How much does semaglutide cost?

The list price versus what you pay

Semaglutide is sold under several brand names: Ozempic and Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy for weight loss. In the United States, the brand list price is roughly 1,000 to 1,350 dollars for a month's supply before insurance or discounts, depending on the product. But the list price is rarely what people actually pay. Your real cost depends on insurance, savings programs, and where you get it. Prices and programs change over time, so treat these as general ranges and confirm current numbers with the pharmacy and manufacturer. This article is general information, not medical or financial advice.

With insurance

If your plan covers semaglutide for your situation, your out-of-pocket cost can drop to a manageable copay, sometimes tens of dollars a month. The catch is coverage itself. Diabetes use (Ozempic, Rybelsus) is more widely covered than weight-loss use (Wegovy), which many plans restrict or exclude, or cover only if you meet specific criteria. It is worth asking your plan directly whether the specific brand is on its formulary and what conditions apply. Our post on getting a GLP-1 prescription touches on the coverage side.

Without insurance, and savings cards

Without coverage, you may face something close to the list price, which is why cost is one of the biggest barriers to staying on these medications. Manufacturer savings cards can meaningfully lower the price for eligible people, and the manufacturer has also offered direct cash-pay options for some products at reduced prices. Eligibility rules apply and change, so check the official manufacturer site for the current offer. Pharmacy discount programs can also help.

Compounded semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide has often cost less per month than the brand and became popular during shortages. The trade-off is that compounded products are not FDA-approved and vary in oversight, so lower cost comes with less assurance about quality; see what is compounded GLP-1. Whatever route you choose, staying consistent matters, and interruptions often come down to cost and access. For the brand-specific breakdowns, see Ozempic cost and Wegovy cost, and our overview of GLP-1 cost. This article is general information, not medical or financial advice.