Wegovy (semaglutide (injection))
FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Most commonly prescribed for weight loss. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk. FDA-approved status: weight-loss.
Wegovy 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy 14.9% weight loss | $63 | $349 | $329 | $249 cheapest | $1,349 | Get → |
Wegovy cost in 2026
| Payment channel | Monthly | 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $63 | $756 |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | $349 | $4,188 |
| Telehealth: brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $329 | $3,948 |
| Telehealth: compounded (limited post-FDA crackdown) | $249 | $2,988 |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $1,349 | $16,188 |
Dosing
Weekly subcutaneous injection. Dose escalates from 0.25 mg → 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 → 2.4 mg over 16+ weeks.
What to expect on Wegovy
For someone starting at 220 lbs on Wegovy for 12 months, the projection is:
Modeled from STEP-1 phase 3 data. Adjust for your own weight on the full calculator.
✓ Pros
- FDA-approved specifically for weight loss
- Robust 14.9% average weight loss in STEP-1
- Wide telehealth and pharmacy availability
- Once-weekly injection (good adherence)
✗ Cons
- High list price ($1,349/mo without coverage)
- Insurance often denies for weight loss without comorbidity
- Mild-to-moderate GI side effects common during titration
- Lower efficacy than tirzepatide-based alternatives
Common side effects
Most-reported in STEP-1. Side effects are typically worst during dose escalation and improve over time.
Related cost guides
- → How to Get Wegovy Without Insurance - NovoCare, telehealth, and compounded paths
- → Wegovy Coupon (2026 Savings Card) - $25 copay if covered, plus eligibility and limits
- → GLP-1 Savings Cards Compared - manufacturer copay programs for Wegovy and others
- → GLP-1 Prior Authorization Guide - what insurers want for Wegovy and how to win an appeal
- → Cheapest GLP-1 Finder - all 8 drugs ranked by cost-per-pound-lost
Compare Wegovy to other GLP-1s
Wegovy coverage by major insurer
Coverage stance and per-carrier details for Wegovy. Each link goes to the full prior-auth requirements, cost table, and appeal playbook for that carrier.