The four dominant GLP-1 medications on the market, Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, vary significantly in pricing, insurance coverage, and available discounts. Two contain semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and two contain tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound), but the pricing differences between them are not straightforward.
This guide provides exact pricing at every dose level, explains why the costs differ, and shows you the cheapest path for each drug.
Master Pricing Table: All Four Drugs
| Drug | Active Ingredient | FDA-Approved For | Retail Price (Monthly) | With Savings Card | With Insurance (Typical) | Compounded Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes | $935-$968 | $25/mo (eligible patients) | $0-$150 copay | $149-$250/mo |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Weight management | $1,349 | $0/mo (eligible patients) | $0-$150 copay | $149-$250/mo |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 diabetes | $1,069 | $25/mo (eligible patients) | $0-$150 copay | $199-$350/mo |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Weight management | $1,059 | $0-$550/mo (eligible patients) | $0-$150 copay | $199-$350/mo |
Ozempic Pricing Breakdown
What It Is
Ozempic is semaglutide manufactured by Novo Nordisk, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. It is frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss, which affects insurance coverage.
Cost by Dose
| Dose | Pen Configuration | Retail Price (28-day supply) | With Savings Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg/week (starting) | 2mg/1.5mL pen | $935 | $25 |
| 0.5mg/week | 2mg/1.5mL pen | $935 | $25 |
| 1mg/week | 4mg/3mL pen | $935 | $25 |
| 2mg/week | 8mg/3mL pen | $968 | $25 |
Insurance Coverage Notes
Insurance coverage for Ozempic is generally strong when prescribed for type 2 diabetes (its approved indication). When prescribed off-label for weight loss, many insurers will deny coverage. If you do not have type 2 diabetes, your provider may prescribe Wegovy instead for better insurance prospects.
Ozempic Savings Card
Novo Nordisk's Ozempic Savings Card reduces the cost to as low as $25 per 28-day supply for commercially insured patients. Maximum savings per fill apply. Not available for government-insured patients (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare).
Wegovy Pricing Breakdown
What It Is
Wegovy is also semaglutide by Novo Nordisk, but FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management. The maximum dose (2.4mg/week) is higher than Ozempic's maximum (2mg/week).
Cost by Dose
| Dose | Phase | Retail Price (28-day supply) | With Savings Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg/week | Month 1 titration | $1,349 | $0 |
| 0.5mg/week | Month 2 titration | $1,349 | $0 |
| 1mg/week | Month 3 titration | $1,349 | $0 |
| 1.7mg/week | Month 4 titration | $1,349 | $0 |
| 2.4mg/week | Maintenance | $1,349 | $0 |
Insurance Coverage Notes
Insurance coverage for Wegovy has improved significantly in 2025 and 2026. Most large commercial insurers now include Wegovy on their formularies, though many require prior authorization and documentation of BMI 30+ (or BMI 27+ with comorbidities). Medicare Part D coverage has also expanded following recent policy changes.
Wegovy Savings Card
The Wegovy Savings Card can reduce costs to $0 per 28-day supply for eligible commercially insured patients. This is more generous than the Ozempic savings card because Novo Nordisk is prioritizing Wegovy adoption for weight loss.
Mounjaro Pricing Breakdown
What It Is
Mounjaro is tirzepatide manufactured by Eli Lilly, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Like Ozempic, it is commonly used off-label for weight loss. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it targets two hormones rather than one.
Cost by Dose
| Dose | Pen Configuration | Retail Price (28-day supply) | With Savings Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg/week (starting) | 4 pens per box | $1,069 | $25 |
| 5mg/week | 4 pens per box | $1,069 | $25 |
| 7.5mg/week | 4 pens per box | $1,069 | $25 |
| 10mg/week | 4 pens per box | $1,069 | $25 |
| 12.5mg/week | 4 pens per box | $1,069 | $25 |
| 15mg/week | 4 pens per box | $1,069 | $25 |
Insurance Coverage Notes
Mounjaro has strong insurance coverage for type 2 diabetes. Coverage for off-label weight loss use varies widely by plan. If you do not have diabetes, Zepbound (same active ingredient, approved for weight loss) may be a better path for insurance coverage.
Mounjaro Savings Card
Eli Lilly's Mounjaro Savings Card reduces the cost to $25 per 28-day supply for commercially insured patients. Not valid with government insurance.
Zepbound Pricing Breakdown
What It Is
Zepbound is tirzepatide by Eli Lilly, FDA-approved for chronic weight management. It contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro but is marketed and priced specifically for the obesity indication.
Cost by Dose
| Dose | Phase | Retail Price (28-day supply) | With Savings Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg/week | Month 1 titration | $1,059 | $0-$550 |
| 5mg/week | Months 2-3 | $1,059 | $0-$550 |
| 7.5mg/week | Titration | $1,059 | $0-$550 |
| 10mg/week | Maintenance option | $1,059 | $0-$550 |
| 12.5mg/week | Maintenance option | $1,059 | $0-$550 |
| 15mg/week | Maximum dose | $1,059 | $0-$550 |
Insurance Coverage Notes
Insurance coverage for Zepbound is expanding but remains inconsistent. Some commercial plans cover it with prior authorization, while others exclude anti-obesity medications entirely. Check your plan's formulary and be prepared to file appeals if initially denied.
Zepbound Savings Card and Discount Programs
Eli Lilly has offered several savings programs for Zepbound, including savings cards for insured patients and direct-purchase options. The terms and availability of these programs change frequently. Check zepbound.lilly.com for the most current offerings.
Compounded Alternatives: The Budget Option
For patients paying entirely out of pocket, compounded versions of both semaglutide and tirzepatide are available through telehealth platforms at significantly lower prices.
Compounded Semaglutide
- Monthly cost: $149-$250 depending on dose and provider
- Available from: Ro, Hims/Hers, Henry Meds, Found, and others
- Format: Vials with syringes (not pre-filled pens)
- Legal basis: FDA drug shortage designation
Compounded Tirzepatide
- Monthly cost: $199-$350 depending on dose and provider
- Available from: Ro, Henry Meds, Ivim Health, and others
- Format: Vials with syringes
- Legal basis: FDA drug shortage designation
Which Drug Costs the Least? It Depends.
Cheapest at Retail (No Insurance, No Discounts)
- Ozempic: $935-$968/mo
- Zepbound: $1,059/mo
- Mounjaro: $1,069/mo
- Wegovy: $1,349/mo
Cheapest With Insurance + Savings Card
All four drugs can reach $0 to $25 per month with the right insurance coverage and an active savings card. At this price point, the cost difference is negligible. Choose based on which drug your insurance covers and which your provider recommends.
Cheapest Cash-Pay (Compounded)
- Compounded semaglutide: $149-$250/mo
- Compounded tirzepatide: $199-$350/mo
How to Find Your Lowest Price
- Check your insurance formulary for all four drugs. One may be covered while others are not.
- Activate the manufacturer savings card for whichever drug you are prescribed.
- Ask your provider about both semaglutide and tirzepatide options. If one drug's insurance coverage is better for your plan, it may make sense to start there.
- Compare your total out-of-pocket cost (insurance copay minus savings card) across drugs before filling.
- If paying cash, compounded semaglutide is the most affordable option at approximately $149 per month from major telehealth platforms.
The Bottom Line
The retail prices of GLP-1 medications are intimidating, but very few patients actually pay sticker price. Insurance coverage, manufacturer savings cards, patient assistance programs, and compounded alternatives create multiple paths to affordable treatment.
Your optimal drug and price combination depends on your insurance plan, your eligibility for savings programs, and whether your provider recommends semaglutide or tirzepatide for your specific health profile. Do not choose a GLP-1 medication based on price alone. Work with your provider to find the right drug, then use every available discount to bring the cost down.
All pricing reflects publicly available information as of early 2026. Drug prices, savings card terms, and insurance formularies change frequently. Always verify current pricing with your pharmacy, insurance carrier, and the manufacturer's savings program before filling a prescription.
Ready to start your weight loss journey? Find a GLP-1 clinic near you and connect with a qualified provider today.