The cost of semaglutide injections can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. The key factors that impact the cost include:
- Type of semaglutide product - There are currently two semaglutide products on the market: *Ozempic and Wegovy. Ozempic is approved for treating type 2 diabetes while Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management. *Wegovy tends to be more expensive than Ozempic.
- Dosage - Semaglutide comes in various dosages ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg per injection. Higher dosages generally cost more than lower dosages.
- Insurance coverage - Whether semaglutide is covered by your insurance plan and to what extent has a big impact on cost. Many plans do cover it to some degree since it is an approved treatment, but coverage varies significantly.
- Location/pharmacy - Costs can vary depending on what pharmacy you use to fill the prescription and geographic location. Online and international pharmacies often offer lower prices.
Cost ranges:
Without insurance, semaglutide costs
between $800 to $1,500 per month on average based on dosage and brand. However, with insurance coverage, people often pay
between $15 to $200 per prescription.
Some of the key factors that impact costs in detail:
Type of Product
- Ozempic tends to cost $800 - $1,100 per month without insurance based on dosage
- Wegovy ranges from $1,100 - $1,500 per month without insurance
Wegovy, which is specifically approved for weight loss, comes at a premium price over Ozempic.
Dosage
- Low dosages (0.25mg - 0.5mg):
- Cost per month without insurance: $800 - $900
- High dosages (1mg - 2.4mg):
- Cost per month without insurance: $1,100 - $1,500
Higher dosages are usually more expensive as more of the medication is used per dose.
Insurance Coverage
With insurance, copays can vary from $15 to $200 per fill depending on coverage. Many factors impact out-of-pocket costs:
- Deductibles - If you have a high deductible insurance plan where you have to pay 100% until you meet your deductible, semaglutide will be very costly. Plans with lower deductibles save more on cost.
- Tier level - If semaglutide is considered a higher tier drug by your plan, the copay will likely be higher. If placed on a low tier, the copay will be lower.
- Copay or coinsurance - Plans that apply a flat-rate copay (e.g. $30) are better than coinsurance (where you pay a percentage of the price).
- Pharmacy benefits - Some plans only offer coverage rates at certain preferred pharmacies. Check your coverage details.
Rebates and savings programs may also be available to lower costs for those with insurance. Talk to your provider.
Location/Pharmacy
Without insurance, you can save substantially on semaglutide by using:
- Online and international pharmacies - Prices can be 35-50% less than local US pharmacies
- Coupons and rebates - Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk offer coupons or rebates on Ozempic/Wegovy to make it more affordable for those paying cash price. This can save you 15-20% per fill.
So in summary, $800 per month on the low-end up to $1,500 per month on the high-end without insurance. But most people with coverage can get it for a copay between $15 to $200 depending on their policy and pharmacy.