Novo Nordisk has officially launched its popular weight loss and diabetes drug Ozempic (semaglutide) in India on December 12, 2025. The once-weekly injectable medication, available globally since 2017, is approved by India’s drug regulator (CDSCO) for adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes. It is intended as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
The launch has grabbed attention due to its pricing. The starting 0.25 mg dose costs Rs 2,200 per week, roughly Rs 8,800 per month. Higher strengths include the 0.5 mg dose at Rs 10,170 per month and the 1 mg dose at Rs 11,175 per month. Each pre-filled ‘FlexTouch Pen’ contains four weekly doses.
How Ozempic Works And Its Benefits
Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It mimics a natural hormone to release insulin when blood sugar is high, slows stomach emptying to reduce appetite, and suppresses excess glucagon. While its primary purpose in India is diabetes management, it has also gained attention for weight loss, with clinical trials showing average reductions of 10% to 15% of body weight.
India is often called the “diabetes capital” with an estimated 77 million to 100 million adults living with type 2 diabetes. The launch of Ozempic completes Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide portfolio in India, which already includes Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) and Wegovy (higher-dose injectable semaglutide for obesity).
Medical experts emphasise that Ozempic is prescription-only and must be used under strict supervision. It is not a quick fix for weight loss and requires a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. Doctors warn against using it purely for cosmetic purposes or “microdosing” without guidance.
Patients may experience side effects, most commonly gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder complications, kidney changes, and thyroid-related warnings. Rapid weight loss can also lead to aesthetic changes known in the media as “Ozempic face” (sagging skin) and “Ozempic hair” (shedding due to nutrient deficiencies).
Certain people should avoid the drug entirely, including those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with severe gastrointestinal conditions or a history of pancreatitis.
Accessibility And Its Buzz In Bollywood
The high price and lack of insurance coverage for lifestyle or weight-management medications remain major barriers in India. However, this may change after March 2026, when the semaglutide patent is expected to expire. Domestic pharmaceutical companies could then launch generic versions, potentially reducing costs by 70% to 85%.
Ozempic has also sparked curiosity in Bollywood circles. Celebrities like Karan Johar, Ram Kapoor, Kusha Kapila, Boney Kapoor, and Sajid Nadiadwala were reportedly using it to transform their bodies. While none of them officially confirmed these claims, their visible transformations put the weight loss drug in the spotlight in the entertainment industry.
