Verbatim response from Perplexity
GLP-1 medications for self-pay patients (without insurance) typically cost $149 to $499 per month, depending on the specific drug, dosage, and whether it is an injection or oral pill [1][5].
Key Cost Breakdown by Medication (Self-Pay Prices):
| Medication | Form | Price Range (Self-Pay) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Injection | $149 – $199 | $149/month for 1.5 & 4 mg doses (through April 2026); 4 mg rises to $199/month after [1] |
| Wegovy | Oral Pill | $149 – $299 | Cash price ranges from $149 to $299/month depending on dosage [1] |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | Injection | $299 – $449 | $299 for 2.5 mg; $449 for higher doses (LillyDirect self-pay prices) [1][2] |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | Injection | $199 – $499 | Introductory $199/month for first 2 fills; standard $349/month; $499 for 2 mg dose [3][5] |
| Ozempic | Oral Pill | $149 | Available starting at $149/month with GoodRx [3] |
| Liraglutide (generic) | Injection | $221 | Lowest price with discount coupon (SingleCare) [1] |
| Compounded Semaglutide | Injection | $141 – $199 | Via online planners (e.g. OnlineSemaglutide.org 6-month plan) [4] |
Important Context:
- List Prices Without Discounts: The standard list price for a month’s supply of a GLP-1 drug can range from $936 to $1,349 if insurance does not cover it and no self-pay program is used [1].
- Self-Pay Programs: Many manufacturers (e.g., Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly) now offer self-pay programs that significantly lower costs to the ranges listed above ($149–$499) [1][5].
- Starter Doses: Lower-priced starter doses (e.g., 2.5 mg Zepbound at $299) are often available to reduce initial costs [1][2].
- Oral Options: New FDA-approved daily pills (like oral Wegovy and Ozempic) are generally cheaper, often starting at $149/month for self-pay patients [1][3].
For the most affordable option, compounded semaglutide via online programs can cost as low as $141/month with a 6-month commitment [4], while Wegovy injections in self-pay programs are the lowest-priced branded option at $149/month [1].