Short answerOzempic and Wegovy share one active ingredient, semaglutide, but they are different products. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management and goes up to a higher maximum dose (2.4 mg vs 2 mg). For self-pay weight loss, checked compounded semaglutide costs $49-$199/month, compared with $1,149+ for either brand.Prices checked on each provider’s website on October 16, 2026.
Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same drug?
Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same drug, semaglutide, but they are approved for different uses. Both are made by Novo Nordisk, and semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.Doctors often prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss, but Wegovy is the version that was designed, dosed and tested for that goal.
Our 2 favorite GLP-1 providers
The two providers our editors recommend first, with the same checked prices and scores used in our full ranking.
Our Most Popular
1
Exceptional
9.8out of 10
Semaglutide from $69/mo, delivered in 1-2 days
Refund if not approvedFree expedited shipping
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide injection (GLP-1) · Compounded tirzepatide injection (GLP-1 + GIP) · Online doctor review and prescription · Dose changes through the patient portal
Starting price
$79$69/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Semaglutide $69/mo; tirzepatide $119/mo
- 5-minute questionnaire; doctor review usually within 24 hours
- Free 1-2 day shipping: cold-packed, tracked and insured
- No insurance, no clinic visits, cancel anytime
Pricing starts at
from $69/month
embody prescribes compounded semaglutide at $69/mo and tirzepatide at $119/mo online, ships in 1-2 days, and requires no insurance. Trustpilot: 3.8 from 9,604 reviews.
Read full embody review2
Exceptional
9.7out of 10
Low-cost GLP-1 care: semaglutide from $89/mo
Clear, flat pricingNo insurance needed
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide injection (GLP-1) · Compounded tirzepatide injection (GLP-1 + GIP) · Brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy · Once-weekly injection schedule
Starting price
$199$89/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Semaglutide from $89/mo; tirzepatide from $149/mo
- Brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy available
- Reviewed by a physician, PA or nurse practitioner
- Free shipping, arriving in about 5-7 days
Pricing starts at
from $89/month
altRx sells compounded semaglutide from $89/month and tirzepatide from $149/month at a flat price per dose, plus brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy. Self-pay, no insurance needed.
Read full altRx reviewWhat is the dose difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic's maximum dose is 2 mg per week; Wegovy's is 2.4 mg per week, a 20% higher ceiling. Both start low and step up monthly over 16-20 weeks to keep side effects in check.
That extra dose level is one reason Wegovy tends to produce more weight loss in trials. For what the first weeks of treatment feel like, read our first month guide.
That extra dose level is one reason Wegovy tends to produce more weight loss in trials. For what the first weeks of treatment feel like, read our first month guide.
Does Wegovy cause more weight loss than Ozempic?
Yes, on average. In the STEP trials, people on Wegovy lost about 15% of body weight over 68 weeks. Ozempic's trials, which focused on diabetes outcomes, showed smaller average losses of around 6-8%.
For someone who weighs 200 pounds, that works out to roughly 30 lbs on Wegovy vs 12-16 lbs on Ozempic.
Both are meaningful, but Wegovy's higher dose and weight-loss design give it a steady edge. To see how tirzepatide compares, read Mounjaro vs Ozempic.
Do Ozempic and Wegovy have different side effects?
No, the side effects are nearly the same because the active ingredient is the same. Digestive issues lead the list. In the STEP 1 trial:
- Nausea: ~44% of patients
- Diarrhea: ~30%
- Vomiting: ~24%
- Constipation: ~23%
Is GLP-1 Treatment Right for You?
GLP-1 medication is prescription-only: a licensed clinician has to decide it is appropriate, and it is not a fit for everyone. Side effects are possible, and they tend to show up in the first few weeks while your body adapts.
Results are usually best when the medication is paired with simple daily habits, such as balanced meals and regular movement.
For both safety and lasting progress, pick a provider that screens you properly before prescribing and keeps following up once treatment starts.
What do Ozempic and Wegovy cost in 2026?
Verified published prices: altRx lists brand Ozempic at $1,149/month and Wegovy at $1,579; Sprout lists Wegovy at $1,799; and ro lists the Wegovy pill at $149 for the first month, then $299, plus a separate membership. Most people paying cash skip both brands and use compounded semaglutide, the same active ingredient, through licensed telehealth providers:
Prices as published in October 2026 and checked on each provider's own site. More detail: the semaglutide monthly cost guide and our cheapest verified GLP-1 comparison.
| Provider | Compounded semaglutide |
|---|---|
| welludr | $49/mo (12-month plan) |
| embody | $69/mo, no commitment |
| altRx | $89/mo flat |
| Medvi | $99/mo promo (reg. $199), all-inclusive |
Semaglutide plans and prices by provider
Each provider's published semaglutide plan, sorted from lowest price, with the terms listed under every price.
Is Ozempic or Wegovy more likely to be covered by insurance?
Ozempic is more often covered, because insurers treat it as a diabetes medication with established treatment guidelines. Wegovy, as a weight-loss drug, is often left off formularies or needs prior authorization, and even approved coverage can carry a high copay.
Without coverage, compounded semaglutide through telehealth is usually the most workable option. See how to get weight loss medication without insurance.
Without coverage, compounded semaglutide through telehealth is usually the most workable option. See how to get weight loss medication without insurance.
Is compounded semaglutide a cheaper alternative to both?
Yes. Compounded semaglutide uses the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy at a fraction of the price, and it is how most patients actually get semaglutide. It is not individually FDA-approved, but it is made by licensed compounding pharmacies under FDA regulation.
Our compounded vs brand-name guide lays out the trade-offs.
Our compounded vs brand-name guide lays out the trade-offs.
Can you get Ozempic, Wegovy or compounded semaglutide online?
Yes. Licensed telehealth providers prescribe all three without an office visit, and the process from evaluation to delivery takes 1-5 days. Compare top providers on our site or follow our step-by-step guide to getting Ozempic online.
Should you choose Ozempic or Wegovy?
It depends on your situation:
- Type 2 diabetes plus weight goals: Ozempic treats both.
- Weight loss only, with insurance that covers it: Wegovy is built for that purpose.
- Paying out of pocket (most patients): compounded semaglutide from a telehealth provider gives you the same active ingredient at the lowest price.