Wegovy semaglutide
pronounced as (sem a gloo' tide)
Once-weekly injectable semaglutide for chronic weight management. ~15% body weight loss in trials.
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Wegovy vs Saxenda
Liraglutide was the first GLP-1 approved for chronic weight management; semaglutide replaced it for most patients. Comparing them shows the generational jump.
| Wegovy | Saxenda | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | semaglutide | liraglutide |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| FDA status | FDA-approved 2021 | FDA-approved 2014 |
| Clinical efficacy | 14.9% mean body-weight reduction at 68 weeks | 8.4% mean body-weight reduction at 56 weeks (3.0 mg dose) |
| Pivotal trial | STEP 1 (NCT03548935) | SCALE Obesity & Prediabetes (NCT01272219) |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Full page | Wegovy → | Saxenda → |
Wegovy availability by dose
Full supply tracker →- 0.25 mg· Available
- 0.5 mg· Available
- 1.0 mg· Available
- 1.7 mg· Limited
- 2.4 mg· Available
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the FDA-approved branded formulation of semaglutide for chronic weight management. Same active ingredient as Ozempic (which is approved for type 2 diabetes), but at the higher 2.4mg weekly dose specifically for weight loss. Novo Nordisk holds the trademark; generic semaglutide is not yet available.
How does Wegovy work?
Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone released after meals. It slows stomach emptying (you feel full longer), suppresses appetite (reduced food-noise signaling in the brain), and improves insulin sensitivity. The combined effect is sustained appetite reduction and meaningful weight loss for most patients.
Who can take Wegovy?
FDA-approved for adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related comorbidity (high blood pressure, prediabetes, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia). Also approved for adolescents 12+ at the 95th percentile BMI. Contraindicated in personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2.
How is Wegovy taken?
Titrated over 4-5 months: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg, increasing every 4 weeks. Maintenance dose 2.4mg weekly. Slower titration is common to manage GI side effects.
| Phase | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 0.25 mg once weekly | Starter dose; primarily tolerability check |
| Weeks 5–8 | 0.5 mg once weekly | |
| Weeks 9–12 | 1.0 mg once weekly | |
| Weeks 13–16 | 1.7 mg once weekly | |
| Week 17+ | 2.4 mg once weekly | Maintenance dose for weight management |
Wegovy weight loss over time (trial average)
- Week 42%
- Week 126%
- Week 2010%
- Week 4013%
- Week 6815%
Mean total body-weight reduction at the 2.4 mg weekly maintenance dose, from STEP 1 (NCT03548935). Individual results vary widely; ~10% of trial participants lost less than 5%.
How much does Wegovy cost?
List price ~$1,350/month without insurance. With Novo Nordisk's patient assistance program, eligible self-pay patients can access at $200-500/month. Insurance coverage is patchy and often requires prior authorization plus a documented weight-related comorbidity.
What side effects can Wegovy cause?
Most common: nausea (especially first 4-8 weeks), constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache. Less common: gallbladder issues, pancreatitis (rare), kidney strain if dehydrated. Black-box warning: medullary thyroid cancer risk (theoretical, based on rodent studies). Discontinue and consult clinician for severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting.
Wegovy side-effect timeline: when to expect what
- Weeks 1-40.25 mg starter
Mild nausea begins for many; occasional constipation. Side effects are usually manageable at this dose. The starter dose is about tolerance, not weight loss.
- Weeks 5-12Dose escalation
Each step up (0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 mg) can bring a fresh wave of nausea for a few days, then settle. This is the hardest stretch. Eating smaller, lower-fat meals helps.
- Weeks 13-20Approaching maintenance
Most people adapt; nausea becomes intermittent rather than constant. Constipation may persist — fiber and hydration matter.
- Week 20+2.4 mg maintenance
Side effects are typically mild and occasional at steady state. If severe symptoms persist past this point, talk to your prescriber about slowing the titration or adjusting the dose.
Typical timing from FDA labels and trial data. Individual experience varies; slower titration eases side effects for many patients.
What if I miss a dose of Wegovy?
Wegovy is dosed once weekly. If you miss a dose: take it as soon as possible within 5 days of the scheduled day. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on your regular weekly schedule. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed one — doubling up dramatically increases nausea and other GI side effects. If you miss multiple consecutive doses (out for 2+ weeks), contact your prescriber before resuming; you may need to restart at a lower dose to re-tolerate. Set a recurring weekly reminder to minimize misses, especially during early titration when consistent dosing helps the body adapt.
How should Wegovy be stored?
Refrigerate Wegovy pens between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. After first use, store in refrigerator or at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 28 days. Protect from direct light. Discard pens stored at room temperature for more than 28 days or any pen that has been frozen. Used needles go in an FDA-cleared sharps container; check your municipality's sharps disposal program.
What if I overdose on Wegovy?
There is no specific antidote for semaglutide overdose. Because of the long half-life (~1 week), monitoring and supportive care may need to continue for days. Contact the US Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, or seek emergency care for severe hypoglycemia (especially if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea), persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or any altered mental status. Note the time of the missed extra dose, the dose strength, and any other medications you take when you call.
Wegovy pharmacy prices
Reference monthly prices (28-day supply). Real pricing varies by zip code, dose, and changes frequently. Always check live coupons before purchase.
| Pharmacy | Monthly | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NovoCare (Novo Nordisk) | $499Lowest | manufacturer · self-pay | NovoCare self-pay program, eligible patients |
| GoodRx coupon | $1,320 | discount-card · coupon | Limited GoodRx discount on branded Wegovy |
| Costco Pharmacy | $1,325 | warehouse | Member cash price |
| SingleCare coupon | $1,325 | discount-card · coupon | Free pharmacy discount card competitive with GoodRx. |
| CVS Pharmacy | $1,349 | retail | List price, all doses |
| Walgreens | $1,349 | retail | List price, all doses |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $1,349 | warehouse | Big-box pharmacy with $4 generic program. Brand prescription pricing closer to retail. |
| Amazon Pharmacy | $1,349 | online | Online pharmacy with Prime member discounts on select medications. |
Coupon and self-pay eligibility apply. Check each program's terms. Manufacturer self-pay programs (NovoCare, LillyDirect) typically require no commercial insurance coverage of the drug for eligibility.
Wegovy 30-day mean cash price
▼ 0.6% vs 30 days ago
Mean cash price across CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Costco. Snapshot refreshed weekly; individual pharmacy prices vary by zip.
Where to get Wegovy
Licensed US telehealth providers that prescribe/ship Wegovy. We earn commission when you book. See disclosure.
Ro
from $145/mo- Best for insured patients
- Best for clinical oversight
Ro Body — branded GLP-1 weight care program
Why we picked itThe insurance concierge actually files your prior authorization, which can drop the effective cost below $50/month when your plan covers GLP-1s. Named obesity-medicine leadership.
Who should skipSkip if you are cash-pay only — Ro's value is the insurance work, and you pay for clinical depth you may not need.
Behavioral layer2/10- Dietitian
- Curriculum
- Community
- Coach
- Muscle
- Off-Rx
Off-Rx: no planFlaws but not dealbreakers (3)
- Not the cheapest entry point in the category
- Not available in Louisiana or Alaska
- Compounded medication availability varies by FDA shortage status
We may earn a commission. Pricing on partner site is final.
Hims
from $199/mo- Best for cash-pay
- Best for speed
Hims Weight Loss — compounded GLP-1 from $199/mo
Why we picked itLowest cash-pay entry price among the large brands, with a fast async sign-up and a polished app. Good first step for self-directed adults.
Who should skipSkip if you want insurance filed for you — Hims is cash-pay only and won't chase a prior authorization.
Behavioral layer1/10- Dietitian
- Curriculum
- Community
- Coach
- Muscle
- Off-Rx
Off-Rx: no planRenewal & cancel details
- Intro:
- $39 for first month
- After:
- $149/mo
- Cancel:
- form
Auto-renews at $149/mo after first month; dashboard cancel requires form submission.
Flaws but not dealbreakers (3)
- Bundle pricing can obscure the actual medication cost
- Less specialized than dedicated GLP-1 brands
- Not available in Louisiana
We may earn a commission. Pricing on partner site is final.
Noom Med
from $179/mo- Best for coaching
- Best for maintenance
Noom Med — GLP-1 + behavioral psychology coaching
Why we picked itThe behavioral curriculum has 17 years of compliance data behind it, and the muscle-defense program addresses lean-mass loss that pure-Rx programs ignore.
Who should skipSkip if you only want the prescription — you'll pay for a coaching layer you won't open.
Behavioral layer8/10- Dietitian
- Curriculum
- Community
- Coach
- Muscle
- Off-Rx
Off-Rx: light planFlaws but not dealbreakers (2)
- App engagement is mandatory to extract value — light users overpay
- Medication options are narrower than Ro/Henry
We may earn a commission. Pricing on partner site is final.
Not sure which Wegovy program fits?
8 questions, ~60 seconds. We'll match you with three programs and explain the trade-offs.
Start free assessmentNo email required. Resume any time.
What's your primary goal?
- Lose weight (10+ lbs)
- Lose a few stubborn pounds
- Improve metabolic health
- Just exploring options
Have you tried weight loss medication before?
- Never
- Yes, GLP-1 (Wegovy, Ozempic, etc.)
- Yes, other medication
+ 6 more in the full assessment
Ask the obesity-medicine specialist
Related terms
Related topics
Wegovy news & research
Recent FDA actions, trial readouts, and market developments.
- FDA action
FDA approves oral Wegovy (semaglutide 25 mg tablets) for chronic weight management
Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide gains weight-loss indication. Distribution expected to ramp Q3 2026.
Source ↗ - Label change
Wegovy label updated with cardiovascular risk reduction indication
Following SELECT trial results, FDA approved indication expansion to reduce risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with obesity and known cardiovascular disease.
- Insurance / coverage
Medicare Part D weight-loss coverage bill reintroduced
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act would allow Medicare Part D to cover Wegovy and other anti-obesity medications.
How to get it
Take the eligibility quiz
5 minutes of medical-history questions matched to the medication's FDA criteria. Free, no commitment.
Submit ID + a recent photo
Required by every legitimate US telehealth platform to verify identity and meet state prescribing rules.
Async clinical review
A licensed clinician in your state reviews your history and decides whether the medication is appropriate. Typically within 24-48 hours.
Prescription ships
If approved, the medication is sent from a partner pharmacy. Initial titration dose arrives in 3-7 days for most US states.
Ongoing support
Most programs include follow-up check-ins, dose adjustments, and side-effect support. Coverage varies by program.
Other brands of semaglutide
semaglutide is sold under multiple brand names. Each one is approved for a different indication or comes in a different form.
Sources
Primary references this page draws from. We cite original sources so you can verify any claim.
- ManufacturerNovo Nordisk Wegovy product information
- ManufacturerNovoCare self-pay program eligibility
Other weight loss medications
Zepbound
tirzepatide · FDA 2023 · Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist for weight management. ~20% body weight loss in trials — strongest weight-los
glp1Ozempic
semaglutide · FDA 2017 · FDA-approved semaglutide for type 2 diabetes. Widely used off-label for weight loss.
glp1Saxenda
liraglutide · FDA 2014 · FDA-approved daily injectable liraglutide for chronic weight management. Older-generation GLP-1, dai
glp1Mounjaro
tirzepatide · FDA 2022 · FDA-approved tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes. Off-label for weight loss is common.
glp1Compounded semaglutide
semaglutide (compounded) · Custom-compounded semaglutide. Cheaper than branded Wegovy. Not FDA-approved; legal landscape shifts
glp1Compounded tirzepatide
tirzepatide (compounded) · Custom-compounded tirzepatide. Cheaper than Zepbound/Mounjaro. Not FDA-approved.
More on Wegovy
For clinicians: see the Wegovy prescribing summary.