Ozempic is the original branded form of semaglutide, made by Novo Nordisk. In South Africa it is registered for type 2 diabetes, not for weight management, though it is widely known for weight loss. This page explains what it is, what it costs here, how supply has behaved, and what your options are, reviewed by a registered doctor.
Reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl (registered as M.C. van Zyl, HPCSA MP0287067), who consults patients himself and dispenses under his own Section 22C dispensing licence.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a once-weekly injection whose active ingredient is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It reduces appetite, slows stomach emptying and helps stabilise blood sugar. It is made by Novo Nordisk. In South Africa, Ozempic is registered with SAHPRA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is the semaglutide product registered specifically for weight management.
How much does Ozempic cost in South Africa?
Branded Ozempic typically runs about R2,800 to R3,200 a month at the common 1mg dose, and higher at 2mg, depending on pharmacy markup. mobivIVe stocks branded Ozempic pens at R3,999 for the 2.4ml pen (roughly 8 weeks) and R2,499 for the 1.5ml pen (roughly 4 weeks), both including VAT. See the full price comparison for weight loss injections in South Africa.
Is Ozempic available in South Africa right now?
Availability has been inconsistent. Global demand for semaglutide has caused repeated shortages, and South African pharmacies have had periods where specific strengths were unobtainable. Because of that, many patients are prescribed semaglutide in another form, or move to tirzepatide. Message our team to check what is actually in stock before you plan around a specific brand.
Do I need a prescription for Ozempic in South Africa?
Yes. Ozempic is a prescription medicine and cannot legally be supplied without a script. At mobivIVe every GLP-1 order requires a telephone or video consultation with Dr Chris van Zyl before anything is dispensed.
What are the alternatives to Ozempic?
There are two realistic alternatives. Doctor-prescribed semaglutide, which contains the same active molecule and is generally more affordable. Or tirzepatide, a newer dual-action medicine that acts on two hormone pathways instead of one and generally produces more weight loss. See our semaglutide page, our tirzepatide page, or the Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro comparison.
How do I start?
Message our team on WhatsApp. You will have a telephone or video consultation with our registered doctor, who decides what is clinically appropriate for you. If a script is issued, your treatment is couriered discreetly anywhere in South Africa.
How to start, in 3 simple steps
- Message us on WhatsApp. Tell our doctor-led team your goal.
- Doctor consultation. A telephone or video consultation with our registered doctor, who assesses your suitability and issues a script if the treatment is right for you.
- Delivered to your door. Your prefilled pen is couriered anywhere in South Africa, with clear dosing instructions.
Medically reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl This page was written and reviewed by the mobivIVe medical team, led by Dr Chris van Zyl, an HPCSA-registered medical doctor (registered as M.C. van Zyl, HPCSA reg. no. MP0287067) who is licensed to both prescribe and dispense medicines under a Section 22C dispensing licence. Last reviewed August 2026. Brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used here for identification only. Prices change, so confirm current pricing before ordering. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease; individual results vary.