Costco Begins Stocking Prescription Weight-Loss Drugs at a Steep Discount

Costco just made a bold move in the world of weight loss and diabetes treatment. The wholesale retail giant has teamed up with Novo Nordisk to offer two of the hottest prescription medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, at a steep discount. The price? Just $499 for a month’s supply, which is nearly half of what you would pay elsewhere.

This change is already making waves. For people paying out of pocket, Costco’s offer is a game-changer. Insurance coverage for these drugs is still spotty, especially for those using them strictly for weight loss. By cutting the cost and keeping things legit, Costco is stepping into a role usually reserved for clinics and specialty pharmacies.

Which Drugs Are Included and How Much Do They Cost?

The retail chain is now stocking Ozempic and Wegovy, two injectable medications that contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. They are both made by Novo Nordisk but are approved for different reasons. Ozempic treats type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is used specifically for weight loss in people with obesity.

David / Unsplash / A one-month supply of weight loss meds, usually four pens, costs $499 at Costco. That is a huge drop from the typical market price.

Wegovy typically costs around $1,349, and Ozempic can range from $997 to $1,600. This deal is for people paying out of pocket. If your insurance won’t help, this gives you a solid, affordable option. And if you are a Costco Executive Member or use the Costco Citibank Visa, you can even get some cash back.

How These Drugs Work

Ozempic and Wegovy aren’t magic bullets, but they do something pretty powerful. They work by mimicking a hormone in your body that helps control blood sugar and insulin. This class of drugs is called GLP-1 receptor agonists. When taken regularly, they help regulate appetite and make it easier for people to eat less without feeling miserable.

Ozempic was first designed for type 2 diabetes and has proven to lower the risk of heart problems in some patients. Weight loss came as a side effect. Wegovy uses a higher dose of semaglutide and is targeted directly at people with obesity or those who struggle with chronic weight management.

These meds slow down digestion, help you feel full longer, and make overeating less tempting.

How to Get It?

To purchase Ozempic or Wegovy at Costco, a valid prescription from your doctor is required. This isn’t an over-the-counter item. Once you have it, you can walk into any Costco pharmacy and get the $499 deal. This price matches what Novo Nordisk already offers through its own direct-to-consumer program, but Costco adds convenience and a name people trust.

Marques / Unsplash / As demand for these drugs grows, some people have turned to compounding pharmacies and clinics that sell cheaper, unapproved versions. That is risky.

These knockoffs aren’t FDA-regulated and may not be safe. By offering authentic medications at a lower cost, Costco is providing people with a safer, smarter way to access treatment.

While this price drop is great news for many, it doesn’t solve everything. Health experts note that $499 a month is still a significant amount, especially for lower-income patients. For people without insurance or with plans that won’t cover weight-loss prescriptions, it is still a stretch. Most public health programs, such as Medicare, don’t cover these medications unless they are used to treat diabetes. That means many who need them most still can’t afford them.

There are also health risks to consider. These drugs aren’t for everyone. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. More serious risks include issues for people with a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis.