Which GLP-1 is the least expensive?

Key takeaways

• Injectable liraglutide is currently the only generic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist available, while brand-name GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy remain under patent until 2032 in the United States.
• Insurance coverage often makes GLP-1 medications more affordable, particularly for type 2 diabetes, though copayments may be higher because these drugs are typically placed on high tiers in insurance formularies.
• If insurance doesn’t cover GLP-1 medications, you can compare prices through government programs like TrumpRx, manufacturer savings programs, and prescription discount cards to find the most cost-effective option.

Overview

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are increasing in popularity for their uses in weight and blood sugar management, but they’re often associated with high price tags.

With such a wide variety of GLP-1 medications on the market, including well-known brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, you’ll likely be wondering which is the most affordable.

Typically, a GLP-1 that’s covered by your insurance will likely be the most cost-effective option, but if you’re paying out of pocket, there are other ways to save on your drug costs.

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Are there any generic GLP-1s?

When a drug is first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it grants a period of exclusivity to the manufacturers to sell the medication under a brand name without competition to allow them to recover some research and development costs.

Generic medications tend to be cheaper than branded medications, with the FDA estimating that they cost up to 85% less due to the increased competition among manufacturers.

Because GLP-1s are still newer medications, they are mostly still sold under brand names like Wegovy or Ozempic. There is only one generic GLP-1 currently available: injectable liraglutide, the generic version of Saxenda and Victoza.

Will more generic GLP-1s be available in the future?

More generic GLP-1s are likely to be approved in the future, but exactly when remains unknown. Some 2024 research suggests that GLP-1 medications tend to have longer exclusivity periods than other medications, with an average of 18.3 years.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, has a patent for semaglutide (the active ingredient in those drugs) that expires in 2032 in the United States, but it expires in 2026 in several countries, including Canada, India, and China.

This means that companies in these countries can begin making and selling generic versions of these medications, but it may still be some time before they are approved for use, and longer still before they are available in the U.S.

Does insurance make GLP-1s more affordable?

Insurance can make GLP-1s more affordable, as long as your plan agrees to cover them. This is most likely if the medications are being used for type 2 diabetes, but they may also be covered for weight management.

If you want to know whether your GLP-1 is covered, check out your formulary — the list of drugs covered by your plan. Some GLP-1s may be more likely than others to be covered, so asking your doctor to prescribe a GLP-1 that’s likely to be covered will usually be the most affordable option.

If your insurance covers GLP-1s, you’ll typically only need to pay for your copayment or coinsurance. However, it’s important to note that GLP-1s are typically placed on a high tier in your formulary. This means your copayment may be higher than for drugs on a lower tier.

Federal health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid are also expanding coverage for GLP-1s, which can make them more affordable.

Learn more about the cost of GLP-1s.

How else to save on GLP-1s

If insurance doesn’t cover GLP-1s, there are several different options to compare prices of GLP-1s to find the most affordable option for you:

• Government programs: TrumpRx is a federal platform that allows people to find and access discounted drug prices for some prescription drugs, including GLP-1s. You can compare prices of different GLP-1s from this site.
• Manufacturer savings programs: Many GLP-1 manufacturers offer savings programs that can be used alongside insurance to reduce the cost of your copay. They can also help you save on the list price even if insurance won’t cover the drug. You’ll need to compare prices and programs on different manufacturer sites.
• Prescription discount cards and coupons: Some third-party companies, like Optum Perks, offer a free or low cost discount card that can help you save on many medications, including GLP-1s. You may be able to compare costs on these sites.

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If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

A note on compounded GLP-1s

Be wary of websites offering cheap compounded GLP-1s. The FDA cannot guarantee the safety and effectiveness of these drugs. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

The safety concerns associated with compounded drugs include:

• contamination of the medication
• too much or too little of the active ingredient
• additives that may be unsafe
• improper storage during shipping

Learn more about compounded GLP-1s here.

Online care for GLP-1s

If a doctor has prescribed a GLP-1, it’s important to take the medication as directed for as long as your doctor recommends. However, some people might face barriers to accessing GLP-1s, including high costs and access to healthcare appointments.

With Optum Perks Online Care, you can request a new weight loss prescription, get a refill, or get help with an existing prescription. There’s no monthly membership needed — all you’ll pay is $29 for the appointment plus the cost of the medication.

With this service, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your condition, and a licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after, without the need to make an in-person appointment.

Next steps

If you’re interested in starting a GLP-1, consider speaking to a doctor about the different options. They’ll typically prescribe one based on your health history, but they will take your preferences into account and help you find the most affordable option.

Follow these tips for finding the least expensive GLP-1.

• Check out your insurance plan to see if any GLP-1s are covered.
• Look into different manufacturers and compare savings programs.
• Ask your doctor about the most affordable options, such as generic liraglutide.

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Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.