I live in COA_Karl and can confirm — semaglutide (branded as Ozempic) is available at most eczanes (pharmacies) with a Turkish doctor's prescription. Current pricing at major chains like Yeni Eczane or Taksim Eczane runs about 2,800-3,200 TL per pen (roughly $85-97 USD at current exchange rates). You do need a prescription from a Turkish endocrinologist though, you can't just walk in and buy it.

I did exactly this last October. Flew into COA_Karl, stayed at a hotel in Sisli district. Went to the Memorial Hospital outpatient clinic, saw an endocrinologist — consultation was 3,500 TL (about $106). He wrote me a prescription for 3 months supply. Picked up three Ozempic 1mg pens at a pharmacy on Istiklal Caddesi for 9,200 TL total (about $280). The whole trip including flights, 4 nights hotel, consultation, and meds was under $1,400. That's less than ONE month of Wegovy in the US without insurance.

that's incredible. Did you have any issues bringing the pens back through US customs? That's my biggest worry.

I declared them at customs with my Turkish prescription and the pharmacy receipt. CBP officer barely looked at it. FDA allows a 90-day personal supply of prescription medications. I kept them in a cooler bag with ice packs in my carry-on. No issues whatsoever. Done it twice now.