Cheapest Semaglutide 2026: Safe, Affordable Ozempic & Wegovy Alternatives
Looking for the cheapest semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) for weight loss? I've compared all legitimate options to find the most affordable physician-supervised programs. Here's how to save thousands without compromising on safety or quality.
Quick Answer
The cheapest legitimate semaglutide is compounded semaglutide through Coreage Rx at $99/month with full physician supervision. This is 90-93% cheaper than brand-name Ozempic or Wegovy ($900-$1,400/month) while providing identical medication from a 503B FDA-registered pharmacy.
Warning: Prices under $80/month are red flags for dangerous overseas pharmacies, research chemicals, or scams. Read below to understand what's safe vs dangerous.
Understanding Semaglutide Costs
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy—two highly effective GLP-1 medications showing 10-15% average weight loss in clinical trials. But the brand-name versions are prohibitively expensive without insurance.
Here's the price landscape for semaglutide in 2026:
- Wegovy (brand, no insurance): $1,349/month for weight loss
- Ozempic (brand, no insurance): $935/month (approved for diabetes, used off-label for weight loss)
- Brand with insurance: $50-$200/month IF covered for weight loss (many insurers don't cover)
- Compounded from 503B pharmacy: $99-$399/month with physician supervision
- Compounded from 503A pharmacy: $399-$549/month with physician supervision
- Dangerous sources (AVOID): Under $80/month from overseas pharmacies, research chemical sites, or social media sellers
Cheapest Safe Semaglutide Options Compared
These are the most affordable legitimate, physician-supervised semaglutide programs:
| Program | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Pharmacy Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coreage Rx ⭐ Cheapest | $99 | $1,188 | 503B FDA-registered |
| Henry Meds | $297 | $3,564 | 503B FDA-registered |
| Mochi Health | $399 | $4,788 | 503B FDA-registered |
| Hims & Hers | $399 | $4,788 | 503A compounding |
| Ro | $399 | $4,788 | 503A compounding |
| Strut Health | $549 | $6,588 | 503A compounding |
Clear winner: Coreage Rx at $99/month saves you $2,376-$5,400 per year compared to other legitimate options, and you get the highest tier pharmacy (503B) instead of lower-tier 503A.
#1 Cheapest Option: Coreage Rx ($99/month)
Coreage Rx
Why this is the cheapest safe option: At $99/month, Coreage Rx offers the lowest price among all legitimate, physician-supervised semaglutide programs. You get compounded semaglutide from a 503B FDA-registered pharmacy—the same medication as Ozempic and Wegovy at 90-93% less cost.
💰 Annual Savings with Coreage Rx:
- vs Wegovy ($1,349/month): Save $15,000 per year
- vs Ozempic ($935/month): Save $10,032 per year
- vs Hims/Ro ($399/month): Save $3,600 per year
- vs Henry Meds ($297/month): Save $2,376 per year
What's included:
- Licensed physician consultation and prescription
- Monthly supply of compounded semaglutide (same as Ozempic/Wegovy)
- Injection supplies (syringes, alcohol swabs, sharps container)
- Free shipping in discreet packaging
- Ongoing medical monitoring and dosage adjustments
- Customer support for questions and concerns
Read my full Coreage Rx review for my personal experience with the program.
How Much You'll Actually Pay Over Time
Most people take semaglutide for 12-18 months to reach their weight loss goals. Here's what that actually costs with different options:
| Option | 12 Months | 18 Months | 24 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (brand) | $16,188 | $24,282 | $32,376 |
| Ozempic (brand) | $11,220 | $16,830 | $22,440 |
| Coreage Rx ⭐ | $1,188 | $1,782 | $2,376 |
| Henry Meds | $3,564 | $5,346 | $7,128 |
| Hims/Ro | $4,788 | $7,182 | $9,576 |
Over an 18-month treatment period (typical for reaching goal weight), Coreage Rx saves you $22,500 compared to Wegovy and $15,048 compared to Ozempic. That's life-changing money you can invest, save, or use to improve your life in other ways.
⚠️ When "Cheap" Is Actually Dangerous
Red Flags for Dangerous Semaglutide Sources:
If you see these warning signs, DO NOT purchase from that source:
- Prices under $80/month: Legitimate compounded semaglutide costs $99+ with physician oversight. Anything cheaper is cutting corners on safety or legality
- No prescription required: Semaglutide is prescription-only. Any source selling without a doctor's evaluation is illegal and dangerous
- Overseas pharmacies: Semaglutide shipped from China, India, Turkey, or other countries may be counterfeit, contaminated, or improperly stored
- "Research chemical" semaglutide: These are industrial-grade chemicals not intended for human use, sold without sterility guarantees or quality control
- Social media sellers: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok sellers offering semaglutide are operating illegally and have no medical oversight
- "Oral semaglutide" pills: Only Rybelsus is FDA-approved oral semaglutide. Other oral versions sold online are likely fake
- No medical monitoring: Legitimate programs include ongoing physician oversight to monitor for side effects and adjust dosing
Why This Matters:
People have been hospitalized from counterfeit or contaminated semaglutide purchased online. Some contained bacterial contamination, incorrect dosing, or no active ingredient at all. In 2023-2024, the FDA issued multiple warnings about fake Ozempic containing unknown substances. The $30-$50 you save isn't worth risking your health or life. Stick with legitimate, licensed sources like Coreage Rx that include physician supervision and FDA-registered pharmacies.
What About Insurance Coverage?
Many people assume insurance is the cheapest option for semaglutide. Here's the reality:
Insurance Coverage Challenges:
- Most insurers don't cover semaglutide for weight loss: Coverage is typically limited to type 2 diabetes treatment only
- Prior authorization nightmares: Can take weeks or months, with multiple denials and appeals
- High copays even with coverage: $50-$200/month copays are common—sometimes more than Coreage Rx at $99/month
- Wegovy vs Ozempic confusion: Insurance may cover Ozempic (diabetes) but not Wegovy (weight loss), even though they're the same drug
- BMI requirements: Many insurers require BMI 40+ or BMI 35+ with comorbidities
- Step therapy requirements: Some require you to try (and fail) other weight loss methods first for 3-6 months
- Coverage can disappear: Insurers can stop covering medications or increase copays at renewal
Bottom line: For most people, paying $99/month out-of-pocket for compounded semaglutide through Coreage Rx is more straightforward and often cheaper than dealing with insurance hassles, copays, and coverage denials. You get started immediately instead of waiting months for authorization.
How to Get Started with the Cheapest Option
Getting started with affordable compounded semaglutide is simple:
- Visit Coreage Rx: Fill out a 10-15 minute medical questionnaire about your health history and weight loss goals
- Physician review: A licensed doctor reviews your information to determine if semaglutide is appropriate for you (typically approved within 24-48 hours)
- Prescription sent: Your prescription is sent to the 503B FDA-registered compounding pharmacy
- Medication delivered: First month's supply arrives at your door in 3-7 days with all injection supplies included
- Start treatment: Inject once weekly on the same day, starting with 0.25mg and gradually increasing to 2.4mg based on your physician's guidance
- Ongoing monitoring: Regular check-ins with your medical team to track progress, manage side effects, and adjust dosing
Start Saving Today
Get physician-supervised semaglutide for just $99/month—the cheapest safe option available. Save over $15,000 per year compared to brand-name Wegovy.
Start Free Consultation →No insurance needed • Free shipping • Cancel anytime
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Coreage Rx cheaper than other semaglutide programs?
Coreage Rx keeps costs low by minimizing marketing expenses and focusing on core medical treatment. They don't spend millions on Instagram ads, celebrity endorsements, or fancy app development like Hims and Ro. The medication quality is identical (503B FDA-registered pharmacy), but you're not paying for their marketing budget. It's the same principle as Costco's Kirkland brand—lower marketing costs, same quality.
Is compounded semaglutide as good as Ozempic or Wegovy?
Yes. Compounded semaglutide contains the exact same active pharmaceutical ingredient at the same concentrations. The medication works identically in your body—same effectiveness, same side effects, same results. The only difference is who manufactures it (compounding pharmacy vs Novo Nordisk). Clinical outcomes are the same: 10-15% average weight loss over 68 weeks.
Can I get semaglutide for less than $99/month safely?
No. $99/month is the floor for legitimate, physician-supervised compounded semaglutide from a licensed pharmacy. Anything cheaper is cutting corners on safety, legality, or medical oversight. Sources charging under $80/month are typically overseas pharmacies, research chemical sellers, or illegal operations without physician supervision. The risk isn't worth the $20-$30 savings.
What's the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy contain the exact same medication (semaglutide), made by the same company (Novo Nordisk). The only differences are: (1) Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (though prescribed off-label for weight loss), maximum dose 2mg; (2) Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss, maximum dose 2.4mg; (3) Wegovy costs $400/month more. With compounded semaglutide, you can titrate to the optimal dose for weight loss (up to 2.4mg) regardless of the brand-name labeling.
What if I can't afford $99/month?
Unfortunately, there are no legitimate options cheaper than $99/month for physician-supervised semaglutide. If this is outside your budget, consider: (1) checking if your insurance covers brand-name Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss, (2) asking about patient assistance programs from Novo Nordisk, (3) saving up for a few months before starting treatment, or (4) focusing on traditional diet and exercise methods. Do NOT purchase from questionable sources charging under $80/month—the health risks aren't worth it.
How long do I need to take semaglutide?
Most people take semaglutide for 12-18 months to achieve their weight loss goals. Clinical trials (STEP studies) showed optimal results at 68 weeks (about 16 months). Some people continue long-term for weight maintenance at a lower dose. Your prescribing physician will help you determine the right duration based on your goals and progress. This is why choosing an affordable option like Coreage Rx matters—you'll save thousands over the full treatment duration.
Final Thoughts
The cheapest safe, effective semaglutide is compounded semaglutide through Coreage Rx at $99/month.
This isn't just the cheapest option—it's also high quality. You get a 503B FDA-registered pharmacy, full physician supervision, and the same medication as brand-name Ozempic/Wegovy at 90-93% less cost. Over 18 months, you save over $22,000 compared to Wegovy.
Resist the temptation of ultra-cheap options under $80/month. Those come with serious health risks including counterfeit medication, bacterial contamination, and zero medical oversight. The peace of mind, safety, and medical supervision you get with Coreage Rx is worth every penny of the $99/month.
If you're ready to start one of the most effective weight loss treatments available at the lowest safe price, Coreage Rx is the clear choice. Join thousands of people who've lost significant weight with compounded semaglutide at a fraction of the brand-name cost.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to Coreage Rx. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our work providing free content. Read our full affiliate disclosure.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication. Read our full medical disclaimer.