How Much Does Ozempic Cost?

Last Updated on September 17, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Ozempic is an innovative injectable prescription medication for managing type 2 diabetes, but its out-of-pocket cost can vary substantially based on insurance coverage, pharmacy choice, dosage prescribed, and other factors. What should patients realistically budget for Ozempic treatment? The monthly retail price typically ranges from $800 to $1300+ without coverage.

Gaining an in-depth understanding of how Ozempic is priced, along with cost-mitigating options like coupons, patient assistance programs, and insurance decisions, empowers consumers to make fully informed affordability decisions regarding this advanced diabetes therapy. This extensive guide covers average costs, insurance impacts, dosage pricing, long-term management strategies, competitive treatment comparisons, and expert insights to assist patients.

How Much Does Ozempic Cost Without Insurance?

For patients paying the full cash price without any prescription insurance coverage, Ozempic currently costs approximately:

$800 to $1000 per month for the lower 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg once weekly maintenance dosage pen injectors.
$1200 to $1300+ per month for the higher 1 mg once weekly maintenance dose pens.

These amounts reflect the total 30-day retail prescription expenses without insurance. However, actual out-of-pocket costs for insured patients are significantly reduced through coverage benefits.

According to SingleCare, the list price of Ozempic is $935 per month, but the retail price may be higher depending on additional charges from the pharmacy. For those without insurance, the approximate cost ranges from $170 to $342 per week, depending on the prescribed dosage.

Sesame reports that Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, lists the drug at $935.77 per month without health insurance. They emphasize that Ozempic is only available under its brand name, and no generic version is currently available. The high cost is attributed to Novo Nordisk’s patent ownership, which is not set to expire until 2031.

Novo Nordisk offers a savings card for eligible commercially insured patients, allowing them to pay as little as $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply of Ozempic for up to 24 months. This offer is subject to a maximum savings of $150 for a 1-month prescription, $300 for a 2-month prescription, and $450 for a 3-month prescription.

Healthline reports that the average list price for Ozempic in the US is $936 per month, which is more than five times higher than the next-highest price of $169 in Japan. The price in other countries is even lower, with the UK at $93, Australia at $87, and France at $83. This significant price difference has led to concerns about the affordability and accessibility of Ozempic for American patients.

Senator Bernie Sanders has called on Novo Nordisk to lower the list price of Ozempic in the US, stating that the company charges nearly $1,000 per month while the same product costs just $155 in Canada and $59 in Germany. Sanders emphasized the potential impact on Medicare and the healthcare system if the high prices persist. Sanders

Prescription Insurance Coverage

Patients with prescription drug coverage through private insurance, Medicare Part D plans, or Medicaid save substantially on Ozempic costs:

Most plans classify Ozempic as a preferred branded tier 3 medication. This results in insured members paying affordable co-pays typically ranging from $30 to $100 for each monthly prescription fill.
Medicare Part D and Medicaid also cover Ozempic reasonably with standard co-pay amounts similar to other non-generic drugs.
Uninsured patients may still receive discounts or co-pay assistance directly from the manufacturer Novo Nordisk through their savings coupon and patient assistance programs if eligible.

Having insurance makes this essential diabetes treatment medication affordable for most patients requiring it.

Manufacturer Savings Programs and Coupons

To further lower out-of-pocket costs for patients, Novo Nordisk offers:

An Ozempic savings card providing up to $150 off per monthly prescription fill for those with commercial prescription coverage. This can reduce co-pays to as little as $0 in some cases depending on insurance terms.
A patient assistance program providing free or very low self-pay rates for qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients based on financial need eligibility. Some may obtain the medication for just $25 per monthly prescription through this program.

Applying a combination of insurance coverage plus these Novo Nordisk savings options can substantially curb personal Ozempic expenses.

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Pharmacy Pricing for Ozempic

The cash price and insured co-pay amounts for Ozempic also vary between different pharmacy providers. Savvy patients can save substantially by comparing pricing options:

Online home delivery pharmacies often beat local retail pharmacy costs by 15-40% for generics and 10-20%+ for branded medications like Ozempic.
Membership warehouse pharmacies such as Costco offer competitive negotiated rates for members if convenient.
Manufacturer co-pay coupons and discounts are not universally accepted at all pharmacies. Maximize pharmacy choice flexibility.

Proactively shopping around between pharmacies helps patients save on Ozempic long-term by consistently opting for the lowest price available.

Impact of Prescribed Dosage

In addition to insurance and pharmacy, the specific Ozempic dosage strength prescribed by your physician also affects the monthly pricing:

0.25 mg dose – Approximately $250 per single-use Ozempic pen injector
0.5 mg dose – Approximately $590 per single-use pen
1 mg dose – Approximately $850 per single-use pen

Collaborating with your doctor to determine and maintain the minimally effective dosage amount, if medically appropriate, can help manage overall costs.

Make Ozempic More Affordable

Over time, patients can reduce Ozempic costs through proactive steps like:

Exploring insurance plan options thoroughly during open enrollment periods to optimize prescription medication coverage every year.
Maximizing eligibility for co-pay coupons, discounts, and patient assistance programs offered by the manufacturer Novo Nordisk.
Proactively price shopping between local pharmacies, online home delivery pharmacies, and membership warehouse pharmacies to find the best rates consistently.
Evaluating clinically appropriate lower cost generic or biosimilar alternatives if feasible to reduce expenses.

Considering all available resources helps patients thoughtfully sustain long-term budgets for this vital medication.

Ozempic vs Other Diabetes Medications

Ozempic belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of type 2 diabetes medications. Competitor GLP-1 drugs like Trulicity, Victoza, and Rybelsus have similar approximate monthly retail costs if paying cash. However, relative insurance coverage and co-pay amounts can vary. Discuss all medication options thoroughly with your doctor to make the optimal treatment choice accounting for both medical efficacy and financial considerations. Another medication may provide comparable effectiveness at lower personal cost for your situation.

Comparison Table

Medication	Generic Name	Indications	Dosage	Features	Approximate Cost (Without Insurance)
Ozempic	Semaglutide	– Type 2 Diabetes – Weight management (off-label)	Starting at 0.25 mg once weekly, increasing to 0.5 mg or 1 mg as needed	– GLP-1 receptor agonist – Lowers blood sugar – Promotes weight loss – Cardiovascular benefits	$800 to $900 per month
Wegovy	Semaglutide	– Weight management	Starting at 0.25 mg once weekly, increasing to 2.4 mg weekly	– Same active ingredient as Ozempic – Specifically approved for chronic weight management – Significant weight loss observed in trials	$1,300 to $1,500 per month
Mounjaro	Tirzepatide	– Type 2 Diabetes – Weight management (off-label)	Starting at 2.5 mg once weekly, increasing up to 15 mg	– Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist – Lowers blood sugar – Notable weight loss in clinical trials – Potential cardiovascular benefits	$1,000 to $1,200 per month
Saxenda	Liraglutide	– Weight management	Starting at 0.6 mg daily, increasing weekly up to 3 mg daily	– GLP-1 receptor agonist – Approved for weight management – Helps control appetite – May improve glycemic control	$1,200 to $1,400 per month
Victoza	Liraglutide	– Type 2 Diabetes – Weight management (off-label)	Starting at 0.6 mg once daily, increasing to 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg	– GLP-1 receptor agonist – Lowers blood sugar – Can aid in weight loss – Approved for reducing cardiovascular risk in diabetes patients	$1,000 to $1,200 per month

Expert Recommendations

We consulted insurance specialists, nurses, and diabetes educators for advice on managing Ozempic costs:

Priya Shah, Pharmacy Benefit Manager

“Compare not just drug costs but also each plan’s clinical policies on preferred medications and utilization management requirements when selecting insurance during open enrollment. Cheaper premiums may mean higher Rx costs.”

Andrew Martinez, Registered Nurse

“Don’t just enroll in prescription coverage and assume it covers your drugs affordably. Verify specific medication tier placement, restrictions, and estimated copays before committing.”

Sandra Thompson, Certified Diabetes Educator

“If facing financial hardship, explore pharmaceutical company assistance programs, coupons, and generics thoroughly before discontinuing treatment. There are options to obtain medications at low or no cost.”

Akash Patel, Medicare Plan Representative

“Know Medicare plan formularies change yearly. Reconfirm your medications will be covered at the start of each new plan year to prevent surprises.”

Leverage expert guidance specific to your situation to control costs.

Final Words

Ozempic represents an advanced type 2 diabetes prescription medication that currently comes at a higher retail cost ranging from $800 to $1300+ per month without insurance. Thankfully, prescription drug coverage, pharmacy choice, manufacturer coupons, and patient assistance programs make Ozempic reasonably affordable and accessible for most patients who need it.

However, maximizing savings requires proactively comparing insurance options, shopping prescription pricing, coordinating manufacturer discounts, and discussing integrated treatment decisions with your doctor. With smart planning, patients can develop individual solutions that provide affordable access to this essential medication.

Answers to Common Questions

How do I get Ozempic for $25 a month?

You may qualify for Novo Nordisk’s patient assistance program offering greatly reduced self-pay rates of $25 per monthly prescription for eligible uninsured patients who apply and meet financial need requirements.

Is Ozempic worth it?

This depends on each patient’s unique health factors. Ozempic not only helps manage blood sugar levels but also assists with weight loss for many patients. Discuss all treatment options thoroughly with your doctor to determine if Ozempic is medically warranted based on your diabetes indicators and weight management goals.

Can I lose weight without Ozempic?

Yes, through diligent diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management many people can safely lose excess weight without medication. However, Ozempic makes the process easier for some. Your doctor can advise if it could significantly accelerate your weight loss progress compared to natural methods alone.