GLP-1 medications are among the most expensive prescriptions on the market. But the actual cost varies dramatically depending on your insurance, savings cards, and which medication you choose.
Here's a complete breakdown of GLP-1 costs in 2026.
Quick Comparison Table
| Medication | Active Ingredient | List Price (Monthly) | With Savings Card | Typical Insurance Copay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | $900-$1,100 | $25/month (eligible) | $25-$150 |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | $1,100-$1,350 | $0-$25/month (eligible) | $25-$150 |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | $1,000-$1,200 | $25/month (eligible) | $25-$150 |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | $1,000-$1,200 | $25/month (eligible) | $25-$150 |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | $1,200-$1,400 | $0-$25/month (eligible) | $25-$150 |
| Victoza | Liraglutide | $900-$1,000 | $25/month (eligible) | $25-$100 |
| Rybelsus | Oral semaglutide | $850-$950 | $25/month (eligible) | $25-$100 |
| Generic liraglutide | Liraglutide | $300-$500 | N/A | $10-$50 |
| Compounded semaglutide | Semaglutide | $200-$500 | N/A | N/A (cash pay) |
Note: Prices are approximate and vary by pharmacy, dose, and location. Always verify with your pharmacy.
Detailed Breakdown by Medication
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
Ozempic (Type 2 Diabetes)
- List price: ~$936/month
- Savings card: As low as $25/month for commercially insured
- Insurance: Often covered for diabetes with prior authorization
- See our Ozempic guide
Wegovy (Weight Loss)
- List price: ~$1,349/month
- Savings card: As low as $0-$25/month for commercially insured
- Insurance: Coverage varies widely; many plans exclude weight loss drugs
- See our Wegovy self-pay guide
Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide, Type 2 Diabetes)
- List price: ~$892/month
- Savings card: As low as $25/month
- Insurance: Generally covered for diabetes
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
Mounjaro (Type 2 Diabetes)
- List price: ~$1,073/month
- Savings card: As low as $25/month for commercially insured
- Insurance: Often covered for diabetes with prior authorization
- See our Mounjaro savings card guide
Zepbound (Weight Loss)
- List price: ~$1,061/month
- Savings card: As low as $25/month for commercially insured
- Insurance: Coverage improving but still inconsistent
- See our Zepbound savings card guide
Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
Saxenda (Weight Loss)
- List price: ~$1,349/month
- Savings card: As low as $0-$25/month
- Insurance: Limited coverage for weight loss indication
Victoza (Type 2 Diabetes)
- List price: ~$936/month
- Savings card: As low as $25/month
- Insurance: Generally well-covered for diabetes
Generic and Compounded Options
Generic Liraglutide
- Cost: $300-$500/month
- Availability: Limited but growing
- Insurance: Often covered at generic tier ($10-$50 copay)
Compounded Semaglutide
- Cost: $200-$500/month (cash pay)
- Availability: Through compounding pharmacies with prescription
- Important: Verify pharmacy credentials and ingredient sourcing
- See our compounded GLP-1 guide
Money-Saving Strategies
1. Manufacturer Savings Cards
If you have commercial insurance (not Medicare/Medicaid), manufacturer savings cards can reduce your cost to $25/month or less.
2. Insurance Appeals
If your insurance denies coverage:
- Ask your doctor to submit a letter of medical necessity
- Appeal the denial (many are overturned on appeal)
- Try a different medication on the same plan
3. Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part D now covers GLP-1 medications for weight loss under the Inflation Reduction Act changes. Check your specific plan's formulary.
4. Patient Assistance Programs
If you're uninsured and low-income:
- Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program
- Eli Lilly Cares Foundation
- Check eligibility at NeedyMeds.org
5. 90-Day Supplies
Some pharmacies offer a discount on 90-day supplies vs. three 30-day fills.
6. Compare Pharmacy Prices
Prices can vary significantly between pharmacies. Use tools like GoodRx or Cost Plus Drugs to compare.
Cost Per Pound of Weight Loss
A useful way to think about value:
| Medication | Avg Monthly Cost | Avg Monthly Weight Loss | Cost Per Pound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | $1,349 (list) / $25 (with card) | 4-5 lbs | $270-$340 / $5-$6 |
| Zepbound | $1,061 (list) / $25 (with card) | 5-7 lbs | $150-$210 / $4-$5 |
| Compounded | $350 (avg) | 4-5 lbs | $70-$88 |
With a savings card, GLP-1 medications can cost less per pound than many commercial diet programs.
The Bottom Line
GLP-1 medications are expensive at list price ($900-$1,400/month), but most people pay significantly less:
- With commercial insurance + savings card: $0-$25/month
- With Medicare: Varies by plan, typically $25-$150/month
- Without insurance: $200-$500/month (compounded) or $900-$1,400/month (brand name)
Your actual cost depends on your insurance, eligibility for savings programs, and which medication your doctor prescribes.
See our detailed guides:
- Cost without insurance
- Insurance coverage guide
- Telehealth options (often include medication pricing)
This article is for informational purposes only. Prices change frequently. Always verify current pricing with your pharmacy and insurance.
