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Key takeaways
Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) indicated in the treatment of obesity, chronic weight management, and cardiovascular events related to obesity.
Wegovy is an injectable drug and can be expensive without insurance coverage. The average retail list price is over $1,800 per month, but there are ways to save on this price.
Other prescription medications in the same class as Wegovy may be preferred alternatives due to insurance coverage, formularies, side effect profiles, or efficacy. Oral drug options are also available to aid in weight loss.
Weight loss is a unique journey for each individual and requires collaboration with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable diet, exercise regimen, and medication therapy.
Wegovy is a brand-name injectable medication called a GLP-1 receptor agonist, or GLP-1 RA. The once-weekly injection is FDA-approved to treat obesity and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in overweight or obese adults with established cardiovascular disease. While Wegovy is a very effective drug for weight loss and chronic weight management, it may not be right for everyone. Wegovy is only approved for use in patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2. Even in those cases, insurance providers typically have strict criteria for insurance coverage, making cost a significant issue. Luckily, there are alternative medications for weight management.
RELATED: How quickly does Wegovy work?
What can I take instead of Wegovy?
If Wegovy is not effective or is not covered by your insurance formulary, another GLP-1 RA may be a better option. Besides Wegovy, weight management GLP-1 medications include Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide). A concurrent diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus helps, since insurance providers are more likely to approve a GLP-1 RA for people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. If cost is a concern, there are alternative oral weight-loss medications in other categories. Unfortunately, most are stimulants and can have bothersome side effects. Many are controlled substances that can lead to dependence, so they’re often only prescribed for short-term use.
RELATED: How long does Wegovy stay in your system?
Compare Wegovy alternatives |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | $1,877 per 4, 0.75 mL prefilled 2.4 mg/0.75 mL pens | $1,225 per 4, 0.75ml prefilled 2.4 mg/0.75 mL pens of brand-name Wegovy at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Saxenda
(liraglutide) |
$1,895 for 5,18 mg/3 mL (6mg/mL) 3 mL pens | $157 for 1, 18 mg/3 mL (6mg/mL) 3 mL pens of generic Saxenda at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | $1,516 per 4, 5 mg/0.5 mL 0.5 mL pens | $950 per 4, 5 mg/0.5 mL 0.5 mL pens of brand-name Zepbound at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | $1,389 per 1, 3 mL prefilled 2 mg/3 mL multidose pen | $825 per 1, 3 mL prefilled 2 mg/3 mL multidose pen of brand-name Ozempic at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | $1,486 per 4, 5 mg/0.5 mL 0.5 mL pens | $875 per 4, 5 mg/0.5 mL 0.5 mL pens of brand-name Mounjaro at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) | $841 for 120, 8 mg/90 mg tablets | $613 for 120, 8 mg/90 mg tablets of brand-name Contrave at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate extended-release) | $293 for 30, 7.5 mg/46 mg capsules | $86 for 30, 7.5 mg/46 mg capsules of brand-name Qsymia at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Phentermine | $51 for 30, 37.5 mg tablets | $10 for 30, 37.5 mg tablets of generic phentermine at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Lomaira
(low-dose phentermine) |
$39 for 30, 8 mg tablets | $20 for 30, 8 mg tablets of brand-name Lomaira at Costco Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Xenical (orlistat) | $895 for 90, 120 mg capsules | $638 for 90, 120 mg capsules of generic orlistat at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Alli (orlistat) | $103 for 120, 60 mg capsules | $103 for 120, 60 mg capsules of brand-name Alli at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Diethylpropion | $75 for 90, 25 mg tablets | $28 for 90, 25 mg tablets at Costco Pharmacy | See latest prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices available at the time of publication in ZIP code 23666 as of December 28, 2025. The listed price, without insurance, refers to the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.
Top 5 Wegovy alternatives
The following are some of the most common alternatives to Wegovy.
1. Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda is an alternative GLP-1 RA in the same class as Wegovy. The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial found that Wegovy resulted in significantly greater weight loss than Saxenda. However, individual results may vary due to external parameters. GLP-1 RA drugs are known to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These effects may be slightly less burdensome with Saxenda versus Wegovy. Some insurance plans may cover Saxenda instead of Wegovy. If price is an important consideration for you, and your plan covers Saxenda, this may make Saxenda your preferred option.
Save up to 80% on Saxenda with SingleCare
Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
RELATED: Saxenda vs. Wegovy for weight loss
2. Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is among the best Wegovy alternatives. It’s a GLP-1 agonist like Wegovy, but it’s also a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. This dual mechanism of action has a greater effect on weight loss than other GLP-1 drugs. In the SURPASS study, weight reduction with the active ingredient of Zepbound was significantly greater than that seen with the active ingredient in Wegovy. Zepbound causes adverse GI events similar to Wegovy’s, and the dose must be tapered based on tolerance and results. Like Wegovy, Zepbound can be costly without insurance coverage.
RELATED: How much is Zepbound without insurance?
3. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists for Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Patients with a concurrent diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus may qualify for a GLP-1 agonist that specifically treats that health condition. These drugs are highly effective at controlling blood sugar levels. The active ingredients are often the same as those found in weight loss GLP-1 agonists, but formulated at different dosages. They include Ozempic (semaglutide), Rybelsus (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Victoza (liraglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide). They, too, cause significant weight loss, but they are not FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Their use for weight loss alone is off-label.
RELATED: 4 benefits of GLP-1 drugs
4. Contrave
Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) is a combination oral product containing an antidepressant (bupropion) and an opioid antagonist (naltrexone). Bupropion affects the parts of the brain involved in food cravings and regulating food intake. Naltrexone reduces the pleasure “rewards” of eating. When combined, both drugs enhance the effects of the other. Like other weight loss drugs, this product is intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle modifications. On the downside, weight loss associated with Contrave is not as significant as with GLP-1 RA-type drugs. Common side effects include stomach-related side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
RELATED: Contrave vs. Wegovy: Differences, similarities & side effects
5. Qsymia
Qsymia is a combination oral product consisting of an anorectic product, phentermine, in combination with an antiepileptic drug, topiramate, which has been linked to idiosyncratic weight loss. When combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, this product has been shown to result in statistically significant weight loss compared to a placebo. This weight loss is not as great as that experienced with GLP-1 RA drugs, however. Side effects include constipation, dry eye, dry mouth, headache, and a “foggy brain.” Women who are pregnant cannot safely take phentermine. Most importantly, phentermine is a stimulant that is a controlled substance and may cause tolerance or dependence. Phentermine is often used alone as a weight-loss pill. It is available in a full-strength and a lower-dose formulation. Phentermine is not appropriate for patients with many pre-existing heart conditions, so make sure your prescriber is aware of your full medical and family history before taking a phentermine product.
RELATED: How much is Qsymia without insurance?
Over-the-counter weight loss medications
Numerous products promise weight loss, making it challenging to determine which ones are worth buying. Most of these products have not been proven to be effective.
The only proven, FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss medication is Alli (orlistat). This drug prevents the digestive system from absorbing about ¼ of the fats consumed each day. The weight loss is not as dramatic as that achieved with GLP-1 agonists, but it is greater than the weight loss observed in people eating a reduced-calorie diet without the drug. There is a prescription version, Xenical, which has twice the dosage strength as OTC Alli. Even the OTC version can cause unwanted adverse effects, so talk to a healthcare professional before starting this drug.
Natural alternatives to Wegovy
Successful and long-term effective weight management solutions must include some non-medication components. Natural or non-drug alternatives may be enough to maintain a healthy weight and overall health. Some important natural components of a well-rounded weight loss plan include:
- Adequate water intake for hydration and to aid in the sense of satiety (feeling full)
- Calorie-restricted diet
- Reduced fat intake
- Reduced carb intake
- Fiber supplementation or high fiber content foods for regular bowel movements and satiety
- Protein-rich foods
- Natural supplements with natural ingredients, such as green tea or flaxseed
- Lifestyle changes to increase activity and perform regular exercise
RELATED: The best diet while taking Wegovy
How to switch to a Wegovy alternative
Get medical advice from a healthcare provider if you feel that Wegovy is not right for you. Become knowledgeable about your insurance benefits and consider this aspect when making your decision, as it may play a crucial role in your ability to maintain treatment and achieve a successful weight loss journey. If injectable drugs are not feasible for you, discuss alternative medications that can be taken orally. If the out-of-pocket cost is a consideration, consider looking for savings opportunities from other sources, including the manufacturer. Ultimately, your choice must consider the effectiveness, price, and potential risks of any treatment you are considering. SingleCare offers significant discounts on Wegovy and other weight loss medications and can help you find the pharmacy with the lowest cost closest to you.
Expert takeaway
Wegovy and other GLP-1 RA drugs have provided the most significant weight loss results of any medication class on the market today. For many people, this will enable them to meet health goals they had previously struggled to attain. Achieving an affordable GLP-1 RA drug option may take some diligence on your part, but that diligence can pay off with better health outcomes and an increased quality of life.
- An overview of GLP-1 agonists and recent cardiovascular outcomes trials, Postgraduate Medical Journal (2020)
- Effect of weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs daily liraglutide on body weight in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes: the STEP 8 randomized clinical trial, JAMA (2022)
- Medications for obesity management: effectiveness and value, Journal of Managed Care + Specialty Pharmacy
- The GLP-1 journey: from discovery science to therapeutic impact, The Journal of Clinical Investigation (2024)
- Time to reach glycaemic and body weight loss thresholds with tirzepatide in patients with Type 2 diabetes: a pre-planned exploratory analysis of SURPASS-2 and SURPASS-3, Diabetes Therapy (2023)
- Tirzepatide versus semaglutide once weekly in patients with Type 2 diabetes, New England Journal of Medicine (2021)