If you're looking to buy Ozempic in Japan, the process is a bit different from many other countries. Ozempic is approved in Japan mainly for type 2 diabetes, so getting it for weight loss is more restricted and usually requires meeting specific medical criteria.
You can obtain it through Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system if you have a prescription from a Japanese doctor. Private clinics also offer it at higher prices with fewer restrictions.
As a foreign resident, I found that language and medical system differences can make it tricky to navigate. Private English-speaking clinics have become a common option, especially for those who don’t meet public insurance rules or prefer more convenience.
How to Buy Ozempic in Japan
Understanding Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Treatments
Ozempic and similar drugs work by affecting how your body handles blood sugar and hunger. These medications belong to a class called GLP-1 agonists.
They are designed mainly to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar but can also support weight control in some cases.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, a medication that mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 helps control blood sugar by increasing insulin release after meals and slowing down how fast food leaves the stomach.
This slowing effect can reduce appetite and help with weight loss. In Japan, Ozempic is officially approved for managing type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss.
It is given as a weekly injection and is prescribed based on medical need. The drug’s side effects often include nausea, bloating, and stomach discomfort, which are related to its effect on digestion.
GLP-1 Agonists: Rybelsus, Semaglutide, and Others
GLP-1 agonists include several drugs beyond Ozempic. For example, Rybelsus is an oral form of semaglutide, making it easier to take for some.
Other GLP-1 medications available in Japan include Saxenda (liraglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Byetta (exenatide). All these drugs work by mimicking GLP-1, helping to regulate insulin and blood sugar levels.
Most are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Some, like Wegovy, which also contains semaglutide, are specifically approved for obesity management, but these have strict use rules in Japan.
Approved Uses and Indications in Japan
In Japan, Ozempic and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are approved strictly for type 2 diabetes treatment. Wegovy is the only GLP-1 injectable approved for obesity.
To qualify for weight loss treatment with Wegovy under Japan’s health plan, you must have a BMI of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Most GLP-1 drugs covered by Japan’s National Health Insurance focus on diabetes care, not weight loss. Getting these drugs for weight loss outside official guidelines is rare and usually done in private clinics at higher costs.
Eligibility Requirements for Ozempic in Japan
To get Ozempic in Japan, you must meet specific medical rules. These rules focus on how your health fits the approved uses of Ozempic and similar drugs that work with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
Doctors play a key role in deciding if you qualify.
Criteria for Diabetes Patients
Ozempic, which contains semaglutide, is mainly approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed to help control blood sugar levels when diet and exercise alone aren't enough.
To qualify, you typically need a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and your doctor will consider your blood sugar control and overall health. The drug is not meant for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Ozempic is usually offered after other diabetes medications have been tried. Your doctor may ask about your medical history, kidney function, and if you have any allergies to GLP-1 drugs before prescribing.
The approval process is strict, following guidelines from Japan’s Ministry of Health.
Guidelines for Weight Loss Prescriptions
Ozempic itself is approved for diabetes, not weight loss in Japan. For obesity treatment, a similar drug called Wegovy (also containing semaglutide) is officially approved.
To get Wegovy through Japan’s National Health Insurance, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35, or a BMI of 27 or more plus related health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes. Some doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight management, but this is rare and not common practice.
Insurance usually doesn’t cover off-label use, making private clinics an option. Prices in private clinics can be much higher, and careful medical supervision is strongly recommended due to potential side effects.
Role of Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals in Japan carefully follow rules when prescribing Ozempic. Doctors must confirm that you meet the official medical criteria for type 2 diabetes treatment.
They also monitor your response to the drug, including checking for side effects like nausea and stomach discomfort linked to GLP-1 drugs. Physicians consider lab tests and overall health before and during treatment.
They guide you through dosing schedules and manage any complications. If you are a foreign resident, finding an English-speaking doctor or clinic may be necessary for proper communication.
Private clinics often provide more support but at a higher cost.
How to Obtain Ozempic in Japan
Getting Ozempic (semaglutide) in Japan requires following specific medical rules and processes. You need a prescription from a licensed doctor, and costs vary depending on your insurance and where you buy the medication.
Several options exist, from traditional clinics to online services.
Prescription Process and National Health Insurance
To get Ozempic in Japan, you must first see a licensed doctor. The drug is officially approved only for type 2 diabetes treatment.
Doctors rarely prescribe it for weight loss, and it’s not generally covered by national health insurance (NHI) unless you meet strict medical criteria. If you qualify under NHI for type 2 diabetes management, you pay about 30% of the drug cost.
Monthly copayments for Ozempic typically range between ¥1,650 and ¥6,600 with insurance. Without meeting the criteria, you must cover the full price, which can be ¥25,000 to ¥33,000 monthly.
Authorized Pharmacies and Medical Clinics
Ozempic is available only by prescription from licensed medical facilities in Japan. You must visit a clinic or hospital to get the prescription.
Many clinics in Tokyo and other big cities offer GLP-1 treatments, but they often focus on diabetes care. Some private clinics cater specifically to foreigners.
These clinics usually charge higher prices but offer English support and easier access. Examples include Hada no Clinic and Bianca Clinic in Tokyo, which provide services related to semaglutide and weight loss under close medical supervision.
Online Consultations and Telemedicine Options
Online consultation services have grown in Japan, especially for foreign residents. Telemedicine platforms let you consult English-speaking doctors remotely.
You can receive prescriptions after virtual appointments and have medication mailed to your home. Services like Juniper and E-Life Clinic offer GLP-1 treatments including Ozempic via telehealth.
These often cost more than going through Japan’s public health system, sometimes more than double. They provide convenience, especially if you can’t meet strict insurance rules or prefer avoiding in-person visits.
Cost and Pricing of Ozempic in Japan
A month-long supply of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic has an average list price of $936 in the U.S., reports KFF. This is more than five times higher than the next-highest list price — $169 in Japan.Other countries have even lower list prices for Ozempic — $93 in the U.K.,… pic.twitter.com/sODkgvFEl9
— Lyra Miller (@utefp25517144) August 26, 2025
Buying Ozempic in Japan involves different price points depending on whether you use National Health Insurance or go through private clinics. The costs also vary when compared to other GLP-1 drugs like Rybelsus and Mounjaro.
Ozempic Pricing With and Without Insurance
If you have Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI), your monthly out-of-pocket cost for Ozempic is typically between ¥1,650 and ¥6,600. This price covers about 30% of the total drug cost, as NHI pays the rest.
You must have a prescription for type 2 diabetes to qualify for this coverage. Without insurance, the monthly price jumps significantly.
You could pay anywhere from ¥25,000 to ¥33,000 at private clinics. These prices usually cover the medication only, not doctor visits or tests, which adds to the total cost.
Off-Label Pricing at Private Clinics
Some private clinics offer Ozempic for weight loss, which is off-label in Japan since Ozempic is officially approved only for diabetes. These clinics target foreigners and locals who don’t meet NHI criteria or want quicker access.
Prices here are much higher, ranging from ¥25,000 to ¥33,000 per month. Some clinics bundle extra services like consultations or supplies, but others charge separately for each.
It’s important to confirm the total cost upfront to avoid surprises.
Comparing Costs With Other GLP-1 Drugs
Ozempic is one of several glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs available in Japan. For example, Rybelsus is an oral semaglutide option mostly used for diabetes and can vary in price but often falls within the same range as Ozempic.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), another GLP-1 drug approved for diabetes, tends to cost slightly more: about ¥2,300–13,800 with insurance and up to ¥40,000 at private clinics. For weight loss, Wegovy (a semaglutide product approved specifically for obesity) costs between ¥2,250 and ¥12,900 with NHI but can reach ¥52,000 privately.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Buying Ozempic in Japan involves specific rules set by health authorities, controls on importing medication, and risks if the drug is used outside approved purposes. Understanding these points helps you avoid legal issues and ensures safe use.
Japanese Ministry of Health Regulations
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) regulates Ozempic and other semaglutide medications strictly. Ozempic is legally approved only for treating type 2 diabetes.
Doctors can prescribe it as a third-line treatment after diet, exercise, and other medications. It is not officially approved for weight loss except for Wegovy, which became authorized in 2023 but is not widely available yet.
Using Ozempic or semaglutide for weight loss without approval is considered off-label and discouraged by health authorities. Clinics offering it for weight loss often charge very high prices without insurance coverage.
Importing Diabetes Medication
Bringing Ozempic or semaglutide into Japan requires following strict customs and pharmaceutical laws. You must declare prescription medicines when entering and may need permission from Japanese authorities.
Personal use quantities are limited, and importing large amounts or unapproved drugs can result in seizure or penalties. Foreign prescriptions may not be accepted, and you will need a Japanese doctor to write a valid local prescription.
Consult Japanese medical professionals to ensure compliance and continuous treatment when moving to or living in Japan.
Risks of Off-Label Use
Using Ozempic off-label for weight loss without medical supervision carries health risks and legal problems. Japanese medical bodies warn against off-label use in beauty or anti-aging clinics.
Risks include hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), incorrect dosing, and lack of monitoring, which can lead to serious harm. Off-label clinics often sell the drug at much higher prices, making it costly and unsafe.
If you need Ozempic for diabetes care, follow legal prescribing routes and avoid unregulated sources to protect your health and stay within the law.
Alternatives and Additional Resources
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If Ozempic is not an option for you, there are several other medications and resources in Japan worth considering.
Other Diabetes and Weight Loss Medications
Besides Ozempic (semaglutide), Japan offers other GLP-1 drugs like Rybelsus, Mounjaro, and Wegovy. Rybelsus is an oral form of semaglutide and is mainly used for type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy is the only GLP-1 injection approved specifically for weight loss, but it requires strict criteria like a high BMI. There are also other diabetes medications like Saxenda (liraglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide).
These mostly help with blood sugar control but can aid in weight management too. Another option for weight loss is Sanorex (mazindol), which acts as an appetite suppressant and is available through some clinics, mainly in the cosmetic field.
Support for Foreigners in Japan
Foreign residents often face challenges getting prescriptions through Japan’s public health system due to language barriers and strict insurance rules. Private English-speaking clinics provide a helpful alternative.
Many offer consultations and medication orders in English, including Ozempic or Mounjaro, but expect higher prices than under national health insurance. Some services like Juniper and E-Life Clinic specialize in remote consultations and nationwide delivery.
These can be convenient if you struggle to visit a clinic in person or need help navigating Japan’s healthcare system in English.
Consulting With Japanese Healthcare Providers
If you want to get Ozempic or similar drugs officially, consulting a Japanese doctor is essential.
Doctors usually prescribe GLP-1 drugs for diabetes, so if your goal is weight loss, you may need thorough medical documentation to qualify.
Be honest about your health history and what you want to use the medication for.
If your Japanese isn’t strong, bring an interpreter or use clinics with bilingual staff.
Make sure to discuss side effects like nausea and how to manage them before starting treatment.
