Factors That Influence the Cost of Semaglutide

There are many aspects that can cause the price of semaglutide to differ. The biggest differentiator is selecting brand name products like Ozempic and Wegovy as opposed to compounded semaglutide (more on this later). If you’re wondering why the price of compounded semaglutide is often so different, the simple answer tends to be the provider offering it—they determine their cost based on their expenses. 

Other factors that affect how much semaglutide costs include the prices set by the compounding pharmacy, market demand, and how long you will need to be on the medication. While some patients choose to stay on maintenance doses of semaglutide for the rest of their lives, many are able to fully taper off after they’ve hit their weight loss goals—and stay at that weight!—so long as they follow a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine.

Why Branded Semaglutide Like Ozempic and Wegovy Can Be Expensive

Ozempic and Wegovy are the brand names for semaglutide—you’ve likely seen advertisements for these medications on TV and online. They’re FDA approved for diabetes and obesity, respectively. Unfortunately, very few people qualify for insurance coverage for these drugs, and due to manufacturing shortages, they’re even harder to come by. If you are fortunate enough to qualify for insurance, you might be able to pay as little as $25 for a month’s prescription. (It’s worth noting that Medicare and Medicaid do not cover Ozempic or Wegovy, so be prepared to pay out of pocket for these drugs if you don’t qualify for coverage. 

If your insurance provider does not cover the cost of semaglutide—and truthfully, most patients are unable to get coverage—you can expect to pay around $1,000 a month for the medication. In some areas, semaglutide can cost even more than that! For the majority of people, that is a significant and unsustainable expense, especially if they need to take semaglutide for an extended period of time to reach their goals. But even if a patient can afford that price, it’s still a tough pill to swallow, especially considering that $1,000 is often a big chunk of a mortgage or credit card bill.

A big part of why branded semaglutide costs so much is due to the corporate greed of many pharmaceutical companies. Research and development costs play a role in pricing, but ultimately, semaglutide is not a very pricey peptide, and pharmaceutical companies are able to charge high fees as there are very few corporations making this kind of drug. Another factor is the packaging the medication is in. Ozempic and Wegovy are produced in auto-inject pens, which are costly—and furthermore, have contributed to the shortage of these medications, as the auto-inject pen manufacturers cannot keep up with the demand for the drug.

Because Ozempic and Wegovy are in such high demand, patients who take these drugs for medically necessary reasons can struggle to get their prescriptions filled. Those who are taking the medication off label, meaning you don’t fall into the category of diabetic or “overweight enough” to be on Ozempic or Wegovy but have access to it anyway, may face even higher semaglutide costs. Some providers have access to these drugs and can charge a premium due to the steep demand.

We believe that semaglutide is a life-changing drug and everyone should have access to it, whether it’s for serious medical issues or to just curb cravings. However, it’s unfortunate that demand for Ozempic and Wegovy has led to a shortage of critical medication for patients with insurance coverage that are managing chronic issues. By using compounded semaglutide, you can safely achieve your goals without contributing to this nationwide shortage of brand-name drugs.

The Real Reason Other Clinics Charge More for Compounded Semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide is the most affordable option for treatment, but not all medical providers offer the same costs for semaglutide. When offering any treatment, including weight loss solutions, one of the greatest factors providers consider when setting prices is the cost of living in their area—they pay rent, too, and practitioners in areas like New York and Los Angeles will likely make their prices of semaglutide higher to offset those costs. They also take operating costs into account, as well as the time spent treating their patients and the profit margins of treating patients with semaglutide. Semaglutide is a readily accessible peptide and compounding pharmacies can easily make this medication for providers, but some providers elect to make their semaglutide cost more as it is in such high demand. That high demand can translate to significant profit. 

Lastly, every provider sells semaglutide using varying treatment models. For example, some practitioners charge lower rates for lower doses of semaglutide, then raise their prices once you’ve reached your ideal treatment dose. Others charge high rates for the first few months of treatment, then lower their pricing once you take maintenance doses. At LIVation, we charge a flat rate at the lowest possible price for semaglutide with the goal of making this revolutionary treatment accessible to as many patients as possible.

LIVation's Approach to Affordable Semaglutide Pricing

When it comes to treatment offerings at LIVation, we place our patients’ wellbeing over profit margins. We believe in a holistic approach to wellness and have found that semaglutide doesn’t only promote weight loss, but delivers full-body benefits that have the ability to greatly improve our patients’ quality of life. 

At LIVation, the cost of semaglutide is $400 for four treatments. This cost doesn’t only include the medication—when you’re treated with semaglutide at our Madison, CT location, our licensed medical practitioners also provide personalized patient care to help you achieve your goals. Beyond customizing every dose of semaglutide to your unique needs, this can include everything from weight loss tracking and nutritional recommendations to suggestions on oral vitamin supplementation—and  we sell high-quality vitamins directly  at LIVation. 

Of course, we also offer  our signature IV infusion therapy  and  vitamin booster shots. Pairing your semaglutide treatment with these treatments increases hydration and nutrient levels in your body for expedited weight loss, better energy, and reduced muscle loss. We’d also recommend booking a treatment series of  Emsculpt NEO, which uses muscle-stimulating technology and radiofrequency to help sculpt and grow muscle in areas like the abs, glutes, and thighs, all while burning fat to visibly enhance the results of your weight loss. 

Benefits of Semaglutide From LIVation—Beyond the Price Tag

While semaglutide is best known for its benefits of glucose management and weight loss, it can do that and much more. Semaglutide works by slowing gastric emptying, meaning that it makes you feel fuller for longer, and it also improves communication between your stomach and your brain, so you feel fuller faster. Many people who have always struggled to manage their weight have seen great success by adding semaglutide into their routines. 

Beyond helping you save money by reducing your food costs, semaglutide helps curb your cravings and control “food noise.” If you’re someone that’s always thinking about your next meal, can’t resist a midnight snack, or often crave a glass of wine, you might find that semaglutide helps silence those thoughts. We’ve also heard from patients who have said they no longer get “hangry” like they used to.

Yes, weight loss can help you feel better and look better in your clothes, but the benefits of weight loss with semaglutide can significantly improve your overall health. Losing weight takes pressure off your heart and joints, decreasing your risk of chronic diseases. It also just makes your day-to-day easier—when you’re not running around with excess weight, you have more energy to live a fuller life. Whether you want to be able to spend more time outside playing with your children and grandchildren or to hit your next fitness goal at the gym, losing weight with the help of semaglutide can improve your quality of life. At every step of the way, LIVation’s friendly and skilled medical staff will be there to encourage you, keep you motivated, and help you hit your targets.

Learn More About How to Save on Semaglutide With LIVation

To get started on your wellness journey today, we encourage you to  contact us  at our Madison, CT location today. Our medical practitioners can meet with you for a complimentary consultation to discuss your medical history and how semaglutide can help you achieve your wellness goals.