To get prescribed semaglutide online, you first need an online medical provider who can and will prescribe weight loss medication. Not all online platforms will prescribe semaglutide and other weight loss medications, and the medication may not always be available due to supply issues.
Your primary care provider may be able to refer you to a prescriber who can evaluate your weight management needs and prescribe semaglutide. If you are looking to get a prescription for semaglutide online, we have thoroughly reviewed platforms like PlushCare and Circle Medical and found them each to be a good place to start with an evaluation. If your provider feels semaglutide is a good fit for your weight management needs, they may prescribe you semaglutide online.
Boxed Warning: Semaglutide – Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Semaglutide has a risk of thyroid c-cell tumors. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your health history and risk for thyroid tumors to decide if semaglutide is safe for you.
Medication to Help with Weight Loss
Get weight loss medication prescribed online by licensed doctors on Klarity. For only $99, connect instantly with weight loss experts to receive a personalized plan, including options like Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, Phentermine, and more. Free consultation is available!
Key takeaways
To get prescribed semaglutide online, start by getting an evaluation from an online provider who can prescribe weight loss medication, such as PlushCare and Circle Medical.
Semaglutide alternatives may be necessary for some to consider, including other peptide weight loss medications and appetite suppressants.
The cost of a 30-day supply of semaglutide may vary depending on the pharmacy you choose and your location. Coupons, savings cards, and discounts may all help lower costs.
How to Get Semaglutide for Weight Loss Online or In Person
To get prescribed semaglutide online or in person, you will first need an evaluation to determine whether it is a good fit for your weight management needs. The process of getting a diagnosis and potentially prescribed semaglutide online or in person may vary for people of different ages.
It is important to find an online provider who can prescribe medications like semaglutide that can be used for weight loss. For in-person prescription options, a good place to start is with your primary care provider.
How to Get a Semaglutide Prescription Online
Here is how to get semaglutide prescribed to you online in six steps.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With an Online Psychiatry Provider
The first step is to book an appointment with an online provider that can prescribe peptide medications like semaglutide, such as PlushCare and Circle Medical. We have thoroughly reviewed these platforms, and in using the services ourselves, we have found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation.
Step 2: Get a Medical Evaluation & Discuss Your Weight-related Issues
Your provider will evaluate your overall health history as well as your weight-related issues. They will also ask about your previous attempts to lose weight and why those did or didn’t work. This discussion will help the provider know whether semaglutide may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help you manage your weight and weight-related health issues. They may recommend diet and behavior changes, regular exercise, and possibly medication such as semaglutide. If semaglutide looks like it could help you, your provider will discuss the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Fill Your Online Semaglutide Prescription
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription, which you may fill through their online platform. You may be able to get semaglutide delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
If prescribed semaglutide, your doctor will recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your weight loss and adjust your medication as needed.
Step 6 : Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Talk to your prescriber about how frequently you may refill your semaglutide medication. This timeframe may depend on how well you respond to the medication, if you experience side effects, or if you may need to consider another medication. It may also depend on how the platform manages medication delivery, such as offering 90-day supplies.
Weight Loss With Circle Medical
Medically Managed Weight Loss. Our expert team of online weight loss doctors and providers has only one goal: helping you find a way to live your healthiest life in a way that actually works for you. Most Insurance Accepted. Same day online appointments available.
How to Get a Semaglutide Prescription In Person
In six steps, here is how to get semaglutide prescribed to you in person.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With a Healthcare Provider
A good place to start for an in-person medical evaluation is with your primary care provider. This may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If they determine it is needed, they can refer you or your child to a specialist, such as a bariatric physician. They can further evaluate whether to include semaglutide as a part of the treatment plan for you.
Step 2: Get an Evaluation & Discuss Your Weight-related Issues
An appointment for in-person medical evaluations is similar to online evaluations. Your provider will evaluate your overall health history as well as your weight-related issues. They will also ask about your previous attempts to lose weight and why those did or didn’t work. This discussion will help the provider know whether semaglutide may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
After completing the medical evaluation, your provider will develop a treatment plan to help you manage your weight and weight-related health issues. They may recommend diet and behavior changes, regular exercise, and possibly medication such as semaglutide. If semaglutide looks like it could help you, your provider will discuss the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Choose Where to Get Your Semaglutide Prescription Filled
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription that you may fill at your preferred local pharmacy or an online platform. You may be able to get semaglutide delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
If prescribed semaglutide, your doctor will recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your weight loss and adjust your medication as needed.
Step 6: Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Talk to your prescriber about how frequently you may refill your semaglutide prescription. This timeframe may depend on how well you respond to the medication, if you experience side effects, or if you may need to consider another medication.
How Much Does Semaglutide Cost?
Several factors may impact the cost of your semaglutide prescription, including your choice of pharmacy, any available discounts or coupons, and the specific dosage prescribed by your healthcare professional. Using generic medications with a coupon or prescription savings program may reduce costs.
Does Insurance Cover Semaglutide?
Your insurance policy may cover your prescription, depending on the company. It is important to note that policies can change coverage at any time and some may only cover a prescription for generic medications. Requirements for medication coverage may vary for Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and commercial insurance policies. Contact your insurance provider directly to understand your medication coverage.
Here are online platforms that prescribe weight loss medications and accept insurance:
- PlushCare accepts many insurance plans, has short wait times, and can prescribe semaglutide if deemed appropriate.
- Circle Medical has many providers trained in behavior change and nutrition to help with weight management, and may offer weight loss medication.
Medication to Help with Weight Loss
Get weight loss medication prescribed online by licensed doctors on Klarity. For only $99, connect instantly with weight loss experts to receive a personalized plan, including options like Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, Phentermine, and more. Free consultation is available!
Who Is Semaglutide a Good Fit For?
If you are diagnosed with obesity and have had trouble losing weight, you may get approved for a semaglutide prescription. (FNX) A medical provider will evaluate your overall health, medical history, and the risks of taking semaglutide. They may also use body mass index (BMI) to help decide if semaglutide may be an option. Depending on the specific semaglutide medication, some may be available for adolescents and adult patients, while others may only be prescribed for adults.
Here are some signs you may benefit from getting prescribed semaglutide for weight loss:
- BMI of 30 or higher (or 27 or higher with obesity-related health issues)
- Healthy eating plan and regular physical activity have not helped enough to lose weight
- Potential benefits would outweigh the risks of taking semaglutide
This is not a complete list of symptoms of the conditions semaglutide may be used to treat. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of semaglutide with your doctor.
Who Should Not Be Prescribed Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is sometimes prescribed for weight loss and can be a safe and effective treatment for some. But it may not be right for everyone. Some people should exercise caution or avoid taking semaglutide due to specific warnings for the medication.
People who should take extra caution before taking semaglutide include:2
- Have a history of thyroid cancer
- Are allergic to semaglutide
- Have severe gastrointestinal disorders
- Are under 18 years of age
- Have kidney or pancreatic problems
- Pregnant and breastfeeding parents
This is not a complete list of warnings and precautions associated with semaglutide. Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of using semaglutide.
Semaglutide Alternatives
Alternatives to semaglutide include several FDA-approved peptide weight loss medications, such as Trulicity and Saxenda. Other medications such as Contrave and Xenical work differently than peptide medications to promote weight loss. Some may find short-term appetite suppressants and over-the-counter medications helpful.
Peptides for Weight Loss
Alternatives to semaglutide include several peptide medications used for weight loss, such as Trulicity and Saxenda. These medications work in different ways that affect blood sugar levels and appetite. Some are FDA-approved for weight loss and others are approved as treatments for diabetes but can be used off-label for weight loss.
- Semaglutide: Wegovy (FDA-approved), Rybelsus (FDA-approved), Ozempic (off-label)
- Tirzepatide: Zepbound (FDA-approved), Mounjaro (off-label use)
- Liraglutide: Saxenda (FDA-approved), Victoza (off-label use)
- Dulaglutide: Trulicity (off-label use)
Other Weight Loss Medications
Contrave contains naltrexone and bupropion, two active ingredients that target the brain’s appetite regulation and reward system. Xenical contains the active ingredient orlistat and promotes weight loss by blocking the absorption of dietary fat into the intestines.
Adipex-P and Lomaira are appetite suppressants with the active ingredient phentermine. They are meant for short-term use only. Because phentermine is related to stimulant medications, phentermine is a controlled substance.
Appetite Suppressants
Adipex-P and Lomaira are appetite suppressants with the active ingredient phentermine. They are meant for short-term use only. Because phentermine is related to stimulant medications, phentermine is a controlled substance.
Over-the-Counter Semaglutide Options
Over-the-counter (OTC) semaglutide alternatives are available, but research on the safety and effectiveness of these treatments is limited. Alli is an OTC form of orlistat, the active ingredient in the prescription weight loss medication Xenical.
Alli is the only OTC weight loss treatment that has been approved by the FDA. The dosage for Alli is lower than for prescription Xenical, but it may be effective enough for some. Alli is intended to be used with diet changes and regular exercises to promote weight loss.
Weight Loss With Circle Medical
Medically Managed Weight Loss. Our expert team of online weight loss doctors and providers has only one goal: helping you find a way to live your healthiest life in a way that actually works for you. Most Insurance Accepted. Same day online appointments available.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
If you think a prescription for semaglutide may help you lose weight, your primary healthcare provider can help you start the process. They already know your health history and may be able to evaluate your weight management needs and provide a prescription, if needed.
And if they think a weight loss specialist would be better for you, they can make a referral. Alternatively, if you do not have a primary provider, an online platform offering weight loss management services can be a good place to start, such as PlushCare and Circle Medical.
Questions to ask your care team about using semaglutide for weight loss include:
- Is it safe to take semaglutide for weight loss?
- What common side effects will I likely experience when I start my semaglutide medication for weight loss?
- Will semaglutide allow me to lose weight and keep it off in the long term?
- What are some alternatives to semaglutide for weight loss?
- What should I do if semaglutide does not work for me?
- Are there any specific dietary or exercise recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of semaglutide for weight loss?
- How often should I have follow-up appointments to monitor my progress while using semaglutide?
- Are there any interactions between semaglutide and other medications I am currently taking?
- What are the expected results, and what is the typical timeframe for seeing weight loss results with semaglutide?
- What are the risks of taking semaglutide while pregnant?
Prescriber’s Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in several peptide medications. Some are FDA-approved to promote weight loss and others are approved to treat type 2 diabetes but can also be used off-label treatment for weight loss. An off-label treatment is one that is not FDA-approved for a specific purpose, but a provider may use because they believe it may benefit a patient.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide works to promote weight loss by imitating the actions of GLP-1, a hormone in the body that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. This action reduces food intake and leaves a feeling of fullness.
Will a Doctor Prescribe Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
A doctor may consider semaglutide for you, depending on your health history, weight loss concerns, and other factors. Your medical provider will evaluate your needs before offering a prescription.
Who Can Prescribe Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
semaglutide can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider such as a primary care physician, bariatric physician, nurse practitioner, and physician assistant. The provider must be licensed to prescribe medication in the state where you live.
Where Can I Get Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
If you are prescribed semaglutide for weight loss, you may fill your prescription in person fat a local pharmacy or from an online medical platform.
Can You Get Semaglutide Online?
Yes, PlushCare and Circle Medical are some online medical platforms that offer consultations and may provide a prescription for semaglutide medications, if appropriate.
Can You Get Semaglutide Prescription Refills Online?
Yes, online healthcare providers who offer weight management care may be able to refill your prescription depending on availability.
Can You Get Semaglutide Delivered to Your Home?
Yes, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. Online healthcare platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Can You Get Prescribed Semaglutide Without Having Diabetes?
Yes, you can potentially get semaglutide for weight loss even if you do not have diabetes. This is considered an off-label use. Off-label use means that a medication is used for a non-FDA-approved purpose because the prescriber believes it may benefit a patient.
How Do I Get Semaglutide Without Going to the Doctor?
Getting semaglutide is not possible without an evaluation by a doctor. Some online healthcare platforms may provide an evaluation remotely if an in-person clinic is not an option.
Can You Buy Semaglutide Over the Counter?
No, semaglutide is only available with a prescription.
Is There a Generic Semaglutide Version of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus?
There is no FDA-approved generic version of semaglutide available on the market.
What if My Insurance Won’t Pay for My Semaglutide Prescription?
Coupons and discount programs may help reduce the costs of semaglutide if your insurance does not cover the medication. Check with each savings program to see if you are eligible.
What Is a Cheaper Alternative to Semaglutide?
Other prescription weight loss medications, compounded semaglutide, and over-the-counter weight loss options are available. The effectiveness and safety of these treatments may vary for each person.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
-
Kommu S, Whitfield P. Semaglutide. [Updated 2024 Feb 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/
-
MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Semaglutide Injection. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618008.html
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added Key Takeaways feature. Updated formatting, edited for clarity. Consolidated sections called “Do I Need a Semaglutide Prescription?” and “What Can I Expect When Getting a Semaglutide Prescription?”, retitled as “Who Is Semaglutide a Good Fit For?”; Revised and retitled sections titled “How to Get Prescribed Semaglutide Online & In Person”, “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, “Semaglutide Alternatives” with additional subsections “Other Weight Loss Medications”, and “Over-the-Counter Semaglutide Options”. Created additional FAQs, updated sources as needed.
Your Voice Matters
Can't find what you're looking for?
Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. Our licensed therapists are just waiting to cover new topics you care about!
Leave your feedback for our editors.
Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.
Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Medication to Help with Weight Loss
Get weight loss medication prescribed online by licensed doctors on Klarity. For only $99, connect instantly with weight loss experts to receive a personalized plan, including options like Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, Phentermine, and more. Free consultation is available!
Medically Managed Weight Loss With Circle Medical
Their expert team of online weight loss doctors and providers has only one goal: helping you find a way to live your healthiest life in a way that actually works for you. Most insurance accepted. Same day online appointments available.
Henry - Take Semaglutide Orally, No Injections!
New compounded oral Semaglutide. Convenient and affordable, without injections! Once a day under the tongue doses make it easy to start your weight management journey! Only $249 per month, everything included. No insurance needed. Get Started
Plushcare – Medical Weight Loss Programs Available Online
Get access to online weight loss consultations with a doctor, ongoing treatment monitoring, and prescription weight management medication as medically necessary. Covered by many insurance plans. Visit Plushcare
Semaglutide: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, & More
Understanding the complexities of medications like semaglutide is crucial for anyone seeking effective treatment. It’s important to acknowledge that semaglutide is extensively used in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, with potential benefits in weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Mounjaro Weight Loss: Safety, Side Effects, & More
Mounjaro is a relatively new medication that is within a class of medications known for their control of blood sugar and potential for managing weight. It’s unique in that it has two different ways of working in the body. It is generally recommended that patients make lifestyle choices alongside any medications used for weight management.