for wider pharmacy availability. The same molecule is available as a daily tablet called Rybelsus (₹3,000–5,000/month, Type 2 diabetes only) — note that the April 2026 price cut applies only to the injectable forms.
Prices reflect April 2026 Novo Nordisk price reduction. Always start at 0.25mg and escalate slowly.
| Dose | When | Per Week | Per Month | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | Weeks 1–4 (starter) | ₹708 | ₹2,832 | Tolerance building — no therapeutic effect |
| 0.5mg | Weeks 5–8 | ₹1,415 | ₹5,660 | First therapeutic dose for diabetes |
| 1mg | Week 9 onwards | ₹1,415 | ₹5,660 | Standard maintenance dose |
| 2mg | If needed | ₹2,000 | ₹8,000 | Maximum dose for better glycaemic control |
After Novo Nordisk’s 36% price cut effective April 2026, Ozempic starts at ₹708/week (₹2,832/month) for the 0.25mg starter dose. The 0.5mg and 1mg maintenance doses cost around ₹1,415/week (₹5,660/month). Exact MRPs can vary slightly between pharmacies.
Yes. CDSCO-approved generic semaglutide contains the identical molecule and starts from ₹325/week in vial form (Glenmark GLIPIQ, Natco Semanat) and ₹800–1,125/week in pen form — significantly cheaper than branded Ozempic even after the April 2026 cut.
Yes. Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine. Per Ministry of Health guidance issued in April 2026, GLP-1 drugs should be prescribed by qualified specialists such as endocrinologists. Buying without a prescription is illegal and unsafe.
Ozempic is approved in India for Type 2 diabetes and is used off-label for weight loss under medical supervision. Wegovy — the same molecule at a higher 2.4mg dose — is the version specifically approved for chronic weight management.
Rybelsus is the daily oral tablet form of semaglutide, for people who prefer pills over injections. It costs roughly ₹3,000–5,000/month in India, is approved for Type 2 diabetes only, and produces less weight loss (5–10%) than the weekly injection. No generic oral semaglutide exists yet.
Extensior is a second brand of Ozempic (semaglutide) sold by Novo Nordisk through Abbott India to widen distribution. The molecule and dosing are the same as Ozempic.