how to get prescribed wegovy for weight loss
Learn how to get a Wegovy prescription for weight loss. Discover eligibility, steps to talk to your doctor, telehealth options, and tips for insurance approval.
Wegovy prescription
how to get prescribed Wegovy
FDA-approved Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable drug used to treat obesity and promote weight loss in people 12 years of age and older. Your doctor may recommend a Wegovy prescription if you’re attempting to lose weight as part of a larger strategy that also includes regular exercise and a healthier diet. A valid prescription from your doctor is required to obtain Wegovy, and you can fill it at a local pharmacy. Remember that the price of Wegovy may differ based on your insurance.
semaglutide for weight loss
Are You Eligible?
Wegovy is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people with obesity who are 12 years of age or older lose weight. Wegovy not only aids in weight loss but also lowers the risk of major health issues associated with obesity, such as heart attacks and strokes.
To get a Wegovy prescription, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria based on your body mass index (body mass index (bmi))—a measure that compares your weight to your height. You may qualify for a Wegovy prescription if:
Your BMI is 30 or higher
Your BMI is between 27 and 29.9 and you also have a weight-related health issue, such as high blood pressure
This approval marks a significant milestone, as Wegovy is the first new long-term weight management drug to receive FDA approval since 2014.
A Note on BMI
BMI is an antiquated and frequently deceptive tool that calculates body fat and health based only on your height and weight. Important variables like age, sex, ethnicity, and muscle mass are not taken into account. BMI is still a quick and inexpensive way to measure health, but it’s not always reliable. In order to promote healthy, successful weight loss, many medical professionals now take into account factors other than BMI when deciding whether a patient is eligible for a Wegovy prescription.
Where To Get Wegovy
Getting a Wegovy prescription filled at a reputable local or internet pharmacy is the next step after receiving one from your doctor. Because some clinics, spas, and weight loss centers have been found to sell counterfeit drugs under the name semaglutide, it is crucial to choose a licensed and trustworthy pharmacy. Since the FDA has not authorized or regulated these fake medications, they may be dangerous. Use the FDA’s online search for state-licensed pharmacies or consult the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s verified list to ensure the pharmacy is secure and authentic. Your doctor can also suggest a trustworthy local or internet pharmacy to safely fill your Wegovy prescription if you’re not sure.
Accessibility
It’s critical to comprehend how supply chain, cost, and insurance concerns affect access if you’re thinking about beginning a Wegovy prescription. Wegovy is a prescription-only drug, so your ability to obtain it easily and affordably may depend on things like insurance approval and availability.
How Much Does a Wegovy Prescription Cost?
The price of a Wegovy prescription can vary depending on your insurance status. For those with insurance coverage, the cost could be as low as $0, depending on the specifics of your plan. Without insurance, however, the cost can be much higher—up to around $650 for a 28-day supply.
To find out what you might pay, visit the official Wegovy website. They offer a helpful tool where you can estimate your costs based on your insurance plan.
Does Insurance Cover a Wegovy Prescription?
To see if your insurance covers Wegovy, you have a few options:
Use Wegovy’s Online Coverage Tool
Start by checking the Wegovy website. Their tool allows you to see if your insurance plan covers the medication and gives you a pricing estimate based on your coverage. If your provider isn’t listed, you can even request that Novo Nordisk contact your insurer directly to gather this information for you.Contact Your Insurance Company Directly
You can also call your insurance provider to ask if Wegovy is included in your benefits. Be prepared—they may require prior authorization, meaning your doctor must submit a form confirming the medication is medically necessary.Talk to Your Employer’s Benefits Coordinator
If you receive insurance through work and Wegovy isn’t currently covered, your HR or benefits team may be able to help. They might be able to request special coverage or help advocate on your behalf.
Note: As of now, Medicare does not cover Wegovy, so patients using Medicare will likely need to pay the full cost out of pocket.
Wegovy Prescription Availability: Supply Chain Challenges
Due to overwhelming demand, Novo Nordisk—the manufacturer of Wegovy—has faced ongoing supply chain issues since May 2023. Although the company has taken steps to increase production, shortages can still occur, especially for certain dosage strengths.
Here are a few tips to help you secure your Wegovy prescription more smoothly:
Contact your pharmacy well in advance of when you’ll need a refill.
Confirm the exact dosage you require, as pharmacies may need to place special orders for specific pens.
Check multiple pharmacies if your usual one doesn’t have it in stock.
Consider a reputable online pharmacy, especially if your local options are facing shortages.
Alternatives to Wegovy
Don’t worry if you can’t get a prescription for Wegovy; your doctor can help you find other options. They might recommend Rybelsus or Ozempic, two more semaglutide-based medications.
Many physicians prescribe these alternatives off-label to aid in weight loss even though they are not FDA-approved specifically for obesity. Depending on your specific needs, you might also be offered additional weight-management drugs like Zepbound (tirzepatide) or Saxenda (liraglutide).
FAQs
1. Is Wegovy safe long‑term?
Research on long-term safety is still underway. Some early studies suggest a possible risk of thyroid tumors, so ongoing monitoring—especially for symptoms like neck swelling, hoarseness, or breathing/swallowing issues—is important AP News.
2. Is there a generic option for Wegovy?
No. There is no generic Wegovy currently available. However, other prescription medications that also contain semaglutide—such as Rybelsus and Ozempic—exist.
3. Is there an over‑the‑counter semaglutide?
No. Semaglutide is only available by prescription, and there are no over-the-counter versions approved Health.
4. What are the eligibility requirements for Wegovy?
Wegovy is FDA-approved for individuals aged 12 and above with obesity. Eligibility typically depends on BMI assessments (though providers may consider alternatives), and the medication is used alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
5. What does Wegovy cost, and does insurance cover it?
The cost varies widely. With insurance, it can cost as little as $0 per month. Without insurance, it can be up to approximately $650 for a 28-day (one-month) supply. Coverage depends on your insurance provider and may require prior authorization.
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The Bottom Line
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only injectable medication approved for adults (and teens 12+) struggling with obesity or overweight—and can significantly aid in weight loss when paired with lifestyle changes. To get it, you’ll need:
A qualifying BMI (≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with related health issues),
A healthcare provider’s prescription,
Access to a reputable pharmacy,
Insurance coverage or ability to pay (list price up to ~$650 per month if uninsured),
Awareness that supply shortages may impact availability.
It’s vital to check insurance policies beforehand, be prepared for prior authorizations, and verify the authenticity of the pharmacy—especially since demand is high and counterfeit versions may exist. If Wegovy isn’t an option, other medications like Ozempic, Rybelsus, Zepbound, or tirzepatide may be alternatives to discuss with your provider.
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