The first GLP-1 weight loss pill: How much does Wegovy pill cost?
Wondering how much the new Wegovy pill really costs with and without insurance—and whether you can actually afford it?
Key highlights
- Wegovy is the first FDA-approved weight loss pill available in the U.S. It is taken once daily (orally) on an empty stomach with a small sip of water (up to 4 ounces) and provides a convenient alternative to the weekly Wegovy injection.
- The starter dose (1.5 mg) of the Wegovy pill costs $149 per month, and the maintenance dose costs $299 per month. If you have commercial insurance and are eligible for the Novo Nordisk Savings Card, you can pay as little as $25 per month.
- Weight loss treatment with Wegovy pills is started at a low dose of 1.5 mg daily and gradually increased to maintenance doses (9 mg–25 mg) to minimize side effects and achieve significant weight loss benefits (14-17% of body weight as seen in phase 3 clinical trials).
- The oral pill is generally less expensive than the Wegovy injection and does not require needles or refrigeration.
- Patients can reduce costs through insurance coverage, savings cards, coupons, and telehealth clinics.
The Wegovy daily pill is the first oral GLP-1 weight-loss medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and available for sale as of January 2026. This medication contains semaglutide as the active ingredient.
Before the approval of this oral pill, GLP-1-based weight loss injections like Wegovy and Zepbound were expensive for most people without insurance. The high cost of Wegovy injection has long been a major barrier for many patients. In addition, many people feel uncomfortable with weekly injections, creating a “needle hurdle” that discourages them from using these treatments.
The Wegovy pill offers a more affordable option for weight loss that delivers results comparable to injectable GLP-1 treatments at a lower price. Currently, the prices range from about $149 to $299 per month, depending on the dose.
This article will explain how much you will actually need to pay for Wegovy pills, explore insurance coverage tips, and strategies to save money.
What is the Wegovy pill?
The Wegovy pill is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that contains semaglutide as its active ingredient. Unlike other semaglutide medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy pens, which are administered (subcutaneously) once weekly, Wegovy pills are taken daily.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the activity of the natural GLP-1 hormone. Semaglutide works in the following ways in your body.
- The medication mimics the activity of GLP-1 receptors in your gut and brain. The activation of these receptors controls hunger and appetite by sending satiety (feeling of fullness) signals to your brain.
- The medication improves blood sugar levels in your body by increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas only when glucose levels are high in your body.
- It also reduces glucagon secretion from the alpha cells of the pancreas. As glucagon increases blood glucose levels in your body, its inhibition lowers the blood glucose levels.
- The medication slows down gastric emptying by relaxing the muscles of your stomach. Food moves slowly from your stomach to the intestine and gives you a feeling of fullness for a longer time.
Wegovy is FDA-approved for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. The medication has also been studied for reducing the risk of heart disease. Clinical studies show that GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke, and death in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy pill cost breakdown: Current self-pay prices (2026)
In 2026, patients will have the lower cost option of Wegovy daily pills over weekly injections for weight loss. The cost of Wegovy pills may vary if you are paying out of pocket.
The self-pay or cash price represents what patients actually pay for Wegovy pills without insurance. The introductory prices for the starter doses of the Wegovy 1.5 mg and 4 mg oral pills are $149 per month. This offer is available until April 15, 2026. The price of the 4 mg dose will rise to $199 per month after April 15, 2026.
Once patients reach the higher maintenance doses, such as 9 mg or 25 mg, the self-pay cost increases to up to $299 per month, which is still significantly lower than most injectable GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy pen.
Why is pricing tiered by dose?
Pricing is tiered by dose because Wegovy treatment has two phases, an introductory (starter) phase and a maintenance phase. During the introductory phase, patients start with a lower dose of the Wegovy pill (1.5 mg), which helps the body adjust to the medication and reduces the risk of common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain.
As patients progress to higher maintenance doses for long-term treatment, the monthly price increases. This tiered pricing structure helps patients start treatment affordably.
Comparison to injectable Wegovy pricing
Wegovy pills are generally cheaper than Wegovy injections if you are paying out of pocket without insurance. Wegovy injection costs hundreds of dollars more per month for self-paying patients, which is usually unaffordable for many people.
The manufacturer’s list price for the Wegovy pill (1.5 mg and 4 mg) is $149 per month, and after the introductory dose, the price for the 4 mg dose is about $199 per month. Higher doses of Wegovy (9 mg and 25 mg) cost $299 per month.
In contrast, the starting doses of the Wegovy pen (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg), which are administered once weekly, cost about $199 per month for the first two months and increase to up to $349 per month as the dose increases. In addition, the Wegovy pen requires careful refrigeration and temperature control to maintain effectiveness.
The launch of the Novo Nordisk Wegovy pill in January 2026 is a price disruptor in the GLP-1 market as it offers significantly lower out-of-pocket prices compared to other GLP-1 medications. GLP-1 injections like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Zepbound are expensive and unaffordable for many cash-paying patients without insurance. The starting price of oral Wegovy pills is $149 per month, which makes the treatment more accessible for people who prefer pills or pay out of pocket.
Additional costs to expect
Beyond Wegovy pill pricing, there may be additional costs for the patients, which include the following:
- Wegovy is a prescription medication. Patients need to visit a doctor or consult with a telehealth provider to get a valid prescription. These expenses include doctors’ consultation fees.
- Some healthcare professionals may recommend laboratory tests before starting weight loss medication or during the treatment, which may contribute to additional costs.
- Follow-up visits with the prescriber are usually required to assess weight loss, adjust dosage, and manage side effects. These expenses may also add to the total cost of treatment.
Dosage and titration
Wegovy pills are typically started at the lowest dose (1.5 mg) for the first month and gradually increased to help your body adjust and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Your healthcare provider will increase the dose every 30 days according to your body’s tolerance until reaching the maximum maintenance dose of 25 mg daily. The standard dosage and titration schedule for the Wegovy pill is as follows:
- Month 1: 1.5 mg daily starter dose to help the body adjust, which costs $149 per month.
- Month 2: 4 mg daily, which is an introductory dose. It costs $149/month until 15 April 2026. Afterwards, the price will be $199/month.
- Month 3: In the third month, the dosage is increased to 9 mg daily, which costs $299/month.
- Month 4 and beyond: In the fourth month, the dosage is increased to 25 mg daily, which costs $299/month. You will stay on this maintenance dose for ongoing treatment.
Gradual titration is essential because it reduces the risk of side effects and is also crucial for achieving significant weight loss (14-17%) as seen in phase 3 clinical trials.
Insurance coverage and savings cards
Insurance and savings card programs can help make Wegovy more affordable for eligible patients. Some commercial insurance plans cover the cost of Wegovy, often reducing out-of-pocket costs to as little as $25 per month through the NovoCare Savings Card.
Wegovy is typically not covered by many insurance plans for weight loss and may require prior authorization when covered. With a prior authorization (PA), the insurance company will confirm whether the prescribed medication is medically necessary for you and that you meet the eligibility criteria. Your doctor will submit documentation showing that the prescription is appropriate for your health condition. The insurance company reviews this information before approving coverage.
The Wegovy Savings Card also reduces out-of-pocket costs for patients who have commercial insurance that does not cover Wegovy.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid coverage for Wegovy is currently limited. Most standard Medicare and Medicaid plans do not cover Wegovy for weight loss. Medicare plans may change, and some pilot programs may reduce the cost to $50 per month for some beneficiaries.
What happens if insurance denies coverage
If your insurance denies coverage for Wegovy, you can file an appeal and ask the insurance company to review its decision. Your doctor may need to send additional medical documentation or a letter explaining why the medication is medically necessary.
Self-pay vs. insurance: Which is cheaper?
Here is a comparison of self-pay prices vs. insurance:
| Payment type | Monthly Cost | 6-Month Total | 1-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Pay Starter (Wegovy Pill) | $149/month (1.5 mg & 4 mg) | $894 | $1,788 |
| Self-Pay — After intro offer expires (Wegovy Pill) | ~$199/month (4 mg after Apr 15, 2026) | $1,194 | $2,388 |
| Self-Pay — Maintenance (Wegovy Pill) | $299/month (9 mg / 25 mg) | $1,794 | $3,588 |
| Insurance + Savings Offer | $25/month | $150 | $300 |
| List Price (No Discounts) | $1,349/month | $8,094 | $16,188 |
How to save on Wegovy pill costs
There are several ways to reduce the cost of the Wegovy pill. These include:
Wegovy Savings Card
NovoCare offers the Wegovy Savings Card that can lower the out-of-pocket cost to as little as $25 per month for eligible commercially insured patients. You can enrol in the Wegovy Savings Card program by following these steps:
- Visit the NovoCare Wegovy Savings website.
- Click “Enroll Now” and enter your information.
- Download or print the card.
- Show the card at your pharmacy each time you fill a prescription.
Even without insurance coverage, NovoCare provides self-pay options for patients at $149 to $299 per month.
Manufacturer and pharmacy programs
Some programs can help reduce the cost of Wegovy pills and make the medication more affordable for eligible patients. NovoCare provides patient support and discount cards. Pharmacy coupons can also significantly lower the cost of Wegovy pills. Pharmacies like GoodRx, WellRx, Single Care, and BuzzRx offer pharmacy coupons for cash-paying patients that reduce the cost of the medication.
Telehealth options
Popular telehealth providers such as Ro, LifeMD, and WeightWatchers provide patients with access to Wegovy prescriptions without needing to visit a clinic in person. These platforms often include price comparisons across pharmacies and make it easier to find the most affordable option.
Insurance appeals
If your insurance initially denies coverage, don’t give up. Initial denials are common because insurers require documentation showing the medication is medically necessary. Submitting an appeal with your doctor’s support can significantly improve the chances of approval. Many patients succeed in getting coverage after an appeal.
Medicare and Medicaid assistance
Coverage for Wegovy under Medicare and Medicaid is currently limited. Patients should monitor upcoming policy changes, which may help lower the cost of Wegovy for eligible patients. Patients should verify their state program’s specific requirements and eligibility criteria to determine if they qualify for Medicare or Medicaid coverage.
FSA/HSA
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) allow patients to pay for Wegovy with pre-tax dollars, which lowers the overall cost. This strategy works for patients who are paying out-of-pocket without insurance.
Clinical effectiveness: Is it worth the price?
In a 64-week phase 3 trial, adults with obesity or overweight who used Wegovy pills experienced an average weight loss of 14% of their body weight compared with 2% in the placebo group. The statistics are similar to the weight loss results for Wegovy injection (2.4 mg weekly), which was shown to reduce an average of 15% of body weight after 68 weeks when the medication was combined with a low-calorie diet and exercise.
Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Rybelsus (oral semaglutide), but is available in different dosage forms (1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg). Wegovy is available in higher dosages and is FDA-approved for weight loss and lowering the risk of cardiovascular events.
Before deciding whether Wegovy is worth the cost, patients should consider how well it works and how convenient it is for them. The oral pill is easier for some people because it doesn’t require injections, unlike the Wegovy pen or Ozempic. Additionally, the self-pay price of Wegovy pills ranges between $149 to $299 per month, which is more affordable for patients.
Wegovy pill FAQs
How much is the Wegovy pill per month?
| Dose / phase | Self-pay (cash) price (NovoCare) | With commercial insurance coverage and Savings Card |
|---|---|---|
| Starter dose - 1.5 mg daily (month 1) | $149 | $25 |
| Starter dose - 4 mg daily (month 2) | $149 (till Apr 15, 2026), then $199 | $25 |
| Maintenance dose - 9 mg daily (month 3) | $299 | $25 |
| Maintenance dose - 25 mg daily (month 4 and onwards) | $299 | $25 |
Can I get the pill cheaper than the list price?
Yes, you may be able to get the Wegovy pill for less than the list price by using coupons and savings cards. Novo Nordisk offers the Wegovy Savings Card, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients with commercial insurance to as low as $25 per month. Uninsured patients can use manufacturer coupons, GoodRx discounts, and pharmacy programs to get the medication at lower prices. You can enroll online, download or print the savings card, and present it at a participating pharmacy when filling your prescription to use these coupons and discount cards.
Is the pill cheaper than injectable Wegovy?
Yes, the Wegovy pill is cheaper than the injectable version. The price of Wegovy pills is tiered according to dosage. It is an affordable option for many self-pay patients.
Is there a generic Wegovy pill?
No, there is currently no generic version of the Wegovy pill. Only the brand-name medication made by Novo Nordisk is available.
Will Medicare cover it?
Medicare coverage for Wegovy is limited, but partial coverage programs are currently being introduced and may reduce out-of-pocket costs for some beneficiaries. It may not cover Wegovy for weight loss, but may cover the medication for other FDA-approved uses, such as reducing cardiovascular risk.
Does insurance cover Wegovy pills yet?
Coverage for the Wegovy pill (semaglutide) varies by insurance plan. Some commercial insurance plans cover Wegovy pills but require prior authorization. The out-of-pocket cost of Wegovy pills can be as low as $25 with commercial insurance if eligible for the savings card program. To confirm coverage, check your plan’s formulary or use the resources available on the manufacturer’s website.
Can I switch from the injection to the pill to save money?
Yes, you can switch from the injection to the pill to save money, but you should consult your doctor first to switch safely with minimal side effects.
Does the pill require a special diet?
The Wegovy pill works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. No special diet is required, but following a balanced diet plan and staying active can help maximize weight loss results.
How to get a prescription?
To get a prescription for the Wegovy pill, schedule a visit with your primary care physician (PCP) to determine whether the medication is appropriate for your weight loss goals and overall health.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a BMI ≥30 or a BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, you may qualify for a prescription.
You can also consult a healthcare provider experienced in GLP-1 medications or a telehealth provider to get a prescription for Wegovy. They will assess your medical history and determine whether the medication is right for you.
Conclusion: Start saving on the Wegovy pill
The Wegovy pill is a step forward in making GLP-1 weight-loss treatments more accessible. The price of a starter dose of Wegovy pill (1.5 mg) begins at $149 per month, and goes up to $299 per month for maintenance doses. There are various ways to manage costs, whether you pay out of pocket or have insurance. If you have commercial coverage that covers Wegovy, you can use the Wegovy Savings Card and pay as little as $25 per month.
Consult your doctor before starting weight loss treatment to discuss whether the medication is suitable for you. Additionally, check your insurance plan to confirm insurance coverage, and explore manufacturer and pharmacy savings programs to get the medication at lower prices.
