Current US List Prices
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) has a list price of $1,349.02 per four-week supply. Ozempic (semaglutide injection) lists at $935.77 for a four-week supply at the common 1 mg dose.[1] This makes Wegovy about 44% more expensive than Ozempic on a monthly basis.
Why Wegovy Costs More
Wegovy targets obesity with higher dosing (up to 2.4 mg weekly), while Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes at lower maximum doses (up to 2 mg). Higher semaglutide volume and obesity-specific manufacturing drive Wegovy's premium pricing. Novo Nordisk sets these prices without direct equivalence.[2]
With Discounts and Insurance
- Copays via Novo savings cards: Both drop to $25/month for eligible commercially insured patients (up to 13 fills for Ozempic, 12 for Wegovy).
- Medicare: Ozempic often covers better for diabetes; Wegovy coverage varies by obesity criteria, leading to higher out-of-pocket (up to $1,300 without prior authorization).
- Cash/GoodRx: Ozempic averages $900-$1,000; Wegovy $1,200+ due to shortages and demand.[3]
Net result: Insured patients pay similarly low; uninsured or uncovered pay Wegovy's full premium.
Per-Milligram Cost Comparison
| Dose | Drug | Monthly Vials/Pens | List Cost | Cost per mg |
|------|------|---------------------|-----------|-------------|
| 2.4 mg/week | Wegovy | 1 pen | $1,349 | $14.00 |
| 1 mg/week | Ozempic | 4 pens (3ml/0.25ml) | $936 | $9.33 |
| 2 mg/week | Ozempic | 3 pens (3ml/0.5ml) | $1,063* | $8.86 |
*Estimated for max dose. Wegovy remains 50-60% pricier per mg at equivalent strengths.[4]
International Pricing Differences
In the UK, Wegovy costs £172 (~$220) monthly vs. Ozempic at £70 (~$90)—still ~145% more. Canada: Wegovy CAD 400+ (~$290 USD) vs. Ozempic CAD 250 (~$180 USD). US prices are 4-6x higher overall due to lack of price controls.[5]
Shortages and Price Trends
Both faced US shortages through 2024; Wegovy compounded versions sold for $300-$500/month illicitly. List prices held steady, but insurance pushback on Wegovy grew. Patents (expiring 2031-2032) limit generics; no biosimilars yet.[6] DrugPatentWatch.com
[1] Novo Nordisk pricing (2024).
[2] FDA labels.
[3] GoodRx data (Oct 2024).
[4] IQVIA pricing analytics.
[5] NHS/Health Canada (2024).
[6] FDA shortage list/USPTO.