Ozempic in Singapore: price, eligibility and how to get it
A SengMed in-depth guide, reviewed by our clinical team
Ozempic has become one of the most-searched medicines in Singapore. Here’s a clear, Singapore-specific guide to what it is, how to get it legally, what it costs, who is eligible, how it compares to Wegovy and Mounjaro, and what to know about side effects, food and exercise.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine in Singapore and requires a proper assessment by an MOH-licensed doctor.
Is Ozempic available in Singapore?
Yes. Ozempic (semaglutide) is registered with Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is a once-weekly injection that comes in a pre-filled pen, and it is dispensed by licensed Singapore pharmacies on a doctor’s prescription.
Ozempic cannot be bought over the counter, online without a Singapore prescription, or imported privately for personal use. Doing so falls outside HSA rules.
Is Ozempic legal for weight loss in Singapore?
Ozempic is registered in Singapore for type 2 diabetes, not specifically for weight management. Doctors in Singapore sometimes prescribe it off-label for weight loss when clinically appropriate, the same way many medicines are used off-label around the world.
For weight management specifically, the brand registered with HSA for that purpose is Wegovy, which contains the same molecule (semaglutide) but at doses suited to weight loss. If your goal is weight management, your doctor will typically explain the trade-offs between Ozempic off-label and Wegovy on-label.
Where can I get Ozempic in Singapore?
In practice, Ozempic is prescribed through:
- Private GP clinics — many private GPs prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and, in some cases, off-label for weight management.
- Endocrinologists and weight-management specialists — the typical route if you have type 2 diabetes or more complex health considerations.
- Aesthetic and wellness clinics — some offer GLP-1 programmes; as long as the prescribing doctor is MOH-licensed and assesses you properly, this is a legitimate route.
- Telehealth services — an MOH-licensed doctor reviews you online and, if appropriate, your prescription is filled by a licensed Singapore pharmacy with islandwide delivery.
SengMed is one such telehealth option. You complete a free online eligibility check, an MOH-licensed doctor reviews it, and you receive a personalised next step. Check your eligibility.
For a side-by-side of all the available routes, see our guide on where to get GLP-1 in Singapore.
Who is eligible for Ozempic in Singapore?
Eligibility depends on what Ozempic is being considered for:
- For type 2 diabetes, eligibility follows standard diabetes management criteria and is decided by your doctor based on blood sugar control, other medications and your overall health.
- For weight loss (off-label), doctors in Singapore typically follow general GLP-1 weight-loss criteria: a BMI of 27.5 or higher (Asian cut-offs), or a moderate BMI with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure or fatty liver, plus a clean screening on the standard contraindications.
For the full eligibility picture, see who is eligible for GLP-1 in Singapore.
How much does Ozempic cost in Singapore?
There is no single Ozempic price in Singapore. Cost depends on the dose, the clinic and whether consultation and follow-up are bundled in.
As a rough indicative range, monthly out-of-pocket cost is typically around S$300 to S$500 at lower-to-mid doses, with higher doses at the upper end of that range or above. Some clinics quote medication only; others bundle in consultation and delivery. Telehealth providers tend to publish all-inclusive monthly pricing.
Will MediSave or insurance cover Ozempic in Singapore?
For most patients, the honest answer is probably not, at least not in full:
- MediSave. MediSave does not generally cover GLP-1 medication for weight loss. For type 2 diabetes, some related consultations may be partially covered under the Chronic Disease Management Programme, but the medication itself is usually self-paid.
- Integrated Shield Plans. Most do not cover outpatient weight-loss medication.
- Private insurance. A small number of plans include weight-management benefits. Check your specific policy.
Most Singapore patients pay out of pocket. Transparent monthly plans — like SengMed’s — help make the total cost easier to understand.
What is the difference between Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro?
These are the three names you’ll hear most in Singapore:
| Ozempic | Wegovy | Mounjaro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Singapore-registered for | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes |
| Dosing | Weekly injection | Weekly injection (higher doses for weight loss) | Weekly injection |
| Typical use | Diabetes (and off-label weight loss) | Weight loss | Diabetes (and weight loss in some markets) |
For more on the molecules themselves, see our guide on semaglutide vs tirzepatide.
Do Singaporeans take Ozempic for weight loss?
Yes, many do. Ozempic became globally well known for its appetite-reducing effects, and Singapore was no exception. That said, when weight loss is the primary goal, doctors here will often discuss Wegovy (the on-label weight-loss option) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) alongside off-label Ozempic.
Which one ends up being prescribed depends on:
- Eligibility and contraindications.
- Availability and supply at licensed pharmacies.
- Cost and what fits your budget.
- Your doctor’s clinical judgement.
What are the common side effects of Ozempic?
The most common side effects are digestive, especially when first starting or stepping up your dose:
- Nausea
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Indigestion or burping
- Reduced appetite (this is partly the intended effect)
- Mild headaches or fatigue in the first weeks
These usually ease as your body adjusts. Less common but more serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and reactions in people with specific thyroid history. Ozempic is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2. Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration warrant prompt medical care.
What foods should I avoid while taking Ozempic?
Because Ozempic slows how quickly the stomach empties, certain foods can feel heavy or trigger nausea:
- Fried, oily and very fatty foods — deep-fried snacks, char kway teow, fried chicken.
- Very rich, creamy dishes — heavy curries with lots of coconut milk or ghee.
- Sugary foods and drinks — bubble tea, desserts, sugary kopi or teh.
- Carbonated drinks — tend to add gas and bloating.
- Alcohol — can irritate the stomach.
- Very spicy foods — can aggravate reflux.
Better choices that tend to support steady weight loss:
- Lean protein: fish, skinless chicken, tofu, eggs.
- Plenty of vegetables.
- Whole grains in modest portions (brown rice, wholemeal).
- Water throughout the day.
At hawker centres, lean towards soup-based or steamed dishes such as sliced fish soup or yong tau foo in clear soup, ask for less oil and less rice, and swap sweetened drinks for water or kopi/teh kosong. Our companion guide on foods to limit on GLP-1 goes deeper.
What workouts work best on Ozempic?
Exercise on Ozempic is less about pushing harder and more about protecting muscle and supporting metabolism while you lose weight. A practical, sustainable mix:
- Resistance training, 2–3 times a week. Rapid weight loss can cost muscle. Strength work (bodyweight, dumbbells, machines) helps you keep it.
- Walking, every day. Easy to sustain, gentle on appetite, and high enough step counts (e.g. 8,000–10,000) consistently support weight loss.
- Moderate cardio, 1–3 times a week. Cycling, swimming, brisk walking, or light running once you feel up to it.
- Mobility and flexibility. A short routine a few times a week protects joints and helps recovery.
In the first weeks, calorie intake is lower — so go gentler with intensity, eat enough protein, and stay well hydrated.
Things to know before taking Ozempic in Singapore
Before starting, it helps to think through a few things:
- Honesty in screening matters. Ozempic isn’t suitable for everyone, and a doctor relies on accurate answers to screen for contraindications.
- Dose is titrated. You start low and step up over several weeks. Don’t push the dose faster than your doctor advises.
- Side effects often peak around dose changes. They usually ease.
- It’s not a quick fix. Sustainable weight loss builds over months, alongside nutrition, sleep and movement.
- Storage. Ozempic pens require refrigeration before first use; follow the leaflet for storage after first use.
- Follow-up matters. You’ll want someone watching how you respond, particularly when stepping the dose up.
How do I check if I can get Ozempic in Singapore?
The clearest first step is a structured assessment with a registered doctor. With SengMed you can:
- Complete a free online eligibility check — about a few minutes.
- Have an MOH-licensed doctor review your answers — usually within one business day.
- Receive a personalised next step — if you’re suitable, a recommendation and prescription; if not, an honest explanation and any alternatives worth considering.
You’re not committing to anything by checking, the aim is a clear answer rather than guesswork.