How To Save Money on Ozempic

By Robynn Lowe
Medically reviewed checkmarkMedically reviewed
February 3, 2023

Key takeaways

  • Ozempic is a great medication for controlling type 2 diabetes; however, it can be expensive.

  • The cost of your Ozempic prescription depends on which pharmacy you purchase your medication from, if you have insurance, and the dose of Ozempic you need.

  • There are several things you can do to lower the cost of your medication and save money on Ozempic. This includes talking to your insurance provider, checking for coupons, or applying to savings programs.

Ozempic may be a great way to help you manage your type 2 diabetes. However, the medication can be expensive, and you may have some concerns about the cost. How much you pay depends on several factors, including what dose you need, what pharmacy you use, and if you use insurance. The good news is there are a few ways you can save money when purchasing this medication. With just a few steps, you can find savings on Ozempic and make sure you are getting quality medication at a reasonable cost.

Read on to learn ways to save money on Ozempic. We discuss checking with your insurance provider, using an Ozempic savings card, applying for a patient assistance program, and more. 

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Cost of Ozempic

According to drugs.com, here are the average prices for Ozempic pens based on cash payments. 

StrengthDoseCost
2.5 mg / 1.5 mL0.25 mg or 0.5 mg$994 for 1.5 mL
2 mg / 1.5 mL1 mg $948 for 3 mL
4 mg / 3 mL1 mg or 2 mg$994 for 3 mL
8 mg / 3 mL2 mg $994 for 3 mL

How to Save Money on Ozempic 

Ozempic is a medication for people with type 2 diabetes to help with blood sugar regulation. It is a once-a-week medication that comes in a prefilled pen for easy injection. The starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks. Usually, starting at week five, your medical provider will increase your dose to 0.5 mg once a week for four weeks. During the first 8 weeks, you will use a pen that delivers 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg only. 

As your diabetes changes, your A1C needs may change, which means an adjustment to your medication dose. Ozempic also offers pens that deliver 1 mg doses and 2 mg doses to give you additional A1C control. If you switch to the 1 mg dose, you’ll use the pen that delivers 1 mg. If you need the 2 mg dose, you’ll need to use a pen that delivers 2 mg doses only. 

Check With Your Insurance Provider 

Before purchasing Ozempic it’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine if they cover your treatments. Some insurance companies may require pre-authorization before you take Ozempic. Talking to a representative at your health insurance company is a great way of exploring ways to save money on Ozempic.

Use an Ozempic Savings Card 

If you have private or commercial insurance or health insurance through your employer, you may qualify for an Ozempic Savings Card. You may pay as little as $25 for a one-, two-, or three-month prescription. The maximum amount you can save is $150 per one-month prescription, $300 per two-month prescription, or $450 per three-month prescription. This offer is good for up to 24 months. Be sure to check with Novo Nordisk for the latest eligibility requirements.

Apply for Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program 

Novo Nordisk offers a patient assistance program designed to help those struggling with paying for certain medications – including Ozempic. This program provides financial support to eligible people as long as you meet certain criteria. The application process is easy, and free of charge.

Search for Coupons and Discounts Online 

One of the most effective strategies for saving money on Ozempic is to search for coupons and discounts online. Several websites are solely devoted to listing promotional offers and coupon codes for medications. All you have to do is take the time to browse for them. With a bit of diligence and effort, you can save a considerable amount of money on Ozempic.

Compare Pharmacy Pricing 

Pharmacy pricing for Ozempic can vary widely. It is best to compare prices from different pharmacies before purchasing this medication. Many chain stores, independent pharmacies, and online pharmacies offer Ozempic at varying prices. Make sure to research the store you buy from. With careful price comparison and the right information, you can make sure you always get the best price possible for Ozempic.

Compare the Cost of Generic Options 

Currently, there is no generic version of Ozempic available. If a generic version does become available, it could be significantly less expensive. However, it is hard to predict when or if a generic version will appear on the market. The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, is also available in other brand-name prescription medications. These include Wegovy and Rybelsus

There are, however, other generic diabetes medications that may work for you. These medications typically cost much less. Talk with your doctor about alternative options for treating your type 2 diabetes. 

Fill 90-Day Supply 

Filling a 90-day supply of Ozempic can be an effective way to save money. Some pharmacies offer discounts when you purchase a larger supply of medication. It also may cut down on copayment fees. To find out if this could apply to your prescription, talk with the pharmacist at your preferred pharmacy, 

Apply for Medicare Extra Help Program 

The Medicare Extra Help program is designed to provide assistance for those that are unable to afford the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. This program provides financial aid to qualified people for premiums, deductibles, and other related expenses. You must be enrolled in Medicare and meet certain requirements to qualify for this program. 

Fortunately, many Americans are already taking advantage of this invaluable resource. If you think you may be eligible to benefit from it, it’s important to take time to look into the details and find out what you need to do in order to access it. Applying for this program is hassle-free and could be life-changing if you are on a tight budget and are looking for financial relief.

Look Into Alternative Treatments 

Several medications are available to help treat type 2 diabetes. You can look into the pricing of alternative medications such as:

Other medications that have a long history of treating type 2 diabetes may even be cheaper. Talk with your doctor about which options would be best for you.

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See If You Qualify for Online Weight Management

K Health offers a personalized, virtual approach to weight management.

If you qualify, your clinician and care team will work with you and your insurance provider to find the right care plan for you. Depending on your weight and other health conditions, you may be approved for a GLP-1 medication immediately, or your insurance may want to see you try other methods of weight loss first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cheaper alternative to Ozempic?
Other alternatives to Ozempic include Victoza (liraglutide) and Bydureon (exenatide). Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but Victoza is cheaper than Ozempic. They are available in both a pen and an injection.
What is the price of Ozempic without insurance?
The average retail cost of Ozempic without insurance can range from $1,205 to $1,368.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

Robynn Lowe

Robynn Lowe is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years in the medical field. Robynn received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Florida Atlantic University and has been practicing in rural family medicine since. Robynn is married to her college sweetheart, Raymond and they have three awesome children. When Robynn isn't with patients you can find her shopping, coaching her kids sports teams, or spending time on the water.

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