Ozempic and Wegovy are popular medications for managing health conditions like diabetes and obesity. Many people want to know which is cheaper, Ozempic or Wegovy, to make informed choices. This article compares their costs in simple terms.
Both drugs contain semaglutide and offer significant health benefits. However, their prices can vary based on insurance, dosage, and discounts. Understanding these factors helps you find the most affordable option.
This guide explores list prices, insurance coverage, and savings programs. By the end, you’ll know how to compare costs and access these medications. Let’s dive into the details of which is cheaper, Ozempic or Wegovy.
What Are Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy are brand-name injections made by Novo Nordisk. They both contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This ingredient helps control blood sugar and appetite.
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and reducing heart risks. It’s sometimes used off-label for weight loss. Wegovy is approved for weight loss and heart health in adults and children aged 12 and older.
Both drugs are injected weekly using pre-filled pens. They differ in dosage and approved uses, which can affect their costs. Understanding their purposes helps clarify pricing differences.
List Prices of Ozempic and Wegovy
Without insurance, Ozempic costs about $998 for a 28-day supply in the U.S. Wegovy’s list price is higher, around $1,350 for the same period. These are average prices as of 2025.
List prices don’t always reflect what you pay. Insurance, discounts, and pharmacy choices can lower costs. Net prices, after rebates, may be much lower for both drugs.
In other countries, both drugs are cheaper. For example, Ozempic costs $155 in Canada, while Wegovy is $186 in Denmark. U.S. prices are higher due to limited price negotiations.
Factors Affecting Out-of-Pocket Costs
Several factors influence which is cheaper, Ozempic or Wegovy. Insurance coverage is a major one. Your plan’s formulary and prior authorization rules affect what you pay.
Dosage also impacts costs. Ozempic’s maximum dose is 2 mg weekly, while Wegovy’s is 2.4 mg. Higher doses may lead to higher prices, especially for Wegovy.
Location and pharmacy choice matter too. Prices vary across pharmacies, and online options may offer savings. Discounts like coupons or savings cards can further reduce costs.
Insurance Coverage for Ozempic and Wegovy
Insurance coverage varies for Ozempic and Wegovy. Most private plans cover Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, often with lower copays. Wegovy coverage is less common, especially for weight loss alone.
Medicare Part D covers Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for heart health, not weight loss. Medicaid coverage depends on your state, with some covering both drugs. Always check your plan’s details.
Prior authorization is often required for both drugs. This means your doctor must prove medical necessity. Coverage rules can make Ozempic cheaper than Wegovy in many cases.
Savings Programs and Discounts
Both drugs have savings programs to lower costs. The Ozempic Savings Card can reduce copays to as low as $25 for eligible patients with commercial insurance. Check NovoCare’s website for eligibility.
Wegovy’s Savings Card can bring costs to $0 for up to 13 fills for those with commercial coverage. Without coverage, it may reduce costs to $499 per month.
GoodRx coupons can also help. They may lower Ozempic and Wegovy to around $499 monthly without insurance. Compare pharmacy prices to maximize savings.
Using a GoodRx coupon, both drugs can cost as low as $499 monthly. Savings cards or pharmacy discounts may make Ozempic more affordable than Wegovy.
| Factor | Ozempic | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| List Price (28 days) | ~$998 | ~$1,350 |
| With Insurance | $25–$300 (copay) | $50–$500 (copay) |
| Without Insurance | ~$499 (with GoodRx) | ~$499 (with GoodRx) |
| Savings Card | As low as $25 (commercial) | As low as $0 (commercial) |
Dosage Differences and Cost Impact
Ozempic and Wegovy have different dosing schedules. Ozempic starts at 0.25 mg weekly, increasing to a maximum of 2 mg. Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg and goes up to 2.4 mg.
Higher doses can increase costs, especially for Wegovy. At lower doses (0.25 mg to 1 mg), Ozempic is often cheaper. At 2 mg, Wegovy’s cost-effectiveness may improve.
Your prescribed dose depends on your health goals. Discuss dosing with your doctor to balance cost and effectiveness. Lower doses may reduce expenses for both drugs.
Regional Price Variations
Drug prices vary by country due to different healthcare systems. In the U.S., Ozempic’s list price is $998, compared to $59 in Germany. Wegovy costs $1,350 in the U.S. but $92 in the UK.
In Canada, Ozempic costs $250–$400, much less than in the U.S. Wegovy is also cheaper in Canada, but exact prices vary. Importing drugs may not be legal or practical.
U.S. prices are higher because the government doesn’t negotiate directly with manufacturers. This affects which is cheaper, Ozempic or Wegovy, compared to other countries. Check local pharmacies for the best deals.
Off-Label Use and Cost Implications
Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. This may be cheaper than Wegovy, as insurance often covers it for diabetes. Off-label use depends on your doctor’s discretion.
Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss, which may improve coverage for that purpose. However, some plans exclude weight-loss drugs, making Ozempic a more affordable option.
Discuss off-label use with your doctor. They can help determine if it affects insurance coverage or costs. This can influence which drug is more budget-friendly.
Other Cost-Saving Strategies
To lower costs, compare prices at different pharmacies. Online pharmacies or mail-order services may offer better deals. Always verify the pharmacy’s legitimacy to avoid counterfeit drugs.
Ask your doctor about free samples to start treatment. This can help while sorting out insurance or discounts. Samples are often limited, so plan for long-term costs.
Consider alternative GLP-1 drugs like Saxenda or Mounjaro if neither Ozempic nor Wegovy is affordable. Each has different costs and coverage rules. Your doctor can guide you.
Potential Barriers to Affordability
High list prices are a major barrier for both drugs. Without insurance, Wegovy’s $1,350 monthly cost is a significant hurdle. Ozempic’s $998 price is also challenging for many.
Insurance denials can occur, especially for Wegovy’s weight-loss use. Prior authorization or step therapy may delay access. Appealing denials with your doctor’s help can improve coverage.
Supply shortages have affected both drugs due to high demand. This can increase costs if you need to search multiple pharmacies. Check availability early to avoid delays.
Comparing Effectiveness and Value
Ozempic is highly effective for type 2 diabetes, reducing A1C by 1.5–2%. It leads to about 10 pounds of weight loss over 30 weeks. Wegovy can achieve 15–20% body weight loss over 68 weeks.
Wegovy’s higher dose may offer more weight loss, but at a higher cost. Ozempic may be more cost-effective for those needing both diabetes control and moderate weight loss.
Value depends on your health goals. Discuss with your doctor to weigh benefits against costs. This helps determine which drug offers better value for you.
Long-Term Cost Considerations
Both drugs are often used long-term, increasing overall costs. Stopping Wegovy or Ozempic may lead to weight regain, requiring continuous use. This impacts your budget over time.
Insurance coverage may change yearly, affecting copays. Check your plan annually to avoid surprises. Savings programs may also have time limits, like Wegovy’s 13-fill cap.
Factor in lifestyle costs, like diet or gym memberships, required with both drugs. These add to the total expense but support health benefits. Plan for sustained affordability.
Summary
When deciding which is cheaper, Ozempic or Wegovy, Ozempic often costs less, with a list price of $998 compared to Wegovy’s $1,350 for a 28-day supply. Insurance coverage, dosage, and savings programs like GoodRx or manufacturer cards can significantly lower costs. Ozempic is more likely to be covered for diabetes, while Wegovy’s weight-loss approval may face restrictions. Comparing pharmacy prices, exploring discounts, and discussing options with your doctor can help you choose the most affordable drug.
FAQ
Which is cheaper, Ozempic or Wegovy?
Ozempic is generally cheaper, with a list price of $998 versus Wegovy’s $1,350 for 28 days. With insurance or discounts, both can cost as low as $499. Coverage and pharmacy choice affect final costs.
Does insurance cover Ozempic and Wegovy?
Most plans cover Ozempic for type 2 diabetes; Wegovy is less likely to be covered for weight loss. Medicare covers both for specific indications. Check your plan’s formulary for details.
Are there savings programs for Ozempic and Wegovy?
Yes, Ozempic’s Savings Card can lower copays to $25, and Wegovy’s to $0 for commercial insurance. GoodRx coupons can reduce both to $499 without coverage. Eligibility varies.
Why is Wegovy more expensive than Ozempic?
Wegovy has a higher maximum dose (2.4 mg vs. 2 mg) and is approved for weight loss, which may face stricter coverage rules. List prices reflect these differences.
Can I use Ozempic instead of Wegovy to save money?
Ozempic may be used off-label for weight loss, often at a lower cost. Discuss with your doctor to ensure it meets your health needs. Insurance coverage may differ.
How do pharmacy prices affect Ozempic and Wegovy costs?
Prices vary by pharmacy; online or mail-order options may be cheaper. GoodRx can lower both to $499 monthly. Compare prices to find the best deal.
Dr. Hamza is a medical content reviewer with over 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic conditions. His reviews are grounded in trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Hamza is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.