Novo Nordisk Lowers U.S. Cost of Ozempic® (semaglutide) for Self-Paying Patients
- Dr. Michael Brandwein
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
August 18, 2025, Novo Nordisk has reduced the out-of-pocket cost of Ozempic® (semaglutide) to $499 per month for U.S. patients with type 2 diabetes who are paying privately, from the previous cost of $997.
What to Expect from the Change
The change, which cuts the previous wholesale price of $997 roughly in half, is part of Novo Nordisk’s broader strategy to expand access to authentic, FDA-approved GLP-1 treatments and discourage reliance on unapproved compounded alternatives.
Price reduction: Eligible self-paying patients can now obtain Ozempic at $499/month, through multiple platforms including NovoCare Pharmacy and GoodRx, covering 70,000+ pharmacies nationwide.
Improved access: The initiative supports uninsured and underinsured patients who may otherwise face financial barriers.
Patient safety focus: By making authentic semaglutide more affordable, Novo Nordisk hopes to reduce the risk of patients turning to unregulated alternatives.
>> Also read: How does Ozempic work?
Novo Nordisk’s Rationale
Novo Nordisk has stated that this pricing shift is designed to:
Ensure broader affordability for patients paying out-of-pocket.
Protect patient safety by limiting demand for unapproved compounded versions.
Strengthen partnerships with U.S. platforms like GoodRx to improve medication accessibility.
For Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Ozempic remains the GLP-1 treatment with the broadest FDA-approved indications, including:
Improving blood sugar control.
Reducing risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or death).
Lowering the risk of kidney disease progression.
A Patient-Centered Step
“Improving access to our authentic FDA-approved treatments is central to our mission at Novo Nordisk. If even one patient feels forced to rely on unsafe alternatives, that’s one too many.”— Dave Moore, Executive Vice President, U.S. Operations, Novo Nordisk Inc.
What Patients Should Do Now
Check eligibility – Confirm that you qualify as a self-paying patient with a valid prescription for Ozempic.
Consult your healthcare provider – Discuss whether the new pricing makes Ozempic a viable long-term option for your treatment plan.
Use trusted platforms – Access Ozempic only through approved channels such as NovoCare or GoodRx to ensure authenticity and safety.
Explore financial planning – If you were previously unable to afford Ozempic, the reduced price may now make treatment more accessible.