Comprehensive medication guide to Wegovy including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$25/month (with commercial insurance and Novo Nordisk savings card; varies by plan)
Estimated Cash Pricing
$349–$1,349/month (cash-pay programs from $149–$349 via NovoCare; list price ~$1,349)
Medfinder Findability Score
58/100
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Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition. It was also approved in 2024 to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with heart disease who are overweight or obese, and in 2025 for MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis).
Wegovy is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It's available as both a weekly injection and, as of January 2026, a daily oral pill.
In the STEP clinical trials:
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
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Wegovy is also approved for children ages 12+ with obesity.
Medfinder helps you locate pharmacies with Wegovy in stock.
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. It works by:
Effects on appetite are often noticeable within the first 1–2 weeks, while meaningful weight loss typically becomes apparent after 8–12 weeks of treatment.
0.25 mg (weeks 1
4)
0.5 mg (weeks 5
8)
1 mg (weeks 9
12)
1.7 mg (weeks 13
16)
2.4 mg (maintenance dose)
3 mg (weeks 1
4)
7 mg (weeks 5
8)
14 mg (weeks 9
12)
25 mg (maintenance dose)
Wegovy (semaglutide) is one of the most in-demand weight loss medications in the U.S. We've assigned it a findability score of 58 out of 100, meaning patients should expect moderate difficulty locating this medication, though supply has improved significantly.
Semaglutide (the active ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic) remained on the FDA's drug shortage list longer than tirzepatide, but the FDA resolved the semaglutide shortage in February 2025. Novo Nordisk invested heavily in manufacturing expansion, and supply has steadily improved throughout 2025 and into 2026.
A major development: in January 2026, the FDA approved the Wegovy oral pill (semaglutide tablets 25mg), providing a second formulation option for patients. This has helped alleviate some demand pressure on the injectable form.
In a notable shift, CVS Caremark moved Wegovy to its preferred formulary over Zepbound starting July 2025, potentially improving access for CVS-covered patients. However, some insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield are excluding Wegovy coverage for weight loss in 2026 plans.
Medicare Part D coverage for weight loss remains limited, though a CMS demonstration program (BALANCE Model) is expected to begin mid-2026, offering ~$50/month copays for eligible beneficiaries.
Wegovy is not a controlled substance, so there are no DEA restrictions. The main barriers remain insurance coverage and cost. Novo Nordisk offers savings programs that can reduce costs to as little as $25/month for commercially insured patients.
Medfinder can help you find Wegovy in stock near you.
Wegovy is not a controlled substance. PCPs, endocrinologists, obesity medicine specialists, cardiologists, NPs, and PAs can all prescribe it. Telehealth prescribing is widely available.
Medfinder helps you find pharmacies with availability.
No, Wegovy is not a controlled substance. Automatic refills, 90-day supplies, easy pharmacy transfers, and telehealth prescribing are all possible. The primary barriers are insurance coverage and cost.
Medfinder can help you find Wegovy near you.
Boxed Warning: Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies. Not recommended for patients with MTC or MEN 2 history.
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Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. Clinical trials showed greater weight loss than Wegovy (20.2% vs 13.7%).
Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg)
Daily injection. More modest results (~5–8% weight loss).
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Approved for type 2 diabetes but widely prescribed off-label for weight loss at lower doses.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Approved for diabetes, sometimes used off-label for weight loss.
Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion)
Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate)
Xenical/Alli (orlistat)
Prefer Wegovy? We can find it.
Oral contraceptives
moderateSlowed gastric emptying may reduce absorption. Consider backup contraception during dose escalation.
Insulin and sulfonylureas
moderateIncreased hypoglycemia risk if also treating diabetes.
Oral medications with narrow therapeutic windows
moderateWarfarin, levothyroxine may have altered absorption.
Do not combine with other GLP-1 agonists or semaglutide products (Ozempic, Rybelsus).
moderateMonitor blood sugar if taking diabetes medications.
moderateWegovy has transformed weight management as the first GLP-1 approved for both chronic weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. The semaglutide shortage has been resolved, and the new oral pill (approved January 2026) gives patients a needle-free option.
The biggest barrier remains cost and insurance coverage. Novo Nordisk's savings card can reduce costs to $25/month for eligible insured patients, and cash-pay programs through NovoCare Pharmacy offer rates starting at $149–$349/month.
Medicare coverage for obesity is expanding through the BALANCE Model starting mid-2026.
Medfinder helps you find pharmacies with Wegovy in stock. Search for availability near you.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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