Wegovy coupon: How can you save money on this GLP-1 medication?

It’s no surprise that weight-loss medications are mainstream, and the high prices of many of these meds accompany their popularity. However, the pricing isn’t necessarily caused by how prevalent obesity meds are but by their successful weight-loss results and relative newness on the market. 

One of these novel drugs used for chronic weight management is Novo Nordisk's Wegovy®. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy for weight loss in June 2021. There was a serious shortage of the med through the end of2021 and most of 2022. In late December 2022, Novo Nordisk issued a statement that the drug was widely available again.

Even with the Wegovy shortages, its ability to help in managing overweight and obesity means it’s in demand. But, with its high monthly price tag, patients often can't afford it or seek Wegovy alternatives, such as Ozempic, Saxenda, Trulicity, or Mounjaro. 

Many people wonder if there's a way to save money with a Wegovy coupon or other method? We’re here to help answer those questions. Let’s explore.

How much does Wegovy cost?

The current retail price for a 28-day supply of Wegovy is $1,349.02 per package without insurance. However, the price you pay depends on a couple of variables, such as what kind of insurance you have and if it covers obesity medications. 

NovoCare by Novo Nordisk has an online system where you can check if your insurance covers prescription Wegovy. You can check your Wegovy coverage by clicking here and answering a few questions.

Is there a Wegovy coupon?

Can you use a Wegovy coupon to save money? The short answer: yes. NovoCare has what it calls a Wegovy Savings Offer. This is much like a Wegovy manufacturer coupon that offers additional savings if you use the NovoCare card at the pharmacy. The cost of your copay could be as little as $0 per 28-day supply box if you have private or commercial insurance that covers obesity meds.

Additionally, for those who qualify, the Wegovy Savings Offer 2023 can save you up to $500 per 28-day supply if you’re paying cash or your commercial insurance doesn’t cover the medication.

Terms and restrictions apply with the Wegovy coupon card. Novo Nordisk states the “patient is not eligible if he/she is enrolled in any federal or state health care program with prescription drug coverage, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Medigap, VA, DOD, TRICARE, or any similar federal or state health care program (each a Government Program).” 

We also want to point out that the current Wegovy Savings Offer is available until December 31, 2023. Make sure you read the terms and conditions before using the Wegovy Savings Offer or talk to your local pharmacy to see what your potential savings could be.

Are there any Wegovy cost-assistance programs?

Currently, no other cost-assistance programs for Wegovy or Wegovy coupons are available. This is partly because it’s such a new drug and many insurance companies don’t entirely cover it yet. The hope is that as it stays on the market longer, insurance companies will understand how crucial it is to help fight the obesity epidemic.

Another option you have is to talk to your human resources partner at work about your insurance coverage and ask why it’s not covered. Novo Nordisk has a Coverage Request Letter your health care provider can fill out, and you can send it to your benefits manager or human resources department. By advocating for yourself, you may get approval from your insurance to cover at least part of the cost of Wegovy. You can access the Wegovy Coverage Request Letter here.

Is there a generic version of Wegovy?

Unfortunately, there isn't a generic version of Wegovy available. Right now, Novo Nordisk has a patent that doesn’t expire until the year 2041, so there likely won’t be a generic version for many years. The good news is, with additional studies being completed and the success of Wegovy, insurance companies will hopefully see the importance of providing coverage for Wegovy patients. 

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is the brand name for the drug semaglutide. Semaglutide is a once-weekly subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection and is part of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drug class. GLP-1s work by mimicking your body’s naturally occurring GLP-1 incretin hormone. 

The hormone helps regulate appetite and manages blood sugar levels by communicating with the pancreas so it releases the correct amount of insulin when you eat. On top of that, Wegovy aids in satiety, causing you to eat less and spur weight loss. For the most effectiveness, it’s prescribed with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. 

One clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2021 of about 2,000 participants with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater or 27 or greater with at least one weight-related condition, such as high cholesterol or hypertension (high blood pressure), compared weekly 2.4 mg injections of semaglutide to a placebo when paired with lifestyle changes. 

Researchers found that after 68 weeks, those taking the 2.4 mg dose of semaglutide lost about 15 percent of their body weight compared to the placebo group, who lost 2.4 percent. 

In addition, its sister drug, Ozempic®, shares the same active ingredient, semaglutide. Because of its ability to lower blood sugar levels, Ozempic is sold at a lower dose and is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. In addition, semaglutide helps reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.

What are the side effects of Wegovy? 

Like other GLP-1s, Wegovy has a few common side effects. According to most patients, these typically subside in a couple of weeks. To help minimize these side effects, you’ll start on a low dose of semaglutide and slowly increase the amount weekly to ensure your body tolerates it. 

Your health care provider will talk to you about all the prescribing information before you take Wegovy. Here are the most common Wegovy side effects:

• Diarrhea 

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Stomach (abdomen) pain

• Headache

• Heartburn

• Tiredness (fatigue)

• Upset stomach

It’s important to note that Novo Nordisk warns of more serious, although extremely rare, side effects. These include: possible thyroid tumors (including cancer), inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallbladder problems, increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and serious allergic reactions.

GLP-1*

GLP-1 prescriptions, filled through your local pharmacy, are now available as part of Found's weight-loss toolkit. While GLP-1s are effective for weight loss, they are not clinically appropriate for everyone. Eligibility for a GLP-1 is based on a thorough evaluation of your medical history, eating behavior, lab work, and insurance coverage. If a GLP-1 is not appropriate for you, our providers will work with you to determine an effective medication for your health profile.

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