Costco to offer Ozempic and Wegovy at $499 for four-week supply

Novo Nordisk said Friday that its injectable semaglutide drugs Ozempic and Wegovy will be available at about 600 Costco pharmacies nationwide, with members able to buy a four-week supply for $499 out of pocket. The price applies to customers paying without insurance; coverage and copays will vary by plan. Executive members and Costco Citibank card holders receive an additional 2 percent discount through the retailer's prescription program.

Novo Nordisk already offers the same $499 out-of-pocket price through its direct-to-consumer website, and major drugstore chains sell the branded pens at similar rates. David Moore, president of Novo Nordisk U.S., said the company wants to "make sure we offer the real, authentic Wegovy and Ozempic where patients seek care" and that Costco is "a trusted brand."

Both drugs contain the active ingredient semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 or GLP-1 agonist. Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and insulin production; by reducing hunger it can produce significant weight loss. Wegovy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for chronic weight management, while Ozempic is approved to treat type 2 diabetes....