Costco, Ozempic & Wegovy: What’s the Deal?

What Are Ozempic & Wegovy?

• Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, primarily FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes.

• Wegovy is the higher-dose semaglutide formulation approved for weight management/obesity.

• They both belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help with blood sugar control and appetite regulation.

Because these medicines are expensive, people often look for discount programs or pharmacy chains that might offer better pricing.

Costco’s Role in Offering Ozempic & Wegovy

Costco has recently taken steps toward making Ozempic and Wegovy more accessible to its members. Some key arrangements and pricing updates:

• Costco offers Member Prescription Program (MPP) pricing, which provides discounted rates on certain prescription drugs for Costco members. Costco Wholesale+2Costco Wholesale+2

• For Ozempic (0.25 or 0.5 mg dose), Costco has a listing under its MPP pricing system. Costco Wholesale

• Wegovy is also listed under Costco’s Member Prescription Program, though pricing is subject to change and may vary by location. Costco Wholesale

• Recently, Costco signed a partnership with Novo Nordisk to offer four-week supplies of Ozempic and Wegovy for $499 (for members paying out-of-pocket) at over 600 Costco pharmacies across the U.S. New York Post+1

• Executive Costco members and Costco Citibank Visa users may get an extra 2% off. People.com+1

• Without insurance, Ozempic and Wegovy often cost $1,000 or more per month in many pharmacies. GoodRx+3New York Post+3FinanceBuzz+3

• For example, Costco’s standard or earlier listing shows one carton (which includes one prefilled 2 mg pen) could cost around $1,014 in absence of discounts or special pricing. Healthline

• Wegovy’s usual list price (before discounts) is often in the ballpark of $1,350 per 28-day supply. GoodRx+2Sesame+2

• Novo Nordisk has cut the official price for Wegovy to $499 per month for self-paying patients (all dose strengths) via their direct program, which may influence what Costco offers via their arrangement. Verywell Health+1

What Averages & Ranges Look Like Now

* These discounted prices are relatively new and may require membership, eligibility, or participation in specific programs.

Things to Watch Out For / Caveats

1. Pricing Subject to Change
   Costco’s discounts and the Novo-Costco partnership pricing are fairly recent and might evolve over time. Always check with your local Costco pharmacy. Costco Wholesale+2Costco Wholesale+2

2. Eligibility & Program Requirements
   To access the $499 offer, you typically need to be a Costco member, have a prescription, and be enrolled in Costco’s Member Prescription Program or similar. New York Post+2People.com+2

3. Insurance May Still Influence Price
   If your insurance covers GLP-1 drugs, you may pay less (or more, depending on copays) than the discounted self-pay rate.

4. Dose Strengths & Packaging
   The pricing might be for a standard or typical pen/dose strength. Higher doses or multi-dose packs could cost more or operate under different pricing.

5. Geographic Variation
   Prices and availability can vary by state, local pharmacy, and inventory. A Costco in New York City may have different pricing or availability than one in rural Montana.

6. New Pricing from Manufacturer
   Novo Nordisk’s cut in the price of Wegovy to $499 for self-pay could push more pharmacies (including Costco) to align or offer similar discounts. AP News+1

7. Shortage or Supply Constraints
   These drugs have faced supply constraints in the past, which can affect pricing, availability, or lead to substitution strategies.

How to Get the Best Price (Tips You Can Use / Share)

• Before purchasing, call your local Costco pharmacy to confirm pricing and eligibility.

• Ask whether the Costco is participating in the Costco Member Prescription Program and the Ozempic/Wegovy discount.

• Check if your insurance or Medicare plan covers part of the cost.

• Compare with other pharmacies, online discount programs, or manufacturer direct-to-consumer offers.

• Leverage the manufacturer’s self-pay programs (e.g. Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy $499 program) if applicable.

• Be mindful of dose, pen strength, and whether the entire carton or pen is included in the price.

• Watch for membership perks (e.g. extra percentage off) for Executive or special members.