Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss and contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but in a different dosage.
You must be prescribed Wegovy—typically for individuals with a BMI ≥ 30, or BMI ≥ 27 with weight-related conditions.
Consult a healthcare provider (in-person or via telehealth) to review medical history, eligibility, and discuss risks and alternatives.
Check insurance coverage, manufacturer savings cards, and discount programs to lower costs; without insurance, Wegovy can be expensive.
Pharmacy supply shortages are common—use reputable pharmacies, avoid non-FDA-approved compounded versions, and consider alternative medications if unavailable.
How To Get Wegovy?
With Ozempic’s rise in popularity in the weight loss world, Norvo Nordisk has developed an alternative known as Wegovy. Wegovy is the same medication, just with a different dosage, and is FDA-approved for weight loss. Its growing popularity means you might face the same shortage and price problems as its counterpart, but having Wegovy as an option opens up the door for getting the weight loss medication you need. Keep reading our guide to learn how to obtain Wegovy safely and legally.
Are You Eligible for Wegovy?
Just like Ozempic, this is a prescription medication. Only a doctor will be able to prescribe the medication based on your eligibility. We can provide a brief overview of what to expect, but as always, tell your doctors any concerns or questions you may have.
Criteria for Prescription
Wegovy is used for weight loss. But while you may want to shed a few pounds, there are medical criteria that need to be met in order to get this prescription.
BMI requirements:
The body mass index (or BMI) is a tool that uses your current weight and height to assign you a number. While the BMI is not a full picture view of your health or size, it can help as a jumping-off point for medication dosing and prescribing. To qualify for Wegovy you will need a BMI over 30 or 27 with weight-related conditions. These can include diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, or elevated cholesterol levels.
Health evaluation by a medical professional.
Your doctor will use your BMI along with other factors to determine your need for medication. This is the time to bring up any problems and concerns. A health evaluation is necessary for a prescription. You will discuss stress, sleep, exercise, other medical conditions, and your weight and health history.
Who Should Avoid Wegovy?
Of course, there are certain situations in which Wegovy should not be prescribed. These include:
A history of thyroid cancer
Allergies to the ingredients in Wegovy
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Children under 12 years old
Consulting a Healthcare Provider And Getting a Prescription For Wegovy
Step 1: Schedule a Consultation
Step one is just to schedule that consultation. This can be with either your primary care doctor, endocrinologist, or weight management specialist. You will need someone familiar with the medication and with the ability to see if you qualify.
Expect to go over your medical history and discuss your weight loss goals. Your doctor may also run a few tests.
Step 2: Discussing Wegovy with Your Doctor
This doctor’s visit isn’t a one-way street. Come prepared with your own questions and concerns. You can even print off clinical studies and data if necessary. When it comes to your health, your biggest advocate is you! Make sure to bring up potential side effects and other solutions you can add to Wegovy to meet your weight loss goals.
Getting Wegovy PrescribedTraditional Methods
Going in person to the doctor’s office is the most common way to get a prescription. However, we are all aware of how hectic the 21st century can be. Luckily we have the internet and telehealth services can see you and prescribe medication sometimes much faster than traditional walk-in clinics.
Online Telehealth Services
While there are many options for telehealth services, we can list a few of the most popular. Many times these platforms can see you faster than an in-person doctor and work for those people who already have a busy schedule. If you find an online telehealth service make sure to do a quick search to verify they are reputable. Some options include:
PlushCare
Sesame Care
Calibrate Metabolic Reset
LillyDirect
Everlywell
Teladoc Health
Finding Wegovy at a Pharmacy
Now that you have your prescription, it is time to get your medication (preferably as fast and as cheap as possible).
Insurance Coverage
Step one is to check your insurance coverage. While some insurances do not cover weight loss drugs, some others do if there is a medical reason (which your doctor may be able to help provide). If your insurance covers Wegovy, work with them to determine where you can get the medication.
In the unfortunate situation that they do not cover Wegovy, there are other options. Keep your eyes peeled for discount cards, manufacturer assistance programs, and coupons through online services like GoodRX. Wegovy offers a savings card that can help whether you are insured, underinsured, or paying cash for your medications.
Cost of Wegovy Without Insurance
Without insurance or any kind of savings method, you are looking at a total of around $1,300 for a 28-day supply of Wegovy. Using the savings card mentioned and linked above can help you pay as little as $0 if your insurance covers Wegovy or $650 if you do not have insurance.
Local and Online Pharmacies
You might also find that Wegovy is subject to the same shortages as Ozempic. Its popularity has made it difficult for the company to keep up with the demand. Larger pharmacies are more likely to have Wegovy in stock. These can be both local or online.
Keep an eye out for non-reputable sources however when searching for Wegovy. Popularity doesn’t just mean it’s hard to find, it means others are looking to prey on those who need the medication. Compound pharmacies have been popping up more and more. While these places use a process that the FDA approves of in certain situations, compound semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) is not FDA-approved and does not go through the same testing. This version of medication may be ineffective or worse, come with some nastier side effects.
Wegovy Supply Issues and Shortages
If you are familiar with Ozempic or Wegovy, you know shortages are par for the course with these medications. While this is mostly due to their popularity, supply chain issues and the lack of production sites have played a factor. Norvo Nordisk has promised better for the near future, for now, you can check for updates on their site.
You can also discuss alternatives with your doctor and pharmacy. Injectables include Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Saxenda. Pill alternatives include Qsymia, Contrave, and Xenical. These all work in different ways, so another consult may be necessary. There is also the infamous diet and exercise. We know this isn’t a solution for everybody, but decreasing the need for weight loss medication can help when faced with shortages and supply issues. You can also sign up for alerts from all the major pharmacies to make sure you are one of the first to know about restocks.
If Wegovy sounds right for you then it’s time to take the steps to get a prescription. See your doctor to go over your eligibility (BMI and other health factors) and use this time to discuss alternatives, thoughts, and concerns. Remember that you are your best advocate. Working with your healthcare provider doesn’t just mean seeing them once for a prescription and never again. Remain in contact either through your in-person doc or online telehealth. This can help you catch any issues and adjust your plan over time to achieve your weight loss goals.
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