Yes, Ozempic is approved and available across the European Union. It is authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as a prescription-only medication for type 2 diabetes, and it can be obtained through a doctor in all EU member states. A previous supply shortage that affected European markets has been fully resolved as of early 2026.
What Ozempic Is Approved for in Europe
The EMA has authorized Ozempic (semaglutide) as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, used alongside diet and exercise. This is an important distinction: Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in Europe. If you’re looking for a semaglutide product specifically approved for weight management, that would be Wegovy, which received EU-wide marketing authorization on January 6, 2022. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient at a higher dose and is approved for adults with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition.
The same applies in the UK, where Ozempic is licensed only for diabetes. UK guidance explicitly states that GLP-1 medications should not be used for cosmetic or aesthetic weight loss purposes.
How Much It Costs
Ozempic is dramatically cheaper in Europe than in the United States. Based on list price comparisons, a one-month supply (1 mg, four injections) costs roughly $103 in Germany and $83 in France. For context, the US list price is several times higher. These are list prices before insurance reimbursement, so out-of-pocket costs vary depending on your country’s healthcare system and your insurance coverage. In many EU countries, patients with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis will have most or all of the cost covered through national health insurance.
How to Get a Prescription
Ozempic requires a prescription everywhere in Europe. You cannot legally buy it over the counter or from an online pharmacy without one. A doctor will typically prescribe it if you have type 2 diabetes and other treatments haven’t provided adequate blood sugar control. Some countries allow both general practitioners and specialists to prescribe it, while others may require an endocrinologist or diabetologist to initiate the prescription.
NHS availability in the UK can vary by location. Some GLP-1 medications are available through the NHS, but access depends on where you live and whether your treatment is for diabetes or weight management.
The Supply Shortage Is Over
Europe experienced significant Ozempic supply shortages in recent years, driven largely by surging global demand as the medication gained popularity for off-label weight loss. The EMA officially marked the shortage as resolved, with the status last updated in January 2026. This means the special supply recommendations that were in place during the shortage no longer apply, and pharmacies should be able to fill prescriptions normally.
Watch Out for Counterfeit Pens
The EMA has issued alerts about falsified Ozempic pens circulating in Europe. Counterfeit pens with labels in German were traced back to wholesalers in Austria and Germany. These fakes were sophisticated enough to carry batch numbers, 2D barcodes, and serial numbers copied from genuine Ozempic packaging. The key giveaway: when pharmacies scanned the packs, the serial numbers showed up as inactive in verification systems.
There are also visible differences between the falsified pens and genuine ones, though the EMA has not published a detailed visual guide for consumers. The safest approach is to only obtain Ozempic through a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription. Avoid purchasing from unverified online sellers or sources outside the regulated supply chain.
Traveling With Ozempic in Europe
If you’re traveling within or to Europe and need to bring your Ozempic, keep the pens in your carry-on luggage rather than checked bags. Cargo holds can reach freezing temperatures that damage the medication. Ozempic pens should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C when possible, but they can safely stay at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 28 days. Keep the pen in its original carton to protect it from light, and consider using an insulated travel case. Don’t place pens directly against ice packs, as freezing ruins the medication.
Different countries have rules about how much medication you can bring across their borders. The UK, for example, typically allows up to a three-month supply. Some countries require you to carry a medical certificate or a letter from your prescribing doctor confirming the medication is for personal use. It’s worth checking with the embassy of your destination country before you travel, especially if you’re coming from outside the EU.