Ozempic (semaglutide (injection))
NY State Bar #5361159 · Hawaii State Bar · Founder, GLP1Cost.org
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Off-label use for weight loss is widespread. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk. FDA-approved status: type-2-diabetes.
Peak weight loss
11.6%
Trial
STEP-2 (T2D)
Time to peak
68 wks
List price
$998/mo
Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you click through and complete a qualifying action. Your price does not change. Affiliate revenue does not influence our pricing data or rankings - full disclosure.
Ozempic pricing across every channel
Manufacturer direct prices (LillyDirect, NovoCare) are usually cheapest. Updated May 2026.
| Drug | Insurance | Mfr direct | Telehealth (brand) | Telehealth (compd) | Cash retail | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic 11.6% weight loss | $63 | - | $399 | $199 cheapest | $998 | Get → |
Some links are affiliate. We earn a commission at no cost to you. We never recommend a product based on commission. Disclaimer.
Ozempic cost in 2026
| Payment channel | Monthly | 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $63 | $756 |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | Not available | - |
| Telehealth: brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $399 | $4,788 |
| Telehealth: compounded (limited post-FDA crackdown) | $199 | $2,388 |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $998 | $11,976 |
Dosing
Weekly subcutaneous injection. Dose escalates from 0.25 mg → 0.5 → 1.0 → 2.0 mg.
What to expect on Ozempic
For someone starting at 220 lbs on Ozempic for 12 months, the projection is:
Expected loss at 12 mo
21.8 lbs
Final weight
198.2 lbs
Cost / lb lost
$220
Modeled from STEP-2 (T2D) phase 3 data. Adjust for your own weight on the full calculator.
✓ Pros
- Often easier to get insurance coverage if you have type 2 diabetes
- Lower list price than Wegovy
- Same active ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Strong cardiovascular outcome data (SUSTAIN-6)
✗ Cons
- Off-label for weight loss - insurance won't cover for that purpose
- Lower max dose than Wegovy (2.0 mg vs 2.4 mg) means slightly less weight loss
- Periodic shortages
Common side effects
Most-reported in STEP-2 (T2D). Side effects are typically worst during dose escalation and improve over time.
NauseaDiarrheaVomitingConstipationAbdominal pain
→ Full Ozempic side effects guide (timing, severity, when to call)Related cost guides
- → How to Get Ozempic Without Insurance - and why most cash-pay patients should switch to Wegovy
- → GLP-1 Savings Cards Compared - manufacturer copay programs for Ozempic and others
- → GLP-1 Prior Authorization Guide - what insurers want for Ozempic and how to win an appeal
- → Cheapest GLP-1 Finder - all 8 drugs ranked by cost-per-pound-lost
Compare Ozempic to other GLP-1s
Ozempic coverage by major insurer
Coverage stance and per-carrier details for Ozempic. Each link goes to the full prior-auth requirements, cost table, and appeal playbook for that carrier.
Related guides
How much does Ozempic cost? →
T2D coverage, Ozempic Savings Card, branded telehealth, and the Wegovy switch path.
Ozempic without insurance →
Cash-pay channels, compounded semaglutide, and the Wegovy alternative.
How much does Wegovy cost? →
Real prices: insurance, NovoCare, telehealth, full WAC. Plus the savings card path.
Cheapest GLP-1 in 2026 →
Side-by-side cash-pay prices for every FDA-approved GLP-1, ranked by $/lb lost.
GLP-1 savings cards compared →
Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Ozempic - eligibility and the government-insurance trap.
GLP-1 prior authorization →
Insurance approval playbook: what they want, common denials, how to appeal.
Medical disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on phase 3 clinical trial data and publicly listed prices. It is not medical advice. Real-world weight loss varies significantly. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.