US Patients Can Now Buy Ozempic at Half Price
Novo Nordisk announced Monday that US patients can now purchase a month’s supply of Ozempic, the popular diabetes medication, for $499 if they pay out-of-pocket rather than going through insurance. The drug, widely used for managing type 2 diabetes, carries a list price of nearly $1,000 per month, making it inaccessible for many patients without coverage. This move aligns with efforts by policymakers, including former President Donald Trump, to lower drug costs in the United States, particularly for high-demand GLP-1 medications used for diabetes and weight loss.
Through its direct-to-consumer NovoCare Pharmacy, Novo Nordisk is now able to ship Ozempic directly to patients who pay cash, bypassing insurers and pharmacy intermediaries. Earlier this year, the company introduced the same option for Wegovy, its weight-loss drug, priced similarly at $499 for self-pay patients. Rival companies, such as Eli Lilly, have also followed suit, reducing the cost of their GLP-1 weight-loss drug, Zepbound, for patients who pay out-of-pocket.
This development comes amid growing scrutiny over the price differences of these medications between the US and other countries. While many Americans face skyrocketing prescription costs, Novo Nordisk’s initiative offers an alternative for patients who might otherwise struggle to afford these essential treatments.
Broader Access and Safety Considerations
The discounted Ozempic price is available not only through NovoCare Pharmacy but also via Novo Nordisk’s website and through partnerships with platforms such as GoodRx, which provides prescription discounts at a variety of pharmacies nationwide. Eligible patients with a valid Ozempic prescription can access these lower prices, making the drug more widely available to those who need it.
Although insurers typically cover Ozempic for diabetes patients, the company aims to broaden access for individuals who may not have insurance coverage or who face high out-of-pocket costs. Dave Moore, executive vice president of Novo Nordisk US operations, emphasized the importance of this approach: “If even a single patient feels the need to turn to potentially unsafe and unapproved knockoff alternatives, that’s one too many.” The statement highlights the dual goal of affordability and patient safety.
Additionally, the company noted that compounded versions of semaglutide-based drugs, which can be created by specialized pharmacies during shortages, have affected sales of its medications. Although the FDA has removed Ozempic, Wegovy, and Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 drugs from the shortage list, some compounded versions are still being sold in certain areas. By offering a direct-to-consumer, lower-cost option, Novo Nordisk hopes to limit the reliance on these unregulated alternatives while ensuring that patients continue to receive FDA-approved medications safely and effectively.
With prescription drug costs remaining a major concern for many Americans, Novo Nordisk’s move could signal a shift toward more affordable, direct-access options for high-demand medications, providing relief for patients who have historically faced steep costs for life-sustaining treatments like Ozempic.
