PLAINSBORO, N.J. – Novo Nordisk announced Monday that it will lower the monthly cost of its type 2 diabetes medication Ozempic to $499 for eligible patients who pay out-of-pocket.
The company stated the new pricing is intended for individuals without insurance coverage or those who choose to self-pay. Ozempic, the brand name for semaglutide, is an FDA-approved injectable prescription medicine used in combination with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, and to lower the risk of kidney disease progression in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
For the first time, patients will be able to access Ozempic through NovoCare Pharmacy’s home delivery service, in addition to traditional pharmacies. Novo Nordisk has also partnered with GoodRx to make the $499 price available at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide. The partnership extends to Wegovy, another semaglutide-based medication approved for weight management.
Ozempic, introduced in the U.S. in 2017, has become one of the most prescribed treatments in the GLP-1 drug class, which helps regulate blood sugar and reduce health risks associated with diabetes. However, high costs have raised access concerns, particularly among patients without insurance coverage. Novo Nordisk said the price adjustment aims to address those gaps.
Like all prescription medications, Ozempic carries potential risks. Reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible thyroid tumors. The drug is not recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. More serious complications such as pancreatitis, kidney problems, and severe allergic reactions are also listed among possible risks.
The new pricing offer is available to eligible patients with a prescription and can be accessed through NovoCare Pharmacy, GoodRx, or participating pharmacies.
