Ozempic and GLP-1 Medicines in Portugal: 2026 Guide

Availability, authorisation and continuity-of-care guide for people living in or moving to Portugal.

Semaglutide (Ozempic), semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and other medicines affecting the GLP-1 pathway have received considerable attention in Portugal and internationally. However, the same active ingredient may be sold under different brand names and approved for different medical conditions.

It is important to distinguish between authorisation, commercialisation, reimbursement and real-time pharmacy stock. A medicine can be authorised for use in the European Union, registered and commercialised in Portugal, temporarily difficult to find, available only for an approved condition, or reimbursed only under defined criteria.

This guide explains the major GLP-1 and related medicines confirmed in Portuguese and European regulatory sources. It is not a live record of pharmacy inventory and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

What are GLP-1 medicines?

GLP-1 receptor agonists imitate some of the activity of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone involved in blood-glucose regulation, digestion, appetite and feelings of fullness.

Some are authorised for type 2 diabetes. Others are authorised for weight management in people who meet defined medical criteria.

Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, is different: it acts on both GIP (Gastric inhibitory polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptors and is commonly described as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Mounjaro has European indications for type 2 diabetes and for weight management in eligible adults. [1]

Which GLP-1 medicines are available in Portugal?

The following table summarises major medicines whose Portuguese commercialisation status is supported by current INFARMED materials. “Commercialised” does not mean that every presentation is in stock at every pharmacy.

INFARMED’s current obesity materials identify Wegovy, Saxenda and Mounjaro among medicines commercialised in Portugal for obesity treatment, and identify naltrexone/bupropion (Mysimba) and orlistat as non-GLP-1 options. [2]

Is Ozempic available in Portugal?

Yes. Ozempic contains semaglutide and is commercialised in Portugal for adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes, and it’s subject to an SNS copay for people with a BMI over 30.

However, Ozempic is not the semaglutide brand authorised in Portugal specifically for weight management. The semaglutide product marketed for weight management is Wegovy.

INFARMED has reported supply problems affecting Ozempic and Trulicity, so a valid prescription does not necessarily guarantee immediate pharmacy stock. Reimbursement and supply conditions can change and should be checked at the time of care. [3]

Is Wegovy available in Portugal?

Yes. Wegovy contains semaglutide and is commercialised in Portugal for weight management. It does not have an SNS copay (so must be paid out of pocket) even if the patient has an indication of need.

Its adult indication covers obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related health condition, when used alongside nutrition and physical-activity measures. Eligibility depends on the full approved indication and an individual clinical assessment, not on a person requesting a medicine by name. [4]

Portuguese INFARMED materials reviewed for this guide list Wegovy FlexTouch presentations from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg. Reimbursement rules can change and should be checked at the time of treatment. [2]

Is Mounjaro available in Portugal?

Yes. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and is commercialised in Portugal. It does not have a SNS copay (so must be paid out of pocket) even if the patient has an indication of need.

Unlike medicines that act only on GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. In the European Union, Mounjaro is authorised for type 2 diabetes and for weight management in adults who meet the approved medical criteria. [1]

Mounjaro should not be described simply as “Portuguese Zepbound.” Zepbound is a US brand name. Although it contains the same active ingredient, brand names, product presentations and approved regulatory information vary between markets.

Is Rybelsus available in Portugal?

Yes. Rybelsus is an oral semaglutide authorised in Portugal for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

INFARMED announced the introduction of a new Rybelsus tablet formulation into the Portuguese market. Because the newer formulation has greater bioavailability, lower-strength tablets can produce the intended therapeutic exposure.

During the transition, old and new tablet strengths may coexist. Patients should follow the exact instructions on their prescription and packaging and should not assume that tablets with different numerical strengths are interchangeable. [5]

Is Trulicity available in Portugal?

Yes. Trulicity contains dulaglutide and is used for type 2 diabetes. It is only available right now for people with type 2 diabetes and it has an SNS copay for people with a BMI over 30.

INFARMED has reported ongoing supply difficulties affecting Trulicity. Patients should not change doses, delay treatment, or substitute another medicine without advice from their treating clinician. [3]

Is Saxenda available in Portugal?

Yes. Saxenda contains liraglutide and is commercialised in Portugal for weight management.

Saxenda and Victoza contain the same active ingredient but are separate products with different authorised uses and treatment instructions. A brand cannot be substituted solely because its active ingredient appears similar. [6]

Which obesity medicines are available that are not GLP-1 medicines?

INFARMED also lists the following medicines as commercialised in Portugal for obesity treatment:

• Mysimba, containing bupropion and naltrexone

• Orlistat, available under different commercial brands

These medicines do not belong to the GLP-1 class. Their mechanisms, potential benefits, contraindications, interactions, and monitoring requirements differ from those of semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide. [2]

Which GLP-1 medicines are no longer commercially available in Portugal?

Victoza

Liraglutide (Victoza) was used for type 2 diabetes. Its permanent commercialisation in Portugal ended on Dec 31, 2025 for commercial reasons.

People previously treated with Victoza should not independently switch to Saxenda or another medicine. INFARMED advised affected patients to consult their doctor so that an appropriate alternative and transition plan could be considered. [7]

Bydureon

Extended-release Exenatide (Bydureon) was used for type 2 diabetes. Its commercialisation in Portugal ended in March 2025.

INFARMED advised clinicians not to initiate new treatments with it and to arrange alternatives for existing patients. [8]

Does “available” mean that a pharmacy will have it in stock?

No. Authorisation and commercialisation do not guarantee that a particular pharmacy has a medicine available on a particular day.

Supply can be affected by manufacturing capacity, demand, distribution and the specific presentation prescribed. Patients should contact a licensed pharmacy for current stock information.

Can GLP-1 medicines be bought online?

GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide are prescription medicines. INFARMED, the EMA and national medicines authorities have warned about illegal products sold through fraudulent websites, online marketplaces and social media.

Illegal products may contain the wrong ingredient, an incorrect quantity, harmful substances, or no active medicine at all. Prescription medicines should be obtained only through lawful channels and used under professional supervision. [9]

How does a doctor decide whether a GLP-1 medicine is appropriate?

A clinician may need to consider:

• The medical diagnosis and approved indication

• Current body mass index and related health conditions

• Diabetes history and blood-glucose control

• Other prescription and non-prescription medicines

• Previous treatments and adverse reactions

• Digestive, pancreatic, gallbladder, kidney and other relevant medical history

• Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy

• The required monitoring and follow-up plan

The existence of an authorised medicine does not mean that it is suitable for every patient.

Moving to Portugal while taking Ozempic, Mounjaro or another medicine?

A foreign prescription, familiar brand name, or previous treatment plan does not automatically determine what can be prescribed or dispensed in Portugal.

Bring the following information to a medical appointment:

• The brand and active ingredient

• Current strength and dose

• The reason it was prescribed

• The date treatment began

• Recent clinical notes and laboratory results

• A complete list of medicines and supplements

• Details of previous side effects or treatment interruptions

A Portuguese doctor can review the information and decide what ongoing care is clinically and legally appropriate.

Ongoing care with TejoMed in Lisbon

TejoMed is a membership-based family-medicine clinic in Lisbon built around an ongoing relationship with one dedicated doctor. Its model includes smaller patient panels, longer appointments, proactive health planning and same-day or next-business-day sick appointments when available.

For people living in Portugal, or preparing to move here, a TejoMed doctor can help organise care around the complete medical picture. This may include reviewing existing diagnoses, medication history, monitoring requirements, nutrition, sleep, cardiovascular risk and wider health goals.

All prescribing decisions remain subject to the doctor’s independent medical judgement. TejoMed membership does not include the cost of prescription medicines, laboratory testing, imaging, specialist care, or other separately billed services.

Important information: TejoMed does not guarantee that any particular medicine will be prescribed, reimbursed, or available from a pharmacy. Treatment decisions require an individual medical assessment. This educational draft is not medical advice, an offer to prescribe, or a guarantee of access to any medicine.

Source notes

[1] European Medicines Agency — Mounjaro (tirzepatide): product overview and authorised EU indications.

[2] INFARMED — National analysis of medicines authorised and commercialised in Portugal for obesity treatment.

[3] INFARMED — 2026 thematic diabetes inspections report / supply-related action concerning Ozempic and Trulicity.

[4] European Medicines Agency — Wegovy (semaglutide): product overview and authorised EU indication.

[5] INFARMED — Rybelsus (semaglutide): medication-error risk associated with the new tablet formulation ( Dec 18, 2025 ).

[6] European Medicines Agency — Saxenda (liraglutide): product overview and authorised EU indication.

[7] INFARMED — Liraglutide (Victoza): cessation of commercialisation in Portugal ( Dec 31, 2025 ).

[8] INFARMED — Bydureon (exenatide): cessation of commercialisation in Portugal.

[9] INFARMED — EMA and HMA alert on illegal medicines marketed as GLP-1 analogues.