Short answer Wegovy (Novo Nordisk, FDA‑approved semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly): roughly $1,200–$1,600 per month at retail before insurance or discounts. Compounded semaglutide (pharmacy‑mixed vials/syringes or clinic‑made injections): much more variable — commonly about $150–$600 per month for the medication alone depending on dose and source; clinics that bundle visits/monitoring often charge $300–$1,000+ per month. Why the big difference Wegovy is a brand, FDA‑approved, manufactured under strict controls and sold as prefilled pens. Its list price is high; some commercially insured patients can use manufacturer savings or copay cards to lower out‑of‑pocket costs. Medicare generally does not cover Wegovy for weight loss. Compounded semaglutide is produced by compounding pharmacies from bulk powder and can be far cheaper, but quality, sterility, and dose consistency vary by pharmacy. Many low prices reflect medication only (no office visits, labs, or monitoring). Other costs to consider Initial doctor visit, ongoing follow‑ups, labs, injection supplies, and shipping. Some telemedicine/weight‑loss clinics include these in a monthly fee. If you’re using a compounding pharmacy, check for testing/certificates and USP 797 (sterile compounding) compliance—poor quality increases infection/risk. Practical next steps Check your insurer: what they cover for Wegovy (and for Ozempic/other GLP‑1s). Call your pharmacy or GoodRx/SingleCare to get current retail price for Wegovy in your area. Wegovy manufacturer (Novo Nordisk) also has patient savings programs for commercially insured patients — check their website. If considering compounded semaglutide, ask your prescriber for a reputable compounding pharmacy (look for USP 797 sterile compounding compliance and a certificate of analysis). Examples of widely used compounding providers/networks you can inquire about: Wedgewood Pharmacy Compounding (known national compounding pharmacy) or other PCCA‑affiliated pharmacies — but always verify credentials locally. Compare total monthly cost (drug + clinic fees + monitoring) and safety/quality considerations before deciding. If you want, tell me: whether you have commercial insurance, Medicare, or no insurance, and whether you’re looking for medication‑only pricing or a clinic package — and I’ll pull together more precise current price quotes and recommended services in your area.
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