Ozempic in the UAE: What It Is, How It Works and Who It Is Prescribed For
Dr. Hecham Harb
Consultant Endocrinologist & Medical Director
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Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection approved for adults with type 2 diabetes, available in the UAE on prescription at 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg. Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptor, which can reduce appetite and help regulate blood sugar. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient at doses up to 2.4 mg and is approved for weight management. Your endocrinologist will assess which treatment is appropriate for you.
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ozempic to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise.
- Semaglutide, the active ingredient, acts like the GLP-1 hormone and can reduce appetite and slow the emptying of the stomach.
- In the UAE, Ozempic is available at 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg, at pharmacy prices of AED 743.50 for the two lower doses and AED 1,146 for 1 mg.
- Treatment typically starts at 0.25 mg once a week, and any increase is decided with your endocrinologist at your monthly follow-up.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and constipation were each reported by 5% or more of patients in the trials summarised in the Ozempic prescribing information.
- The International Diabetes Federation puts adult diabetes prevalence in the UAE at 20.7%.
01 Introduction
Ozempic is injected under the skin once a week, on the same day each week, at any time of day and with or without meals.
02 What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name of a once-weekly injection of semaglutide, made by Novo Nordisk. The FDA has approved Ozempic to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. The International Diabetes Federation puts adult diabetes prevalence in the UAE at 20.7%, around 1.27 million adults.
The Ozempic prescribing information also lists two further uses in adults with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death in those with established heart disease. It can also reduce the risk of kidney disease getting worse in those with chronic kidney disease.
03 How does Ozempic work?
Semaglutide acts on the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. GLP-1 is a hormone that the gut releases after eating. Semaglutide mimics its action. The prescribing information describes semaglutide as lowering blood sugar by increasing insulin release and reducing glucagon release when blood sugar is raised.
Semaglutide also slows the emptying of the stomach in the early period after a meal. The Wegovy prescribing information describes GLP-1 as a regulator of appetite and calorie intake. In practice, patients may feel full sooner and eat smaller portions, although the response differs from one patient to another.
04 Is Ozempic approved for weight loss in the UAE?
Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy is the semaglutide medication approved for weight management. At Endocare, Ozempic is considered for weight management only in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Ozempic is not approved for weight management or for prediabetes, so using it for weight management outside the treatment of type 2 diabetes, including in prediabetes, is off-label. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes semaglutide as approved under different names and doses, including Ozempic for type 2 diabetes.
The Wegovy injection is approved for weight management in adults and in adolescents aged 12 and older. Your endocrinologist will assess whether medication is appropriate based on your individual health and weight profile.
Patients should not decide by themselves to start a GLP-1 medication. A doctor’s review is critical to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate for the individual. Our article on Ozempic for weight loss without diabetes explains how your endocrinologist makes that decision.
05 Ozempic doses available in the UAE
Ozempic is available in the UAE at 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg. Treatment typically starts at 0.25 mg once a week, which the prescribing information describes as a dose for starting treatment. After at least four weeks on a dose, your endocrinologist can increase it to the next strength.
The prescribing information directs an increase to 0.5 mg after four weeks, because 0.25 mg is a starting dose and is not intended for blood sugar control. Our Ozempic dosage guide explains each step.
The exact pen technique differs by device, so follow the instructions supplied with your prescribed pen. Our guide on how to inject weight loss medication covers the general steps.
06 How much weight can you lose on Ozempic?
Weight loss on Ozempic differs from one patient to another. The STEP trials, which measured weight loss with semaglutide, tested the 2.4 mg Wegovy injection. In STEP 1, a Phase 3 clinical trial in adults with obesity or overweight, patients taking the Wegovy injection at 2.4 mg lost an average of around 15% of their total body weight over 68 weeks.
That figure applies to a higher dose than any Ozempic dose available in the UAE. At Endocare, our endocrinologists typically observe weight loss of three to four kilos a month in patients on a medically supervised programme.
07 Ozempic side effects
The prescribing information lists nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and constipation among the side effects reported in 5% or more of patients. Not every patient experiences them. Side effects such as nausea or constipation can be particularly pronounced in the first few days at a new dose. They often improve as your body adjusts, although some symptoms last longer.
If you experience nausea or constipation, your endocrinologist can adjust the pace of dose increases and, where needed, prescribe medication to help manage these side effects. Our page on Ozempic side effects covers each side effect and how your endocrinologist can manage it. Our article on Ozempic face explains the facial changes that can follow weight loss.
Seek medical advice immediately if you have severe stomach pain that spreads to the back and does not go away, as this can be a sign of pancreatitis.
08 Who may not be suitable for Ozempic?
Do not use Ozempic if you or a member of your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. The prescribing information lists both as reasons not to use semaglutide, together with a previous serious allergic reaction to it.
Do not use Ozempic during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) states that GLP-1 medications should not be taken during pregnancy or by people who are breastfeeding. It advises stopping semaglutide at least two months before trying to become pregnant.
Your endocrinologist will also ask about any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease or diabetic eye disease, because the prescribing information carries specific warnings for each.
Tell your endocrinologist and your anaesthetist about Ozempic before any planned procedure that needs sedation or a general anaesthetic. Ozempic slows the emptying of the stomach, which can increase the risk of inhaling stomach contents during anaesthesia.
09 How much does Ozempic cost in the UAE?
The UAE pharmacy price of Ozempic is AED 743.50 per month at 0.25 mg and at 0.5 mg, and AED 1,146 per month at 1 mg. Endocare adds no markup to the official pharmacy price of your medication. The price you pay depends on the dose your endocrinologist prescribes. Our comparison of weight loss injection prices in the UAE sets out the price of Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic.
Ozempic treatment at Endocare is offered as part of our medical weight loss programme, starting at AED 1,790 for the first month and AED 1,990 per month thereafter. The programme includes your medication, unlimited specialist consultations and one-to-one coaching during the month, body composition analysis at every visit, scheduled blood tests and free medication delivery across the UAE. For a detailed breakdown, see our page on Ozempic price in the UAE.
Insurance coverage for weight loss treatment in the UAE varies by policy and is often limited, so we recommend checking your individual coverage before starting treatment. Our care coordinators can also help you in this process.
10 Ozempic compared with Wegovy, Mounjaro and Foundayo
The table below compares Ozempic with the Wegovy injection, the Wegovy pill, Mounjaro and Foundayo. These figures come from separate clinical trials with different participants and durations. They give a general comparison and do not rank the medications directly.
| Option | How it works | Route | Average weight loss in trials (% of body weight) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | Acts on the GLP-1 receptor | Once-weekly injection | No weight management trial at Ozempic doses; approved for type 2 diabetes |
| The Wegovy injection (semaglutide) | Acts on the GLP-1 receptor | Once-weekly injection | Around 15% over 68 weeks at 2.4 mg (STEP 1 trial) |
| The Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide) | Acts on the GLP-1 receptor | Once-daily tablet | Around 17% over 64 weeks (OASIS 4 trial) |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Acts on the GIP and GLP-1 receptors | Once-weekly injection | Around 20% over 72 weeks at 15 mg (SURMOUNT-1 trial) |
| Foundayo (orforglipron) | Acts on the GLP-1 receptor | Once-daily tablet | Around 12% on average (ATTAIN-1 trial) |
Our page on the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy compares those two medications in detail. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, while the Wegovy pill and Foundayo are once-daily tablets. Our article on Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy compared and our overview of common myths about weight loss injections cover the options in more depth.
11 What Ozempic treatment looks like at Endocare
Your first consultation
Your first appointment is a full medical assessment, not simply a prescription visit. Your endocrinologist will review your medical history and any relevant blood tests, assess your weight and metabolic health, and discuss whether Ozempic or another weight loss treatment is the right option for you.
Where possible, your first appointment takes place in person at Endocare’s Dubai clinic, as the physical examination and body composition analysis cannot be completed remotely. Your endocrinologist will review blood tests from the last three months before prescribing.
If your results are out of date, the clinic can arrange the required tests. If they are current, your assessment and prescription can usually be completed at your first appointment. Medication delivery is free across the UAE and typically arrives the same day.
At our Dubai clinic, Ozempic treatment is supervised by an endocrinologist in Dubai Healthcare City. Dr Hecham Harb is Endocare’s Medical Director and Consultant Endocrinologist, with more than 20 years of international experience.
Monthly follow-ups
Monthly follow-up appointments can be held in person at the clinic or online. At each follow-up, your endocrinologist will review your blood sugar control, your weight and any side effects, and agree any change in dose with you.
At Endocare, body composition analysis is included free of charge at every consultation. Body composition analysis estimates body fat, muscle mass and body water. Repeated measurements help your endocrinologist understand how your body is changing beyond the number on the scale.
Endocare’s lifestyle coaches and our clinical nutritionist will work with you on nutrition, movement, sleep and stress.
12 FAQ
Can I buy Ozempic in the UAE without a prescription?
No. Ozempic is available in the UAE only on prescription, after a doctor has assessed whether it is appropriate for you. We recommend obtaining it only through a licensed pharmacy. Our article on whether you can buy Ozempic over the counter in the UAE explains the rules.
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
No, although both contain semaglutide. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes and is available in the UAE at doses up to 1 mg. The Wegovy injection is approved for weight management at doses up to 2.4 mg.
Can I take Ozempic if I do not have diabetes?
At Endocare, Ozempic is considered for weight management only in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. For weight management without diabetes, Wegovy is the semaglutide medication approved for that use. Your endocrinologist may also discuss other options, such as Mounjaro or Foundayo.
How quickly does Ozempic start to work?
Some patients start to see weight changes from around week two, while others take longer to respond. Early weight loss also does not necessarily continue at the same rate. Our guide on how long weight loss injections take to work explains the timeline in more detail.
What happens when I stop taking Ozempic?
Some weight regain is possible after stopping. Harvard Health Publishing notes that hunger and thoughts about food can increase after stopping a GLP-1 medication. If you take Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, stopping can worsen blood sugar control. Your endocrinologist will plan another treatment with you before you stop. Our guide on what happens when you stop taking Ozempic explains the options.
Where can I get Ozempic treatment in the UAE?
Endocare’s Dubai clinic is located in Building 27, Block B, Unit 504 B, Dubai Healthcare City. Our pages on Ozempic in Dubai and Ozempic in Abu Dhabi explain how to access treatment in each city.
At our Dubai clinic, your endocrinologist will assess you, review your blood tests and discuss whether Ozempic or another treatment is appropriate for you. You can book a weight loss consultation on +971 4 285 3885 or send us a message on WhatsApp.
Book Your Consultation
- Specialist consultation
- Personalized Coaching
- Body Composition Analysis