How much does compounded semaglutide cost per month compared to Wegovy?

Short answer

• Wegovy (branded semaglutide by Novo Nordisk): roughly $1,200–$1,500 per month at typical U.S. retail cash price for a full 2.4 mg/week maintenance supply.
• Compounded semaglutide (pharmacy‑compounded versions): much more variable — commonly about $150–$600 per month, depending on dose, pharmacy, and whether you use a telehealth program. Some offers run as low as ~$100/month for very low doses; others approach $600/month for higher-dose supplies.

Why the big difference

• Wegovy is an FDA‑approved, branded product (fixed 2.4 mg weekly dose) with a single manufacturer and set retail pricing. Manufacturer coupons or commercial insurance can dramatically reduce your out‑of‑pocket cost; Medicare generally does not cover it for weight loss.
• Compounded semaglutide is made by independent compounding pharmacies and can be priced much lower because it’s not an FDA‑approved branded product, but pricing varies by pharmacy, concentration, and whether a telehealth clinic charges a program fee.
• Dosage matters: Wegovy maintenance is 2.4 mg weekly. Some compounded prescriptions use different concentrations or weekly dosing that changes monthly cost — make sure you’re comparing equivalent total weekly dose.

Safety, quality, and coverage considerations

• Compounded semaglutide is not FDA‑approved; quality, sterility, and dosing consistency can vary by pharmacy. Use only reputable compounding pharmacies accredited by PCAB or URAC and check state board records.
• Manufacturers and many clinicians recommend FDA‑approved products (Wegovy) because of known clinical trial data and manufacturing controls.
• Insurance coverage: Wegovy may be covered by some commercial plans (often with prior authorization); compounded semaglutide is rarely covered by insurance.

Names you can check

• Wegovy — Novo Nordisk (FDA‑approved option; manufacturer savings programs may be available to commercially insured patients).
• Telehealth/retail programs that commonly prescribe compounded or lower‑cost semaglutide alternatives: Hims, Hers, Ro (Roman), and Calibrate. These programs often bundle telehealth visits and coordinate a compounding pharmacy; prices typically fall in the ranges above.
• Compounding pharmacies to consider (check accreditation and reviews first): ImprimisRx, Wedgewood Pharmacy, Fagron — verify PCAB/URAC accreditation and pharmacy policies before ordering.

What I recommend you do next

1. Decide whether you want an FDA‑approved product (Wegovy) or a compounded product (accepting potential risks/savings).
2. Call 2–3 pharmacies/telehealth providers for exact quotes for the same total weekly dose (e.g., match to 2.4 mg/week if comparing to Wegovy).
3. Verify pharmacy accreditation, sterility testing, and return/refund policies.
4. Ask your insurer about coverage and check Novo Nordisk savings programs if you consider Wegovy.
5. Discuss with your prescriber to confirm the right dose and to review safety monitoring.

If you want, tell me your target dose (or whether you mean an equivalent to Wegovy’s 2.4 mg/week) and whether you have commercial insurance — I can look up more specific price examples and patient assistance options.