Pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk– the manufacturers of Ozempic and Wegovy– and Costco have just partnered up. This means that Costco members will be able to purchase the products at half price with Costco Pharmacy, creating huge savings for those without medical insurance.
OZEMPIC AND WEGOVY
GLP-1 drugs– which includes Ozempic and Wegovy– have recently exploded in popularity. According to a 2024 article by the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, semaglutide’s 2021 FDA approval came with wide recognition “for its medical benefits and its notable side effect of weight loss.”
What resulted from that was a “surge in its off-label use as a weight-loss aid, propelling the drug into the spotlight far beyond its original intent.” Then, also in 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy “for individuals who are obese or overweight with additional health challenges.”
Columbia University also notes the ethical concerns of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, particularly in their pricing. Costing around $900 USD to $1,400 USD per month, this means wealthier individuals– and those with “comprehensive health insurance”– are more likely to be able to access the drug. And for those who can’t afford it, they’ll simply have to skip these potentially life-changing medications.
NOVO NORDISK AND COSTCO
Now available through the Costco Membership Prescription Program, more people will have access to both Ozempic and Wegovy.
With Costco, a four-week supply of the medications are priced at $499 USD a month. Similar discounts are also offered through Novo Norodisk’s website, CVS, and Walmart. But, this is the first time it’s come to Costco. Although, it has yet to hit Costco Canada’s pharmacy at date of publishing.
This price is particularly for those without medical insurance. For those with insurance, their price will differ depending on their plan.
