Retail prices for Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) can be a bit shocking, to say the least. Here are the driving forces behind Ozempic and Wegovy prices in the US—plus a way to get brand name semaglutide for much less than your local pharmacy is charging.
What are the current prices for Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic prices
In the United States, the retail price of Ozempic is almost $1,000 per pen (a 4-week supply).
Wegovy prices
The price of Wegovy is around $1,400 for a carton of 4 pens (a 4-week supply).
Are Ozempic and Wegovy different?
Ozempic and Wegovy both contain the same medication (semaglutide) and are made by the same company (Novo Nordisk).
Ozempic is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, when paired with diet and exercise. Wegovy is FDA-approved to help those 12 years and older with obesity or excess weight (with weight-related medical problems) lose weight.
Ozempic and Wegovy also come in different packaging, and their pens deliver different dose sizes:
- Ozempic pens deliver doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2mg per injection
- Note: Ozempic pens can be used more than once (with a different needle)—for example, an 8-mg Ozempic pen contains four 2-mg doses
- Wegovy pens deliver doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg per injection
- Note: Wegovy pens are single-use only, so you always throw the pen away after use
Why are Ozempic and Wegovy so expensive?
1. As with any new blockbuster medicine, the pharmaceutical companies have invested heavily in creating these drugs, and they are trying to make that money back (plus profit) as quickly as possible.
2. Drug patents, which last several years, prevent other companies from making generic versions of the drug, which limits competition and allows the pharmaceutical company holding the patent to set their price.
3. Ozempic has become a household brand name thanks to its effectiveness and its popularity among celebrities and influencers. Anytime a product is in high demand, the manufacturer can charge more for it.
Why is semaglutide cheaper in other countries?
Simply put, the U.S. government does not negotiate, regulate, or cap drug prices for its citizens the way other countries do. We also have an overly complex drug pricing system, which some blame on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
A Brookings estimate says that U.S. consumers account for up to 78% of total pharmaceutical profits, despite accounting for only 27% of global income.
So why doesn’t the US start regulating prices? The biggest argument for the U.S. not doing as other countries do is that if drug prices are cut now, future innovation will suffer.
Regardless of the influences on prescription drug costs in the US, the bottom line is that to find the best price for Ozempic or Wegovy, you have to shop around, compare prices, and find the best value.
How can I get semaglutide for less without insurance?
Fortunately, you don’t have to pay $1,000 or more per month for a semaglutide prescription. Through negotiation and partner building, QuickMD has brought the cost of brand-name semaglutide down to an affordable level for our patients.
QuickMD’s weight loss care options offer the lowest prices online without insurance—and there are no hidden fees.
Ready to try semaglutide for weight loss?
If you’re not finding success with diet and exercise alone, talk with a QuickMD provider to find out if semaglutides like Ozempic and Wegovy can help you meet your weight loss goals.
