Ozempic vs. Wegovy: The Dual Pathways to Semaglutide in Japan
In Japan, the active ingredient semaglutide is available under two primary brand names, each with a distinct purpose and regulatory pathway. It is crucial to understand this distinction before seeking a prescription.
- Ozempic: This is the brand name for semaglutide approved for and covered by the National Health Insurance (NHI) when used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps improve glycemic control and reduce cardiovascular risks in high-risk patients. However, its off-label use for weight loss is not covered by insurance and is publicly discouraged by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).
- Wegovy: This is the version of semaglutide specifically approved for chronic weight management in Japan. It is also covered by NHI, but only for patients who meet very strict criteria, such as specific Body Mass Index (BMI) thresholds and the presence of weight-related comorbidities.
Getting a Prescription for Type 2 Diabetes with National Health Insurance
For residents in Japan with type 2 diabetes, obtaining Ozempic is a standard medical procedure covered by national insurance, making it significantly more affordable than out-of-pocket costs.
To get a prescription through this route, you will need to:
- See a Doctor: Make an appointment with an internal medicine specialist (内科医, naika-i) at a local hospital or clinic. If you do not speak Japanese, many larger hospitals and private clinics in major cities offer English-speaking services.
- Undergo Diagnosis: The doctor will evaluate your condition, which may include a blood test and a review of your medical history to confirm the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and determine if Ozempic is an appropriate treatment.
- Receive Your Prescription: Once a prescription is issued, you can take it to any pharmacy. The cost will be a fraction of the total price, with the remaining balance covered by your NHI.
Documents to Bring to a Doctor's Visit:
- Your Japanese Health Insurance Card (健康保険証, kenkō hoken-shō).
- Your residence card (在留カード, zairyū kādo).
- A list of your current medications.
- Any recent blood test results or medical records, if available.
Prescribing for Weight Management: The Private Clinic Route
For individuals seeking semaglutide for weight loss without meeting the strict Wegovy criteria, or those who are not residents, private clinics are the primary option. These clinics operate outside the national insurance system, and the cost is paid entirely out-of-pocket.
- Ozempic (Off-label): Some private and aesthetic clinics prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. While this is done legally, it is not officially approved for this purpose by the MHLW, and the price is significantly higher (around ¥22,000 to ¥33,000 per month).
- Wegovy (Approved): Private clinics can also prescribe Wegovy, but the criteria will vary. Some clinics may follow the national guidelines, while others might have their own evaluation processes. The cost, however, will be borne entirely by the patient.
Some clinics, like the elife clinic and Roppongi Internal & Psychiatry Clinic, offer tele-consultations and deliver the medication directly to your door within Japan, catering to both locals and foreign residents.
Importing Ozempic to Japan: A Regulated Process
While the prospect of importing medication from overseas might seem appealing, it is heavily regulated by the Japanese government. Bringing medication into Japan for personal use is subject to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and Customs Law.
- Small Quantities: For small amounts, typically a one-month supply, a doctor's prescription and a letter detailing the drug's purpose might suffice upon arrival. It is advisable to declare all medication to customs.
- Import Certificates: For quantities exceeding the approved limit, you must obtain a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import certificate) from the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare prior to your travel. This process can take several weeks, and you must present the certificate to customs.
- Risks of Unregulated Imports: Purchasing medication from unregulated online pharmacies carries serious risks, including receiving counterfeit or substandard products. The MHLW and other regulatory bodies strongly advise against this practice.
Potential for Supply Issues
Due to the high global demand for semaglutide-based drugs, Japan has experienced supply shortages in the past, particularly for Ozempic, as off-label use for weight loss surged. This has led to restrictions on supply by manufacturers to prioritize its use for approved indications. While shortages for Ozempic and Wegovy have reportedly been resolved in some regions, potential disruptions can still occur.
A Comparison of Semaglutide Prescription Routes
| Feature | National Health Insurance (NHI) Route | Private Clinic Route |
|---|---|---|
| Drug | Primarily Ozempic for type 2 diabetes; Wegovy for severe obesity | Ozempic (off-label) or Wegovy (out-of-pocket) |
| Cost | Significantly subsidized by NHI, making it very affordable | Full, high cost paid out-of-pocket (e.g., ¥22,000-¥33,000+) |
| Prescription Source | Any registered clinic or hospital | Specialized private or aesthetic clinics |
| Eligibility | Confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, or strict BMI/comorbidity criteria for Wegovy | Varies by clinic, usually for weight loss but not covered by insurance |
| Process | Standard consultation and prescription from a medical doctor | Initial consultation (in-person or online), potentially blood tests, prescription via clinic |
Conclusion
Obtaining Ozempic in Japan requires navigating a clear but strict regulatory framework that distinguishes between its use for diabetes and weight loss. For those with type 2 diabetes, the pathway through the National Health Insurance system is straightforward and affordable. For weight management, accessing semaglutide typically involves higher out-of-pocket costs via private clinics, or meeting the rigorous criteria for Wegovy through insurance. The importation of medication is highly regulated and carries the risk of counterfeit products, making a local Japanese doctor's prescription the safest and most reliable method. For foreigners, the process is similar to that of Japanese citizens, provided they have a valid visa and health insurance, or the financial means to use a private clinic.
Visit the MHLW website for official medication import information
How to get Ozempic in Japan FAQs
Can I use my foreign prescription to get Ozempic in Japan?
No, foreign prescriptions are not valid in Japan. You must consult with a Japanese doctor to be evaluated and receive a local prescription.
Is Ozempic available for weight loss in Japan?
Yes, but not via National Health Insurance. The MHLW publicly discourages off-label use. The approved weight management drug, Wegovy, is covered by insurance under specific, strict criteria.
What is the cost of Ozempic in Japan?
For type 2 diabetes with NHI, the cost is heavily subsidized and very low. For weight loss at private clinics, it is paid out-of-pocket and costs tens of thousands of yen per month.
Can foreigners get Ozempic in Japan?
Yes, foreign residents with NHI can follow the standard procedure for diabetes treatment. Foreigners can also use private clinics for weight loss, regardless of residency status.
Do I need a special permit to bring Ozempic into Japan?
If bringing a small, personal quantity (typically less than a month's supply), a prescription might be sufficient. For larger quantities, you must obtain a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import certificate) before travel.
Are there online options for getting Ozempic in Japan?
Some Japanese private clinics offer online consultations and delivery services within Japan. However, importing from unregulated online overseas sources is illegal and carries a high risk of counterfeit medication.
Why are there shortages of Ozempic in Japan?
Shortages have occurred due to high demand, including off-label use, leading manufacturers to restrict supply for approved medical indications.
What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Both contain semaglutide. In Japan, Ozempic is for type 2 diabetes with insurance coverage, while Wegovy is specifically for chronic weight management with strict eligibility criteria under insurance.
Can I get an oral version of semaglutide in Japan?
Rybelsus, the oral version, is also available in Japan. Like Ozempic, it is primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes.
How do I find an English-speaking clinic in Japan?
Many clinics in major cities have websites in English or advertise English-speaking staff. Forums like Reddit and Facebook groups for foreigners in Japan often share recommendations.
Key Takeaways
- NHI vs. Private Clinic: Access to Ozempic in Japan is split between the affordable National Health Insurance route for type 2 diabetes and the expensive, out-of-pocket private clinic route for weight loss.
- Wegovy for Weight Loss: The explicitly approved semaglutide drug for weight management, Wegovy, has strict insurance criteria based on BMI and comorbidities.
- Importation is Regulated: Importing Ozempic requires careful adherence to MHLW rules, and for more than a month's supply, a Yunyu Kakunin-sho is necessary.
- Counterfeit Risk: Unregulated online vendors may sell dangerous, counterfeit products, making a local, Japanese doctor's prescription the safest option.
- Seek Medical Advice: Regardless of the path, consulting with a qualified Japanese medical professional is essential to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.
