How To Get a Prescription for Wegovy

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable medication that is FDA-approved for obesity management and weight loss in people over age 12. Your healthcare provider may recommend Wegovy, in addition to physical activity and dietary changes, to help you reach your ideal weight. However, you'll need a prescription from your provider to access the drug at a pharmacy near you—and the cost will depend on the insurance coverage you have.

Are You Eligible?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy as a weight loss medication for people living with obesity over the age of 12. The medication can also help lower the risk of obesity-related complications like heart attack and stroke.

To be eligible for Wegovy, you may need to meet certain weight qualifications. These qualifications are based on the body mass index (BMI), which calculates your weight in relation to your height. You may be able to receive Wegovy if:

• You have a BMI of 30 or more
• You have a BMI between 27 and 29 alongside an obesity-related condition (such as high blood pressure)
  

Where To Get Wegovy

Once you receive a prescription for Wegovy from your healthcare provider, you can fill it at a local or online pharmacy. It is important to get your prescription through a reputable pharmacy, as some pharmacies, weight loss clinics, and medical spas have fraudulently sold drugs that they claim are semaglutide. These drugs can be dangerous for your health, as they are not regulated by the FDA.

To check if a pharmacy is legitimate, you can search the FDA’s state-licensed online pharmacy search or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s online search. You can also ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a local or online pharmacy in your area.

Accessibility

Since Wegovy is a prescription medication, your insurance coverage may affect your ability to get the drug at an affordable cost. The status of the supply chain can also determine how accessible Wegovy is in your area.

Cost

How much you may pay for Wegovy varies significantly based on whether you have insurance or not. If you have insurance, you may pay as little as $0, depending on your insurance coverage. If you do not have insurance, Wegovy can cost up to $650 for a 28-day supply. You can also check the Wegovy website to see how much you might expect to pay for your prescription based on your coverage.

Insurance Approval

If you're wondering if your insurance covers Wegovy, you can check your status through a few avenues. First, check Wegovy's website to see if your insurance plan covers the medication. The tool can also show you how much it will likely cost you at the pharmacy. If their website does not include your insurance, you can request that they contact your insurer for details about your coverage.

Secondly, you can call your insurance provider directly to see if they cover the cost of the medication and what you need to qualify. Some insurance companies may require prior authorization, which means that your healthcare provider must fill out a form for your insurance company to approve your medication use.

If your insurance company does not cover Wegovy and you get insurance through your employer, you may be able to work with your benefits coordinator to request coverage from your insurance company. It's also important to note that Medicare does not currently cover the cost of Wegovy.

Supply Chain and Shortages

Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Wegovy, has experienced supply chain issues since May 2023 due to high demand for the medication. Since then, they have implemented changes to increase their supply. However, supplies may still be limited, making it challenging to fill your prescription. The following tips may help you get your prescription in hand quicker:

• Reach out to your pharmacy much earlier than you would for other refills
• Make sure they are aware of the exact dose you need, as they may need to order that specific pen
• Try other local pharmacies if you’re not able to fill it at your usual pharmacy
• Contact a reputable online pharmacy if local pharmacies are experiencing a shortage
  

Alternatives to Wegovy

If you can’t get access to Wegovy, talk with your healthcare provider about what they recommend for the next steps. They may prescribe you another type of semaglutide medication, such as Ozempic or Rybelsus.

While neither of these medications is FDA-approved for obesity, they are often prescribed off-label to help with weight management. Your provider may also recommend other weight management drugs, such as Zepbound (tirzepatide) or Saxenda (liraglutide).

A Quick Review

Wegovy is an FDA-approved, injectable medication that supports weight management in people living with obesity. Alongside a personalized exercise and eating plan, your healthcare provider can recommend Wegovy to kickstart your weight loss and help you achieve a weight that's right for you.

To get access to Wegovy, you'll need a prescription from your provider. Not all insurance companies cover the cost of the medication, so it's important to learn about your out-of-pocket costs before filling the prescription.