Diabetes drug Ozempic enters Indian market with starting dose priced at ₹2,200 per week

Novo Nordisk has officially launched its globally popular diabetes medication Ozempic in India, setting the price of the lowest 0.25 mg weekly dose at ₹2,200. The injectable drug, approved for adults with type 2 diabetes, is administered once a week and has gained international attention for its additional appetite-reducing effects.

According to the pricing details shared by the company, the 0.25 mg dose will cost ₹8,800 per month, while the 0.5 mg and 1 mg doses are priced at ₹10,170 and ₹11,175 per month respectively. Ozempic has been approved by India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation this October for improving glycaemic control and reducing cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes.

The drug works by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, helping stimulate insulin when blood sugar levels rise. It also slows down stomach emptying, increasing the feeling of fullness after meals. At higher doses, Ozempic can also reduce hunger, which is why it is often used off-label in other countries for weight management.

However, like other GLP-1 medications, Ozempic may cause side effects. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and constipation, which are among the most common reactions. There is also a reported risk of pancreatitis and gallbladder-related issues. Medical experts advise that the drug must be taken strictly under medical supervision.