Will Wegovy Costs Increase Due to Supply Shortages? Here’s What You Need to Know

With Wegovy being hailed as a weight loss game-changer, it’s no surprise that demand for this medication has skyrocketed. But here’s the problem—Wegovy supply shortages are a real issue, leaving many people wondering if they’ll face rising costs due to limited availability. So, what’s the deal? Will you be paying more for Wegovy in the near future?

Let’s break down what’s happening with the supply of Wegovy, whether prices might go up, and what you can do if you’re struggling to fill your prescription.

What’s Causing the Wegovy Shortage?

Wegovy has been in high demand since its approval as a weight loss medication. The active ingredient, semaglutide, helps manage appetite and slows digestion, making it easier for users to shed pounds. Its success has been phenomenal, but that popularity has led to a supply shortage. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, is working around the clock to meet the soaring demand, but supply is expected to remain tight through 2024.

Currently, there are limits on the lower-dose starter pens, which are essential for new patients starting the medication​. This means people looking to start Wegovy might face delays or even short-term interruptions in their treatment plan.

Will Wegovy Costs Increase?

Though the retail price of Wegovy (around $1,349 per month without insurance. Keep in mind, this price fluctuates often) hasn’t officially gone up, shortages can create an environment where costs might fluctuate. 

Why? When demand exceeds supply, prices can often rise due to availability issues. If pharmacies run out of stock, patients may have to look elsewhere, potentially paying more, especially if their insurance doesn’t cover alternatives.

That said, Novo Nordisk states they are taking steps to increase production, which may help stabilize availability and prevent sharp price hikes​. But, for now, it’s essential to stay informed about how these shortages could affect you.

What Can You Do if You Can’t Find Wegovy?

If you’re struggling to fill your Wegovy prescription, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—there are things you can do to stay on track with your weight loss goals.

Here are a few tips:

1. Call around to different pharmacies: You might have luck finding Wegovy in stock at a different location, even if your usual pharmacy is out​.
2. Talk to your healthcare provider: They might suggest temporarily adjusting your dose or switching to an alternative medication. Some people find success with other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Saxenda or Zepbound, though these may work slightly differently.
3. Consider compound alternatives: Some patients are turning to compounded semaglutide as a more affordable option. While compounded medications may not be FDA-approved, they can offer a more cost-effective solution. Be sure to speak with your provider before considering this route.
4. Use Telehealth Services to Access Wegovy Without Insurance: If you’re struggling to find Wegovy in local pharmacies or don’t have insurance, telehealth services like QuickMD can be a great option. QuickMD offers telehealth consultations with licensed healthcare providers who can prescribe Wegovy without insurance, starting at $769. You can have your prescription sent to a pharmacy for pickup or even delivered to your door, saving you time and hassle.

At QuickMD, you can explore telehealth consultations to discuss compounded alternatives or other weight loss medications that suit your needs.

Will There Be Wegovy Shortages in 2025?

While it’s difficult to predict with certainty, current supply issues for Wegovy could extend into 2025. As of 2024, Novo Nordisk is working to ramp up production to meet the overwhelming demand, but despite these efforts, shortages are expected to continue due to high demand and production constraints

As more patients seek out Wegovy for weight management, and with growing interest globally, it’s likely that supply challenges could persist into 2025, especially if demand continues to grow at the current pace.

For now, it’s a good idea to stay informed about the availability of Wegovy and consider alternatives like compounded semaglutide or other GLP-1 medications if supply issues continue. If you’re worried about ongoing shortages, telehealth services like QuickMD can help you find weight loss solutions even when Wegovy is hard to find.

While we can’t be sure about Wegovy’s supply in 2025, planning ahead and staying flexible with your treatment options is vital to continue your weight loss journey without interruptions.

Final Thoughts

While Wegovy shortages may continue for the rest of 2024, you can still stay on track with your weight loss goals. Whether it’s checking with different pharmacies, switching to an alternative medication, or exploring compounded semaglutide, there are ways to keep moving forward.

If you’re looking for an easy, hassle-free solution, telehealth services like QuickMD offer a convenient way to access Wegovy or other weight loss medications—without needing insurance. QuickMD offers Wegovy for $769, Ozempic for $629, compounded semaglutide for $279, and weight loss consultations for just $75.

Don’t let shortages stop your progress—take control of your health today.