Monthly cost at list price (April 2026)
From cheapest to most expensive — before insurance or savings programs.
List prices only. Insurance, savings cards, and patient assistance programmes can reduce these significantly.
The landscape changed fast. Oral semaglutide (Wegovy pill) launched at ~$149/month in late 2025 — making a GLP-1 accessible to far more people. Generic phentermine/topiramate costs as little as $30/month.
Insurance and savings programs
List prices are rarely what people pay. Two things commonly reduce costs significantly:
- →Manufacturer savings cards — Eli Lilly's LillyDirect and Novo Nordisk's NovoCare can bring monthly costs down to $25–$400 for eligible patients
- →Insurance — coverage is inconsistent and varies by plan, employer, and country. Some plans cover GLP-1s for diabetes but not weight loss
- →Medicare Part D — Foundayo (orforglipron) coverage expected from July 2026 at approximately $50/month
Cost Finder
What options fit your monthly budget?
List prices — actual costs vary. Prescription drugs may cost less with insurance or manufacturer savings programs.
Five ways to reduce what you pay
Get the manufacturer savings card
Both Novo Nordisk (NovoCare) and Eli Lilly (LillyDirect) offer savings programmes. With commercial insurance, your copay may be reduced to $0–$25/month. These cards are free and can be applied at the pharmacy.
Ask about the oral pill version
For semaglutide, the oral pill (Wegovy pill, ~$149/month) produces similar weight loss to the injection (~$1,350/month). That is a 90% cost reduction for comparable results.
Compare pharmacy prices
Prices vary significantly between pharmacies. Use GoodRx or similar tools to compare pricing. Mail-order pharmacies and big-box retailers (Costco, Sam's Club) sometimes offer lower prices.
Check if you qualify for patient assistance
Both manufacturers offer patient assistance programmes for people without insurance or with financial hardship. These can provide medication at no cost for qualifying individuals.
Work your insurance
If your plan denies coverage, ask your doctor about prior authorisation or step therapy. Some plans cover GLP-1s for diabetes but not weight loss — your doctor may be able to document medical necessity.
If cost is a hard barrier right now
If medication is not affordable right now, that does not mean your options are limited. Clinical data supports several non-medication approaches.
Structured diet (caloric deficit)
About 5–8% weight loss on average
Diet + exercise combined
About 7–10% weight loss on average
Alli (orlistat OTC)
About 5–6% weight loss, $40–60/month, no prescription
Evidence-rated supplements
Modest (1–3 kg), $10–50/month
Related questions
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Last reviewed: April 2026