# Ask the person taking Ozempic **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 14, 2023, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193 "2023-03-14T23:10:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 16
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2025, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/301 "2025-06-12T16:40:51Z")
When I switched from Ozempic to Mounjaro, it was at an equivalent dose. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2025, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/302 "2025-06-15T07:37:08Z")
While I don’t have before and after pics but this is me at 77 years old 60 lbs lighter and slowly dropping further. Click on pic for full length [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMA9mtV1vaBbn2T5_PbF1BAKMLelcaY9Y5n1XG_30xxRL88E1jKCov14lCpIM1ijk7gAklzb0ul6JOEHChR49x05bP3Dh1EK7jEugkaJc8aej_OhkE=w600-h315-p-k "New photo · Sunday, Jun 15 📸") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/uqfwr19PvjynCiqi8) I’vr flown all over the world in that Nike jacket and my “pot” was all too obvious. No more. A little muscle mass would be nice but too lazy. I have been on the lowest dose all the time. I still get some stomach upset/runs but not frequent and worth it. Maybe some inspiration for someone hesitating. Still riding motorcycle at 77 and feeling more agile. 🦘 ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2025, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/303 "2025-06-15T11:09:37Z")
Congratulations! ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2025, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/304 "2025-06-15T11:14:06Z")
Thanks - mostly a good journey certainly current outcome is satsifactory. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2025, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/305 "2025-08-08T21:44:42Z")
No updates from anyone for a while, so here goes: I had a hysterectomy in late April. I’m just getting almost back to normal-for-me - still have pretty significant orthostatic hypotension, worse than it was before the surgery. I still tend to be queasy most mornings, while I can eat anything I want at night - I just don’t WANT very much. My weight has crept down a few more pounds - which isn’t idea, as I’m a bit closer to the bottom line of the healthy-range BMI than I’d like. 2 years ago I could never have imagined saying “I need to QUIT LOSING WEIGHT”. I’ve been on 0.5 mg for nearly a year now, after the thoroughly unpleasant 3 months at 1.0 mg. If the weight doesn’t stop dropping, I may need to go down to 0.25 mg. On the plus side: since my prescription is still for the 1.0 mg pen, I get 8 doses out of a single pen so I save a fortune. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/306 "2025-12-03T15:45:41Z")
Bit esoteric but given the insane growth of Ozempic and other glutide drugs this might affect some and savings can be substantial.. Here in Queensland Australia my cost is $7.70 for a 4 week supply…peanuts …I save more than that in reduced food cost. **Without insurance coverage it is usually $150-200 or so a month here. In Ontario $4-500 a month and the US as high as $950 a month** **So the yearly cost could range $1800 to $4800 to over $10k+ if you are uninsured** in the US…a big cost for many. WHO just put out guidance approving the drug category for weight loss and poor people suffer worse as they often can not afford to eat better quality food. Now all these type drugs come in various doses the doc prescribes and I lost my 60 lb on the lowest dose of .25 mg but supplies of that are unobtainium at the moment. Doc moved me to 1.0 mg … **.four times the dose as it is readily available** however I’m not thrilled with the somewhat increased side effects…no appetite at all in particular. The pen it comes in injects a set amount depending on the script but it is dialed in by clicking through until you reach your dose - the clicks are unmarked but users have worked out that 18 clicks = .25 mg…that makes a single pen go much further - up to four times. You only get four needles tho. Easily fixed - 100 needles cost $30. The savings for many can get substantial especially **where it s not prescribed for weight loss** …that’s the case here and in Ontario. I was pre-diabetic when I started a couple years back so I got on the train early…I’m not anymore but have maintained the script eligibility. It’s easy to see how much can be saved by making the four week supply go much further… **hundreds and even thousands of dollars savings annually.** In theory you could sterilize the supplied needles for reuse but 30¢ for a fresh one appeals. ### [Is Ozempic Covered by OHIP in Ontario? (Updated 2025 Guide) - Viva Health Pharmacy](https://www.vivahealthpharmacy.com/4-how-much-does-wegovy-cost-in-canada-without-insurance/#:~:text=FAQ%20%E2%80%93%20Common%20Questions%20About%20Ozempic%20Coverage%20in%20Ontario&text=OHIP%20only%20covers%20Ozempic%20for,Limited%20Use%20criteria%20as%20OHIP.) Everything you need to know about accessing Ozempic in Ontario, including costs, coverage, and eligibility > **[Free Medication Delivery In Richmond Hill | Viva Health](https://www.vivahealthpharmacy.com/)** > > Get your prescriptions hassle-free with free medication delivery in Richmond Hill. Fast, convenient, and reliable service for your health needs. This topic could morph to a new thread ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/307 "2025-12-04T21:48:05Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > Now all these type drugs come in various doses the doc prescribes and I lost my 60 lb on the lowest dose of .25 mg but supplies of that are unobtainium at the moment. Click-counting is great. I currently use a 1.0 mg dose pen to take 0.5 mg. You basically count clicks as you turn the wheel, to get to a half (or quarter) dose. As a result, I get 8 doses out of a single pen. You could get 16 (but would need to keep the pen in the fridge the whole time). I have to buy extra needles of course - one box will last me several years. Similar price to what you paid for them. Overall, it cuts the cost in half for me. And I’ve got a nearly-2-year supply in the fridge - insurance against issues with Medicare covering it next year. FWIW, you may not be paying much for the medication but the government health plan is certainly paying a fair bit. Long term: it’s definintely made some improvements to my health (improved apnea, all my cholesterol readings are now normal, etc.). Blood pressure is better - still a bit high, on no meds right now. That’s evolving - I was off them in 2024, the BP went back up, I was put back on…. but I’ve got pretty severe orthostatic hypotension so they’d rather it be higher in general (within limits). ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/308 "2025-12-04T22:03:01Z")
Thanks - good info. Would appear that Novo charges differently to different nations. My 18 click dose seems not sufficiently effective - quite hungry tho I feel good. Will try a larger dose next week. > Today, a new Yale study found that Ozempic costs less than $5 a month to manufacture. And yet, Novo Nordisk charges Americans nearly $1,000 a month for this drug, while the same exact product can be purchased for just $155 a month in Canada and just $59 in Germany ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/309 "2025-12-05T02:41:58Z")
Well I caved on the .25 mg and increased d dose as my food cravings were just stupid intense. 🤪 I’m on my own for the weekend during the day so have more flexibility in monitoring food intake. Have a serious craving for chicken wings. 🎇 !!! Lucky it’s too hot to go out on the motorcycle or I would be gnawing away now. Content with Kraft dinner and frozen summer peas for lunch. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/310 "2025-12-05T05:11:52Z")
There’s an argument that American profitability is what drives the overall drug market, and no one would have new drugs without it. But it certainly doesn’t work out great for Americans. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/311 "2025-12-05T05:29:05Z")
That’s a croc. Many countries develop new drugs….Ozempic notably, Insulin from Canada given FREE of royalties to the world and gouged by the American drug industry. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/312 "2025-12-05T07:39:54Z")
Well I resisted the lure of chicken wings until now but free delivery on a bachelor weekend I caved. I should get two meals at least and since we did not go to the club yesterday figured we’ll be square on budget 😋 that said the extra dose already has damped the food cravings. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/313 "2025-12-05T11:21:36Z")
On that low a dose are you experiencing the nausea? I’d love some help losing 40 lbs or so, but I \*hate\* that always-queasy feeling. Also, eating good food (not noshing snack-crap, I mean like a great restaurant meal) is a pleasure I’d be sad to not want anymore. I think … ? I’m in the US and my $$ outlay will be greater for sure, so there’s that as well. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/314 "2025-12-05T18:01:31Z")
I’m on Zepbound and have found it to be life changing in an almost completely beneficial way.\* Here’s the thing to consider, and something well worth discussing with a doctor. The use of these drugs is rapidly evolving as they move from pure weight management into things like sleep apnea, inflammation reduction, etc. So the best thinking is still a bit of a moving target. These drugs at the core are still intended for use by the significantly overweight to obese. Less so for those that are looking to lose a small amount of weight. And the reason? A significant majority of the people that stop taking these injections gain most or all of the weight back. For now, it appears you take these drugs for life. Keep that in mind as you weigh the plusses and minuses. \*I had to buy all new clothes, and while I like how I look, I hate clothes shopping to begin with so… ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/315 "2025-12-05T18:05:58Z")
…and those with type 2 diabetes with higher A1c. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/316 "2025-12-05T18:58:21Z")
Also, these drugs are relatively new, and in addition to the upfront cost, there are probably some medical risks. They are not large enough to have been seen, yet, so they are probably worth it if you have diabetes or are extremely obese, as those are both conditions that are pretty risky. But the unknown risks may well be worse than the rather small risk of being a little overweight. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/317 "2025-12-05T19:02:08Z")
100% correct. As great as they have been for me, I would generally prefer to not take them for all of those reasons, even though the immediate side effects have been minimal. But weighing the well known, right there outcomes associated with obesity, the less well known long term effects of Zepbound became a favorable option. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/318 "2025-12-05T20:53:52Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > There’s an argument that American profitability is what drives the overall drug market, and no one would have new drugs without it. > > But it certainly doesn’t work out great for Americans. An argument promoted by Big Pharma to deflect attention from the enormous cost of their drugs in the United States (unlike the cost of their drugs in other countries). And note that from what I’ve read, they spend more on advertising than they do on research and development. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/319 "2025-12-05T21:32:53Z")
I suspect they spend more on bribing politicians than on r&d, too. (Aka, campaign contributions.) ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193/320 "2025-12-05T21:35:15Z")
I had “queasy days” from the get-go. WHich I think is part of the reason I lost so much weight so quickly. I did (and do) still enjoy a good restaurant meal - though I often cannot finish more than half of it - that’s what doggie bags are for. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193.md?page=15) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-person-taking-ozempic/981193.md?page=17)