Semaglutide is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. The cost of semaglutide can vary depending on several factors:
- Type of semaglutide - Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes treatment at doses of 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg once weekly. Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management at doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1 mg once weekly. The 1 mg Wegovy dose often costs more than the lower Ozempic doses.
- Insurance coverage - Whether insurance covers semaglutide and how much they cover influences out-of-pocket costs. Coverage varies by plan.
- Pharmacy - Different pharmacies may charge different prices even for the same medication. Shopping around may save money.
- Discounts and savings programs - The manufacturers of Ozempic and Wegovy offer savings programs that can lower costs for eligible patients with commercial insurance or no insurance. There are also some coupon programs like GoodRx that provide discounts on certain drugs.
Some typical costs for semaglutide without insurance or discounts:
- Ozempic
- 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg pen: Around $900-$1,100 per month supply
- Wegovy
- 0.25 mg pen: Around $1,300 per month
- 0.5 mg pen: Around $1,500 per month
- 1 mg pen: Around $1,600 per month
With insurance or other savings, out-of-pocket monthly costs often fall into these general ranges:
- $15 to $50 per month - Low copays with strong insurance coverage
- $50 to $150 per month - Mid-range copays with decent insurance coverage
- $150 to $850 per month - High copays/coinsurance or poor coverage
Some key tips to save money on semaglutide costs:
- Use savings cards from the manufacturer
- Check GoodRx for discounts
- Compare prices between pharmacies
- Consider Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company which offers low costs on some drugs
- Talk to your doctor about cheaper alternatives if costs are unaffordable for you
Overall,
out-of-pocket costs to inject semaglutide can range quite widely from around $15 up to over $1,500 per month supply, depending significantly on type/dose, pharmacy choice, and insurance coverage or discount programs. Be sure to explore all options if the retail price is initially unaffordable for your budget. Reach out to Hormone Harmony Clinic to learn about competitively priced semaglutide and other hormone treatment options that help patients achieve their health goals.