The monthly cash price of brand-name GLP-1 medicines in the United States is typically about $300 to $700 without insurance. Manufacturer self-pay programs can bring the starting price down to about $199 per month, while some oral semaglutide options advertise prices starting at $149 per month. Regular retail cash prices can reach $1,000 or more per month.
Prices were checked on September 20, 2026. For injectable medicines, a month usually means a 28-day supply. Eligibility rules, taxes, pharmacy fees and program terms may apply.
GLP-1 Self-Pay Prices at a Glance
| Medication | Typical self-pay price without insurance |
|---|---|
| Wegovy injection | $199 per month for the first two starter-dose fills, then $349 per month for most doses |
| Wegovy HD injection | $399 per month |
| Ozempic injection | $199 per month for the first two starter-dose fills, then $349 for 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg or 1 mg, and $499 for 2 mg |
| Zepbound injection | $299 for 2.5 mg, $399 for 5 mg, and $449 for eligible 7.5 mg to 15 mg doses through Lilly's self-pay program |
| Oral semaglutide options | Advertised starting prices of about $149 per month for certain strengths |
The lowest price usually applies to a particular dose, pharmacy channel or introductory offer. Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound prices come from manufacturer self-pay programs.
How Much Does Wegovy Cost Without Insurance?
Wegovy injection costs $199 per month for the first two eligible starter-dose fills, then $349 per month for doses from 0.25 mg through 2.4 mg. Wegovy HD costs $399 per month.
The $199 price applies to eligible new patients using the manufacturer's self-pay offer. After the introductory period, most Wegovy injection doses cost $349 per 28-day supply.
How Much Does Ozempic Cost Without Insurance?
Ozempic costs $199 per month for the first two eligible fills of the 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose. After that, listed self-pay prices are $349 per month for 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg or 1 mg, and $499 per month for 2 mg.
Novo Nordisk lists Ozempic's cash price at about $1,028 before discounts or self-pay offers. The self-pay price is processed outside insurance, so it does not count toward an insurance deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.
Ozempic is primarily indicated for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is the semaglutide brand indicated for chronic weight management.
How Much Does Zepbound Cost Without Insurance?
Zepbound costs $299 per month for the 2.5 mg starting dose, $399 for 5 mg, and $449 for eligible 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg doses through Lilly's self-pay program.
The $449 price for higher doses generally requires a refill within 45 days. Without the purchase offer, Lilly lists regular prices of $499 for 7.5 mg and $699 for 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg. Taxes and other fees may apply.
What Does GLP-1 Treatment Cost Per Year Without Insurance?
Medication-only costs are approximately:
- $349 per month: $4,188 per year
- $449 per month: $5,388 per year
- $699 per month: $8,388 per year
- $1,000 per month: $12,000 per year
These estimates do not include the appointment needed to obtain a prescription, laboratory testing, follow-up visits, supplies or pharmacy fees.
Why Does the Price Vary?
The final cash price depends on the medicine, dose, pharmacy and terms of the self-pay offer.
- Medicine: Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound have different manufacturer prices.
- Dose: Higher maintenance doses may cost more.
- Pharmacy: Manufacturer-direct pharmacies, retail pharmacies and telehealth services may quote different prices.
- Eligibility: Some offers exclude patients with Medicare, Medicaid or other government-funded coverage.
- Approved use: A clinician must prescribe the medicine for an appropriate medical indication.
- Service fees: Online providers may charge separate consultation, membership, shipping or laboratory fees.
Are Compounded GLP-1 Medicines Cheaper?
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide may be advertised at lower prices, but they are not FDA-approved versions of Wegovy, Ozempic or Zepbound.
The FDA says unapproved compounded GLP-1 products do not go through the same premarket review for safety, effectiveness and quality. The agency has also reported dosing errors, contamination concerns, fraudulent products and adverse events linked to some compounded products.
If a compounded medicine is being considered, use a licensed clinician and a properly licensed pharmacy. Confirm the exact medication, concentration and dose before paying.
Bottom Line
Check the dose, refill window, eligibility rules and separate fees before comparing self-pay prices. A licensed healthcare professional can confirm which medication is appropriate and help you compare the manufacturer's offer with the cash price at a local pharmacy.