Ozempic prices can be very expensive if you do not have insurance or it is not covered. Currently, there is no generic version of Ozempic. The average retail cost without insurance is over $1200 per Ozempic pen and will vary based on which strength you are prescribed. Keep reading for more information on what Ozempic is used for, the cost of Ozempic without insurance, and where you can find it at a lower cost.
Ozempic basics
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a brand-name prescription medication that is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It is a once-weekly injection that is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It is also used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications such as heart attack and stroke in people with both T2DM and heart disease. Ozempic is not indicated to treat type 1 diabetes (T1DM).
Ozempic belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by stimulating your pancreas to release more insulin which helps manage your blood sugar. Some common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), diarrhea, stomach pain, injection site reactions, and weight loss. It can also cause more serious side effects such as allergic reactions, pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, kidney problems, and worsening diabetic retinopathy.
How much does Ozempic cost without insurance?
If you don’t have insurance or if your insurance plan doesn’t cover Ozempic, it can be very expensive. As of March 2023, the out-of-pocket cost for people on Ozempic is around $1200 for a single 2mg/1.5ml (eight 0.25mg doses or four 0.5mg doses), $1225 for a single 4mg/3ml (four 1mg doses), and $1250 for a single 8mg/3ml (four 2mg doses).
If you cannot afford Ozempic, ask your healthcare provider about alternatives that your insurance plan might cover or ones that have a generic available. Some other medications that are also GLP-1 agonists include Victoza (liraglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Rybelsus (semaglutide). These are also very expensive so you should check with your insurance plan to see if they are covered. Some lower-cost alternatives that are approved to lower blood glucose include Glucophage XR (metformin ER), Starlix (nateglinide), Glucotrol XL (glipizide ER), Actos (pioglitazone), and Precose (acarbose).
You should not take OTC medications or supplements in place of prescription medications to manage your blood sugar levels.
Is Ozempic covered by my insurance?
Your health insurance plan may cover part of the cost of Ozempic but the copay will depend on the plan.
Some insurance plans, including Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage, may require prior authorization before they cover your Ozempic prescription. They may also require you to try and fail alternative medications before they cover Ozempic.
You should contact your insurance company to see if Ozempic is covered and what your out-of-pocket cost will be on your drug plan.
How can you save money on Ozempic without insurance?
With an estimated yearly cost of around $15,000, most people could not afford Ozempic if their insurance company does not cover it. However, there are several ways to save money on Ozempic, including:
Universal Drugstore
You don’t need an Ozempic coupon or Ozempic savings card to save up to 80% on this medication when purchased from Universal Drugstore. We are the global leader in online prescription drug savings with almost 20 years of experience supplying prescription and OTC drugs to our customers. Check out our online pharmacy to find our lowest drug price on Ozempic and many other medications.
Health insurance plan
The best long-term solution is to find a health insurance plan that covers Ozempic. Most plans are affordable and will cost less than paying the full price for Ozempic. Start by searching the health insurance marketplace to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for coverage.
Patient assistance program
The manufacturer of Ozempic offers NovoCare, a patient assistance program and savings card that helps you with the cost of Ozempic. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may receive this medication at no cost. If you have private or commercial insurance coverage, you might be eligible to pay as little as $25 for a 1, 2, or 3-month prescription. Novo Nordisk offers a maximum savings of $150 per 1-month prescription, $300 per 2-month prescription, or $450 per 3-month prescription. You can use this savings card for up to 24 months from the date of activation.
Medicaid
You may be eligible for Medicaid, depending on your income. Medicaid is used to help low-income individuals and may cover the cost of Ozempic. Check with the Medicaid office or website in your state to see if you qualify.
Prescription drug discount card
You may save money by using a discount card to purchase Ozempic. These cards can be used at your local pharmacy, even if you have insurance.
Shop around You should look at the prices at multiple pharmacies for the best price of Ozempic, including online and mail-order pharmacies. It is estimated that retail prices for the same prescription medication can vary by hundreds of dollars at different pharmacies, even in the same city.
Find an alternative medication
Ask your healthcare provider for medical advice about an alternative medication you can use to treat your type 2 diabetes. There are other GLP-1 agonists they can prescribe as well as lower-cost generic diabetes medications that may work for you.
Sources
https://www.novocare.com/ozempic/savings-card.html
https://www.singlecare.com/prescription/ozempic-1-mg-dose?q=Ozempic%20(1%20Mg/Dose)
https://www.nicerx.com/blog/how-much-is-ozempic-without-insurance/
