Global pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched Ozempic, a once-weekly injectable medicine for Type 2 diabetes, in India, expanding treatment options for millions of patients struggling to manage blood sugar levels. The drug contains semaglutide, a next-generation therapy already widely used in several countries.
Ozempic works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps the body release insulin when blood sugar levels are high. It also reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver and slows digestion, leading to better glucose control. In addition, the medicine acts on the brain’s appetite centres, helping patients feel full for longer. While this effect has drawn attention globally for weight reduction, in India the drug has been approved specifically for managing Type 2 diabetes.
One of Ozempic’s key advantages is its once-a-week dosing, delivered through a pre-filled injection pen. Doctors say this can make treatment easier for patients who find daily injections difficult to maintain. The treatment begins with a 0.25 mg starter dose, mainly to help the body adjust. Depending on the patient’s condition, the dose may later be increased to 0.5 mg or 1 mg, strictly under a doctor’s guidance.
The starting dose costs about ₹2,200 per week, or roughly ₹8,800 per month, with higher doses priced above this level. Medical experts point out that affordability could be a concern for long-term use, especially since diabetes is a chronic condition requiring sustained treatment.
India has one of the world’s largest populations living with diabetes, and the number continues to rise due to sedentary lifestyles, dietary habits, and obesity. Specialists believe Ozempic could benefit patients whose blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled despite standard oral medicines or insulin therapy.
Doctors, however, stress that Ozempic is not a standalone solution. It must be used alongside lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, and routine monitoring of blood sugar. Some patients may experience side effects like nausea or stomach discomfort, particularly in the early weeks of treatment, making medical supervision essential.
With the launch of Ozempic, India’s diabetes care space is seeing a shift towards advanced injectable therapies. While the drug brings new hope for improved disease control, experts emphasise responsible prescribing and informed patient use to ensure both safety and long-term benefits.