{"id":23659,"date":"2025-10-05T12:03:54","date_gmt":"2025-10-05T16:03:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/2025\/10\/05\/costco-to-offer-deep-discounts-on-ozempic-wegovy\/"},"modified":"2025-10-05T12:03:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-05T16:03:55","slug":"costco-to-offer-deep-discounts-on-ozempic-wegovy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/2025\/10\/05\/costco-to-offer-deep-discounts-on-ozempic-wegovy\/","title":{"rendered":"Costco to Offer Deep Discounts on Ozempic, Wegovy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to Costco’s New Partnership<\/h2>\n

It might be time to dust off that Costco card. The wholesale giant has partnered with Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk to offer blockbuster weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy at deep discounts for members without insurance.<\/p>\n

Partnership Details<\/h2>\n

\u201cEveryone deserves care that\u2019s simple, reliable and within reach \u2014 and we\u2019re proud to lead the way in helping make that a reality,\u201d Dave Moore, executive vice president of Novo Nordisk\u2019s US operations, told Fox Business. Costco members need a valid prescription in order to purchase the weight-loss medications. JHVEPhoto \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/span><\/p>\n

Discounted Prices<\/h2>\n

Starting Friday, Oct. 3rd, eligible members can grab a four-week supply of the injectable GLP-1s for $499 at more than 600 Costco pharmacies nationwide. Costco Executive Members and Costco Citibank Visa cardholders can snag an extra 2% off their prescriptions, subject to applicable terms, a Novo Nordisk spokesperson told PEOPLE, subject to terms.<\/p>\n

Comparison to Regular Prices<\/h2>\n

That\u2019s notable, because many health plans don\u2019t cover the pricey medications. Without insurance, a month\u2019s supply runs about $1,000 for Ozempic and $1,350 for Wegovy, according to GoodRx. To get in on the deal, shoppers need a valid prescription and must be enrolled in the Costco Member Prescription Program. For those with insurance, the price depends on their plan.<\/p>\n

Medication Information<\/h2>\n

Ozempic and Wegovy are manufactured by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk. Fernanda \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/span> Ozempic and Wegovy both pack the same powerful punch: semaglutide, an active ingredient that mimics a hormone in the body to curb appetite and control blood sugar. Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is specifically approved for weight management in adults and children 12 and older with obesity.<\/p>\n

Effectiveness and Side Effects<\/h2>\n

Both medications can help people lose weight, but studies suggest Wegovy may be more effective because it is given at higher doses. Early research also hints that semaglutide could offer additional benefits, such as curtailing substance abuse and aiding in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Patients have reported a wide-range of side effects while taking the drugs, with gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation among the most common.<\/p>\n

Demand and Shortages<\/h2>\n

Still, demand for GLP-1s has skyrocketed in recent years, leading to occasional shortages. Those shortages \u2014 along with the drugs\u2019 high price tags \u2014 have driven some consumers to seek counterfeit versions from compounded pharmacies, which come at a fraction of the cost. Novo Nordisk and the FDA have pushed back on the practice, warning that the off-brand drugs haven\u2019t been evaluated for safety or effectiveness.<\/p>\n

Importance of Authentic Medications<\/h2>\n

\u201cWe want to make sure we offer the real and authentic Wegovy and Ozempic where patients seek care,\u201d Moore told Today. \u201cAnd we know that Costco is a trusted brand.\u201d Both Ozempic and Wegovy have become popular tools for weight loss in recent years. ISO101 \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/span><\/p>\n

Availability and Pricing<\/h2>\n

Novo Nordisk already sells Ozempic and Wegovy for $499 through its direct-to-consumer website, and offers the same deal at CVS and Walmart. Still, experts say even the reduced price tag may be too steep for many Americans. \u201cThe people who have the greatest need for these medications are precisely the people who are in lower socioeconomic strata who have either poor insurance or no insurance, and don\u2019t have the discretionary funds to be spending on medications,\u201d Dr. Harlan Krumholz, cardiologist and professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, told NBC News.<\/p>\n

Impact on Public Health<\/h2>\n

\u201cThe people who have the greatest need for these medications are precisely the people who are in lower socioeconomic strata who have either poor insurance or no insurance, and don\u2019t have the discretionary funds to be spending on medications,\u201d Dr. Harlan Krumholz, cardiologist and professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, told NBC News. \u201cIf we really want to make the biggest difference on the health of the nation, we have to make sure that the people who would benefit the most have access to medications that are being shown to be beneficial,\u201d he added. The push to make GLP-1 treatments more affordable comes as the US faces a growing crisis of the waistline.<\/p>\n

Obesity Crisis in the US<\/h2>\n

More than two in five American adults are classified as obese, along with about one in five children and teens nationwide. Carrying that extra weight can not only affect quality of life but also significantly raise the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and even certain cancers over time.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

In conclusion, Costco’s new partnership with Novo Nordisk to offer deep discounts on Ozempic and Wegovy is a significant step towards making these life-changing medications more accessible to those who need them. While the discounted price may still be out of reach for some, it is a move in the right direction towards addressing the growing obesity crisis in the US.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n