Costco Now Sells Ozempic and Wegovy for $499—Same Price as CVS and Walmart
In a move that could reshape access to the nation’s most sought-after weight-loss medications, Costco has begun offering Ozempic and Wegovy directly to members—at a flat rate of $499 per month out of pocket.
The price matches what’s already available at CVS, Walmart, and the manufacturer’s own direct-to-consumer platform, Novo Nordisk’s Weight Management Program. But Costco’s entry into the market is significant: it signals that demand for these drugs has moved beyond specialty clinics and into mainstream retail—especially among cash-paying consumers frustrated by insurance denials.
Why This Matters for Everyday Shoppers
For years, Ozempic (semaglutide) and its higher-dose sibling Wegovy have been nearly impossible to obtain without a fight. Originally approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and chronic weight management (Wegovy), both drugs exploded in popularity thanks to celebrity endorsements and dramatic before-and-after results.
But insurance companies routinely deny coverage for weight-loss use—citing “cosmetic” or “non-essential” grounds—even for patients with obesity-related conditions. That’s left millions turning to cash-pay options, often at wildly inconsistent prices.
Now, with Costco offering a transparent, fixed price, consumers finally have a predictable alternative—especially if they’re already members of the warehouse giant.
What You Need to Know Before Buying
- Prescription required: You still need a valid prescription from a licensed provider.
- Membership mandatory: Only Costco members can purchase the medication at this price.
- No insurance billing: The $499 is an out-of-pocket cash price; it won’t apply to deductibles or co-pays.
- Supply may be limited: Like other retailers, Costco is subject to manufacturer allocation constraints.
Ozempic vs. Wegovy: What’s the Difference?
Both contain the same active ingredient—semaglutide—but are dosed differently and approved for distinct uses:
| Drug | Approved Use | Max Dose | Typical Monthly Cost (Cash) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Type 2 diabetes | 2.0 mg/week | $499 |
| Wegovy | Chronic weight management | 2.4 mg/week | $499 |
Despite the labeling, many providers prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss—especially when Wegovy is out of stock. However, the FDA has warned against this practice due to supply shortages for diabetic patients.
Is $499 a Good Deal?
Compared to list prices—which can exceed $1,300/month—$499 is a substantial discount. Novo Nordisk introduced its direct $499 program in early 2024 to curb price gouging and counterfeit sales. Now, major retailers like Costco are aligning with that standard.
Still, experts caution that long-term use adds up: at $499/month, that’s nearly $6,000 a year—and most patients need to stay on the medication to maintain results.
“This isn’t a quick fix—it’s a chronic therapy,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine specialist at Harvard Medical School. “Affordability over time matters more than the sticker price.”
What’s Next for Weight-Loss Drugs?
With Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (tirzepatide) also gaining traction—and priced similarly—competition is heating up. Analysts predict more retailers will follow Costco’s lead, potentially driving prices down further or spurring insurance reforms.
For now, Costco’s move offers a rare moment of clarity in a chaotic market: same drug, same dose, same price—no haggling required.
