If you’ve been considering using a semaglutide drug, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, then it’s important not only to consider the medical differences, but also whether or not one is more expensive than the other.
As with all drugs, the price of the drug will vary based on your individual circumstances and length of treatment. However, you may find that one is budget friendlier than the other.
In this article we’ll cover:
- What Wegovy is
- What Ozempic is
- The main differences between the two drugs
- The differences in cost between the two, and everything else you need to know about pricing
- Other considerations you should bear in mind
- Frequently asked questions.
Let’s get started!
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription drug that has been shown to greatly assist people taking it with their weight management goals, particularly when combined with positive lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise.
The active compound in Wegovy is semaglutide, a drug in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, that affects appetite and satiety. It’s approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) over 27 with weight-related medical conditions, as well as children over 12 with obesity.
Wegovy is taken once a week through a self-administered subcutaneous injection. It’s generally recommended that this is into the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen.
Wegovy is available in five semaglutide dosages between 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg. It comes in a pre-dosed Wegovy Pen (each of which contains four doses, ie, a month’s worth) which is used to inject the drug.
What Is Ozempic?
Like Wegovy, Ozempic (developed by Novo Nordisk) has an active ingredient of semaglutide. Although it’s the same drug, Ozempic is primarily used to treat those with type 2 diabetes and has been shown to lower A1c levels.
However, thanks to its positive weight management side effect benefits, it may also be used by overweight adults with a BMI over 27. Ozempic is not approved for use for those with type-1 diabetes, or for children.
Additionally, it has been shown to be an effective tool in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events. This includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, heart disease, and death.
Ozempic also comes in a pen and is self-administered weekly, also subcutaneously. The dosage of semaglutide in Ozempic ranges from 0.25 mg to 2 mg.
It’s worth noting that Ozempic Wegovy and Rybelsus are all brand names of semaglutide marketed by Novo Nordisk, and they have a number of similarities.
What Are the Main Differences Between Wegovy and Ozempic?
The main difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is the dosage. While both drugs have a lowest dosage of 0.25 mg, Wegovy has a highest dosage of 2.4 mg, while Ozempic has a highest dosage of 2 mg.
Another difference between the two is that Ozempic does not present itself as a weight management drug, though it may be used to assist with weight management. However, primarily, its purpose is to assist adults with type-2 diabetes with their blood sugar levels.
Wegovy does identify itself as a weight management drug, and has no other official purpose. Neither drug contains insulin.
Cost Comparison of Wegovy vs. Ozempic
When it comes to cost, there are significant differences. Generally, Wegovy carries a bigger price tag than Ozempic, which is priced more competitively than the other drug.
Additionally, depending on where you purchase your medication, as well as factors such as your individual dosage, length of treatment, and more, will affect the price. You may find that one drug involves higher pharmacy charges than the other, but this will also depend on the individual pharmacy.
When it comes to Ozempic, you’ll only be covered by your insurance if you’re taking it for either type-2 diabetes or weight management assistance if you have a BMI over 27.
This may mean Wegovy is covered more by insurance than Ozempic, depending on your circumstances, and may have more financial assistance options (ie, if you have hypertension, or are at risk of stroke or other heart disease factors, this may be covered with Wegovy).
The Cost of Wegovy
How Much Does Wegovy Cost?
The list price of Wegovy is $1775.88. This price changes depending on the patient’s insurance coverage and other factors.
Wegovy has a Find My Cost tool on their site that can tell you how much it would cost with your insurance plan.
Factors That Affect the Price of Wegovy
Wegovy has a higher price than other semaglutide products due to its higher dosage. Wegovy is also a fairly new drug, launched in 2021. Due to the high research and developmental costs it requires a higher out-of-pocket cost than some other drugs.
Where you live and what pharmacy your purchase from will also affect the price and any cost-saving, as well as your insurance plan, and your public healthcare coverage.
You may be able to access certain pharmacy-specific discounts or coupons, but there is no guarantee. You may also be able to access a rebate on your medication through Novo Nordisk, but you’ll have to check to see if you are eligible.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Wegovy?
Wegovy has a more expensive monthly cost than Ozempic, which potentially presents a greater financial burden than the other drug.
However, you may find that many insurance companies or Medicare (the Canadian version of Medicaid) will cover some or all of the cost of Wegovy, and allow you to copay, especially as the criteria may be easier to fulfil.
To find out if you’re covered, call your insurance company and ask.
Is There a Generic Version of Wegovy Available?
There is no generic version of Wegovy. In fact, neither Ozempic nor Wegovy has more affordable generic alternatives that are legitimate.
There may be some claims online by other brands to be generic versions of semaglutide, but these are false claims.
The Cost of Ozempic
How Much Does Ozempic Cost?
Purchasing Ozempic in Canada costs less than in the U.S. and Canadian pharmacies list prices ranging from $250 to $400 on average, which offers greater value for the cost than outside of Canada. Additionally, it is more cost effective than Wegovy.
However, thanks to high demand in the drug, this may mean that Ozempic is subject to more pricing fluctuations than Wegovy. However, a ban by B.C. put in place in April 2023 has stopped the sale of Ozempic and Wegovy outside of the country.
Factors That Affect the Price of Ozempic
Ozempic has a lower retail price than Wegovy because it has a lower dosage, has been around since 2012, and had time to settle into the market.
Additionally, Ozempic is covered by all Canadian public formularies. Though it is cheaper than Wegovy, exactly how much you will pay out-of-pocket will depend on your private insurance plan and what you are being treated for.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Ozempic?
Generally speaking, your insurance will only cover the cost of the drug if you have been prescribed it for type-2 diabetes or if you have a BMI over 27.
Speak to your provider for more information and to check what coverage you have.
Is There a Generic Version of Ozempic Available?
No, there are no generic versions of semaglutide drugs available.
Other Considerations for Patients Using Wegovy or Ozempic
Common Side Effects Associated with These Medications
Semaglutide has several potential side effects that have been noted in studies, trials, and anecdotal evidence that you will need to watch out for if you start taking Ozempic or Wegovy.
The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Swelling or redness near the point of injection.
Something else to be aware of is that semaglutide has been known to cause thyroid cancer in rats. While it’s not known if it will occur in humans as well, if you have a history of MTC (medullary thyroid carcinoma) or MEN 2 (Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2), you should avoid use of the drug.
Semaglutide has also been known to cause pancreatitis in rare occurrences, as well allergic reactions, issues with vision, and gallbladder problems.
If you experience any of these more rare side effects, you should discontinue your use of the drug immediately and contact your medical team, or local ER.
Wegovy potentially comes with more costly side effects than Ozempic due to the higher dosage, meaning side effects are more likely to occur. Additionally, as it is a pricier prescription than Ozempic, this may be just cause for eschewing the drug.
It’s worth noting that a rapid loss of body weight, may result in “Ozempic face,” the nickname given to loose skin that could occur if you lose too much body mass too quickly. This is one of the known risks of the drug, though it is entirely cosmetic.
Key Takeaways
Wegovy and Ozempic both have the same active compound of semaglutide. However there are significant differences in cost, dosage, and the official purposes of the drug.
While Wegovy may come in a higher dosage, Ozempic is more cost-effective than Wegovy, and is more trusted by Canadian Formularies and health organisations.
However, you’ll only be able to access Ozempic if you’re using it either for the treatment of type-2 diabetes or for weight management assistance if you have a BMI higher than 27.
FAQs
Is there any financial assistance available for patients who can’t afford Wegovy or Ozempic?
Unfortunately, neither Wegovy nor Ozempic have financial assistance available for patients in Canada. You may be able to cover the cost of the drug through your health insurance, if you are being prescribed it for its approved medical uses only.
Are there cheaper alternatives to Wegovy and Ozempic that are equally effective?
Victoza and Saxenda have similar purposes to Wegovy and Ozempic, but they have an active compound of liraglutide. These may potentially be more cost effective for you depending on your insurance plan.
How often do Wegovy and Ozempic prices change and what factors influence these changes?
Factors such as inflation, availability, and international price changes can affect the fluctuation of prescription drug prices such as those of Wegovy and Ozempic. Price changes may occur as frequently as annually, or less frequently.
