GLP-1 medicines for PCOS (now called PMOS): Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro in the Philippines

Key facts

What they are

Injectable medicines: semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Rx or supplement

Prescription only. FDA PH-registered versions only.

Typical PH cost

About ₱8,188 to ₱30,000 per pen. Monthly cost depends on the dose schedule your doctor sets.

Evidence (2023 Guideline)

●●○Moderate evidence

Time to see results

Months, with dose steps set by the doctor

Who prescribes

Endocrinologist

Registered products in the Philippines

• Ozempic (semaglutide): FDA PH-registered, prescription-only, sold at retail drugstores. Registered indication: [TODO: source: FDA PH registered indication].
• Wegovy (semaglutide): launched in the Philippines in 2026. FDA-approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition, with strengths from 0.25 to 2.4 mg listed on the FDA verification portal (BusinessWorld).
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): registered with FDA Philippines, per Regimen. Registered indication: [TODO: source: FDA PH registered indication]. One clinic guide says community pharmacies rarely stock it. [TODO: source: eHealth Clinic JP guide, not yet in lib/sources.ts]

None of these is a PCOS-specific medicine. [TODO: source] Doctors use them for metabolic health and weight in some adults with PCOS, following the guideline below.

What the 2023 Guideline says

• Rec 4.5.1: GLP-1 receptor agonists could be considered, with lifestyle intervention, for adults with PCOS and higher weight.
• Rec 4.5.2: effective contraception is needed while taking them, because data on safety in pregnancy are lacking.
• Rec 4.5.4: weight regain after stopping is a high risk. Plan with your doctor for what happens next.
• Rec 5.9.1: for fertility, GLP-1 use is limited to research settings. If you are trying to conceive, these medicines should be stopped before conception, on your doctor's advice. See the fertility guide.

Filipinas ask: “Is GLP-1 really the go-to na ng mga Endo now?” and “Do endos prescribe anything aside from mounjaro or ozempic?” It is fair to ask. Metformin, lifestyle support at any weight, and other options exist, and a good endocrinologist will discuss them. See metformin.

How they work

GLP-1 medicines copy a gut hormone that helps the body release insulin after meals, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite. Tirzepatide also acts on a second hormone pathway (GIP). Because insulin resistance is central to PMOS for many women, these medicines can improve metabolic markers. They are not a judgment on your body, and they are not the only path.

Who they are labelled for

Wegovy is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition (BusinessWorld). The labels for Ozempic and Mounjaro in the Philippines: [TODO: source]. Your endocrinologist will check your history, blood sugar and other medicines, and will ask about contraception and pregnancy plans first.

These medicines are generally not for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. Tell your doctor about any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems or eating disorders. [TODO: source: product labels]

Price per pen

Prices below are per pen at drugstores, from Regimen's October 2026 guide. How many pens you use a month depends on the dose schedule your endocrinologist sets, so we do not give a monthly figure. A Filipina on r/PCOSPhilippines described Mounjaro as “halos 10k on average” and said she could not afford it; you are not alone if cost is the barrier. GLP-1s are not covered by PhilHealth for weight management. See the full cost guide.

Why compounded versions are risky

Some clinics and online sellers offer compounded or “research” semaglutide and tirzepatide at a fraction of the price. Users report trying them because the branded pens are unaffordable. We understand why. But here is what the doctors' groups say:

• On 14 March 2026, the Philippine College of Physicians warned the public against compounded or non-FDA-registered versions of Ozempic and Mounjaro, citing dosing errors, variable potency and contamination, and possible violations of RA 10918 (the Philippine Pharmacy Act).
• In April 2026, the public was again warned about illegally compounded tirzepatide sold online (Interaksyon, 10 April 2026).

With an unregistered injectable, you cannot know what is in the vial, how strong it is, or whether it is sterile. If cost is the problem, tell your endocrinologist. Ask what else could help, including metformin and lifestyle support, and whether a lower-cost registered option fits you.

How to verify your medicine on the FDA portal

1. Go to the FDA verification portal at verification.fda.gov.ph.
2. Search the product name (for example, Wegovy) or the registration number printed on the box.
3. Check that the brand, strength and company on the box match the listing.
4. Buy only from a licensed pharmacy with a physical address, against a prescription or e-prescription (FDA Advisory 2022-0108). Online marketplaces are not drug outlets.
5. Be suspicious of vials, unlabelled pens, “research use only” text, or sellers who do not ask for a prescription.

Side effects and fears

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation are commonly reported, especially when the dose goes up. [TODO: source: product labels] A user on r/WeightLossPhilippines asked about the risk of acute pancreatitis before starting; that is exactly the kind of question to raise with your endocrinologist.

Safety

Questions for your endocrinologist

• Do the guideline criteria for a GLP-1 fit me, and what are the alternatives?
• Which registered product, and how many pens a month will my schedule need?
• What contraception should I use, and when would I stop before trying to conceive?
• What is the plan if I stop, given the risk of weight regain?
• Which side effects should make me call you?

An endocrinologist consult fee: [TODO: verify price]. Bring your OGTT, HbA1c and lipid results.

This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting or changing any treatment.