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Ozempic Price in South Africa

The original semaglutide pen and the most recognised name in the category. Doses titrate from 0.25 mg up to 2 mg weekly — the 2 mg maintenance dose can run to roughly R6 000/month. Cheaper generic semaglutide is now starting to enter the SA market.

Active ingredient: semaglutide
Form: Pre-filled injection pen, once weekly
Maker: Novo Nordisk
Legal status: Schedule 4 — prescription required
Approved for: Registered in SA for type 2 diabetes; widely prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Typical monthly cost: R1 438 – R3 225

Pricing

Ozempic prices (indicative)

Pharmacy	Item	Price
Clicks	2 mg pen	R1 300
Dis-Chem	2 mg pen	R1 480
Clicks / Dis-Chem	1 mg pen (≈ 1 month)	R2 999

Prices last reviewed 2026-05-30. Pharmacies set their own prices and stock varies — confirm before you buy.

Safety

Side effects of Ozempic

Like other GLP-1 medicines, Ozempic (semaglutide, injected weekly) can cause side effects. The most common are usually mild and tend to ease as your body adjusts:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Abdominal pain or bloating
Reduced appetite and indigestion
Tiredness
Mild injection-site reactions

Get medical help if you experience any of the following:

Severe or persistent abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)
Gallbladder problems (pain, fever, jaundice)
Signs of low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Dehydration affecting the kidneys from prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea

This is not a complete list. Read the package insert and discuss risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Cover

Medical aid

Generally not covered for weight loss. May be funded for diagnosed type 2 diabetes on application/chronic authorisation.

Compare medical aid & gap cover

Access

How to get Ozempic

Ozempic is schedule 4 — prescription required. You need a consultation with a registered doctor, who issues a prescription you fill at a pharmacy — in person or via a licensed online-doctor service.

Speak to a licensed online doctor

Alternatives

Compare with other options

Wegovy Mounjaro Saxenda

FAQ

Ozempic — frequently asked questions

How much does Ozempic cost in South Africa?

Indicatively around R1 440–R3 225 per month depending on dose and pharmacy — a 1 mg pen is roughly R2 800–R3 200, and the 2 mg maintenance dose can reach about R6 000. Confirm current pricing at Clicks or Dis-Chem.

Is there a cheaper generic version of Ozempic in SA?

Generic semaglutide has started entering the South African market, with some copies reported from as little as a few hundred rand per month. Availability is still limited and growing — ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Do I need a prescription for Ozempic?

Yes. Ozempic is a Schedule 4 medicine, so it can only be dispensed with a valid prescription from a registered doctor.

Is Ozempic covered by medical aid in South Africa?

Usually not for weight loss. It may be funded under a chronic diabetes benefit if you have diagnosed type 2 diabetes and apply with the correct codes.

Sources: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) registration data, the approved package inserts, and public pharmacy price listings. Last reviewed 2026-05-30. No information here is medical advice.