Weight loss medication cost: how to pay less for Wegovy and other GLP-1s

What Wegovy costs if you pay yourself

These are Novo Nordisk’s self-pay prices as of Oct. 28, 2026. Novo Nordisk says it can change or cancel the program at any time, so confirm the price before you fill (NovoCare).

• Wegovy pill: $149 a month for 1.5 mg, $199 for 4 mg and $299 for 9 mg or 25 mg.
• Wegovy pen: $199 a month for the 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses for people new to the offer, for 2 monthly fills through Dec. 31, 2026. After that, $349 a month for doses from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg.
• Wegovy HD 7.2 mg: $399 a month.
• With commercial insurance: the savings offer can bring the price as low as $25, with a maximum savings of $100 a month. Government beneficiaries are excluded from that offer but can pay the self-pay price.

The $50 Medicare GLP-1 Bridge

Medicare’s temporary GLP-1 Bridge covers Foundayo tablets, Wegovy injections or tablets and the Zepbound KwikPen, but not Zepbound vials or single-dose pens. It runs from July 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027, and the copay is $50 for a one-month supply (Medicare.gov).

• Who’s eligible. You need Medicare drug coverage, must be 18 or older and must have a BMI of 35 or higher; or 30 or higher with diastolic heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure or stage 3a or higher kidney disease; or 27 or higher with prediabetes, a past heart attack or stroke, or peripheral artery disease (Medicare.gov).
• Who isn’t. People who already get GLP-1s through their Part D plan, or who have type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea or fatty liver disease. Their Part D plan might cover a GLP-1 instead (Medicare.gov). See our diabetes medication cost guide.
• The fine print. The $50 doesn’t count toward your Part D deductible or out-of-pocket limit, and Extra Help and the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan can’t lower or spread it (Medicare.gov).

Where generics fit

Generic liraglutide, the same medicine as Saxenda, is approved with diet and exercise for adults with obesity, or with overweight and a weight-related condition, and for some adolescents aged 12 to 17 (Teva). FDA says generics work the same way as the brand and usually cost less (FDA).

Phentermine is an older appetite suppressant used for a limited time, usually 3 to 6 weeks. It’s a controlled substance that can be habit-forming, it can raise blood pressure and older adults usually shouldn’t take it (MedlinePlus). Ask your doctor which option fits your health.

Avoid unsafe copies

• FDA says compounded GLP-1s aren’t FDA-approved and aren’t reviewed for safety, effectiveness or quality. As of May 31, 2026, FDA had 990 adverse event reports tied to compounded semaglutide and more than 730 tied to compounded tirzepatide (FDA).
• Buy only from a state-licensed pharmacy. FDA’s BeSafeRx tips show how to spot a safe online pharmacy.