Ozempic and Wegovy: A New Price Breakdown

Novo Nordisk has introduced a new pricing strategy for its weight-loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy. Starting now, people without insurance can buy the lowest doses for $199 a month for two months. After that, the price jumps to $349. This deal is available through the drugs' websites and select pharmacies. The lower price only applies to the 0. 25 mg and 0. 5 mg doses. Higher doses and all Wegovy doses cost $349 per month. The 2 mg dose of Ozempic is not included in any discount. This move comes as the list price for both drugs remains around $1, 000 or more per month. Novo Nordisk has similar deals with CVS, Walmart, and its own website. President Donald Trump recently mentioned working with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to lower out-of-pocket costs even further. Demand for these drugs has skyrocketed due to their weight-loss benefits and potential heart health improvements. A recent survey found that nearly 1 in 5 U. S. adults has taken a GLP-1 drug, with 1 in 8 currently using one. However, many still pay the full cost despite having insurance. Experts have mixed feelings about the new pricing. Some believe it will help more people afford treatment. Others worry the initial low price might lure people in, only to push them off treatment when the price increases. There's also concern that employers might use these cash-pay options as an excuse to cut benefits. Doctors emphasize that GLP-1 drugs are just one tool for treating obesity. Bariatric surgery, widely covered by insurance, is also a good option for many people. Overall, the price drop is seen as a positive step for patient access.