How much does Wegovy cost without insurance?
Wegovy (semaglutide) lists at $1,349.02 for a 28-day supply of four 2.4 mg pens in the US, making monthly costs around $1,300-$1,700 depending on dose and pharmacy.[1][2] Prices fluctuate by location and discounts; GoodRx coupons often drop it to $1,100-$1,300.
Wegovy vs. Ozempic: Same drug, different prices?
Both from Novo Nordisk, Ozempic (also semaglutide) costs $935-$1,000 monthly list price but faces less demand-driven shortages. Off-label Ozempic use for weight loss undercuts Wegovy by 20-30%, though insurance rarely covers it for that purpose.[1][3]
How does Wegovy stack up against Zepbound?
Zepbound (tirzepatide, Eli Lilly) lists at $1,060-$1,100 for a 28-day supply—about 20% less than Wegovy. Real-world prices with coupons hit $900-$1,000. Zepbound shows slightly better weight loss in trials (up to 21% vs. Wegovy's 15%), driving its edge in some markets.[2][4]
Mounjaro pricing compared to Wegovy
Mounjaro (tirzepatide, same active as Zepbound but diabetes-labeled) runs $1,000-$1,069 list, often cheaper off-label for weight loss at $800-$950 with discounts. It's positioned as a direct Wegovy rival but with broader insurance for diabetes.[1][3]
What about older weight loss drugs like phentermine or Qsymia?
Phentermine generics cost $10-$50 monthly, Qsymia $100-$200—far below Wegovy. These stimulants offer 5-10% weight loss vs. Wegovy's 15%, with more cardiovascular risks and shorter-term use.[2][5]
Why is Wegovy so expensive, and when might prices drop?
High costs stem from manufacturing complexity, demand, and no generic competition until patents expire around 2032-2036.[6] Novo Nordisk's savings cards cap out-of-pocket at $25/month for eligible patients (income limits apply). Biosimilars could cut prices 30-50% post-patent, similar to Humira.
| Drug | List Price (Monthly) | With Discounts | Weight Loss (Avg.) |
|------|----------------------|----------------|---------------------|
| Wegovy | $1,349 | $1,100-$1,300 | 15% |
| Ozempic (off-label) | $935-$1,000 | $800-$950 | 12-15% |
| Zepbound | $1,060-$1,100 | $900-$1,000 | 20-21% |
| Mounjaro | $1,000-$1,069 | $800-$950 | 18-21% |
| Phentermine | $10-$50 | $10-$30 | 5-8% |
| Qsymia | $100-$200 | $90-$150 | 8-10% |
Prices as of late 2024; check GoodRx or Drugs.com for updates.[1][2]
Sources:
[1] GoodRx.com - Wegovy Pricing
[2] Drugs.com - Wegovy Price Guide
[3] GoodRx.com - Ozempic Pricing
[4] GoodRx.com - Zepbound Pricing
[5] NCBI - Weight Loss Drug Comparisons
[6] DrugPatentWatch.com - Wegovy Patents