In a major move to expand access to popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs, Costco has partnered with pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk to offer GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, to its members at roughly half the regular price. The deal allows Costco members with valid prescriptions to purchase a four-week supply for $499, a steep discount at a time when rising demand and limited supply have sent prices soaring.
Discounted GLP-1 Medications
Costco’s new prescription program will make Ozempic and Wegovy available to paying members who buy the drugs out of pocket. The offer is not covered by insurance, as many health plans still exclude GLP-1 medications from coverage. With this deal, Costco aims to make authentic versions of these high-demand drugs more accessible and affordable to consumers nationwide.
A Response to Soaring Demand
The prices of GLP-1 drugs have skyrocketed in recent months as millions seek out the injectables for both diabetes management and weight loss. Amid ongoing shortages, some users have turned to unregulated, compounded alternatives. These cheaper, copycat versions have sparked safety concerns and prompted federal regulators to consider tighter oversight.
Novo Nordisk’s Authenticity Push
Novo Nordisk’s U.S. president, David Moore, emphasized that the partnership with Costco is designed to ensure patients have access to genuine products. “We want to make sure we offer the real, authentic Wegovy and Ozempic where patients seek care,” Moore told NBC News. The company’s collaboration with Costco aligns with its effort to maintain control over drug quality and protect consumers from unsafe, compounded formulations.
How Semaglutide Works
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, a medication that mimics the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). The injectable helps regulate appetite and insulin production, leading to reduced hunger and significant weight loss. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has become a household name for its dual role in weight management and metabolic control.
Americans’ Growing Awareness
Public recognition of semaglutide has skyrocketed. A nationwide survey conducted in August found that over 80% of Americans had heard about the drug, and nearly one-third had tried it or expressed interest in doing so. Novo Nordisk reports that more than 200,000 Wegovy prescriptions are filled each week across the U.S., underscoring the growing popularity of GLP-1-based treatments.
Rising Competition from Copycats
Despite its success, Novo Nordisk faces mounting competition from pharmacies and clinics offering cheaper, compounded GLP-1 drugs. These unapproved versions have gained traction among users unable to afford brand-name injectables. Costco’s partnership could shift the market by offering a safer, discounted option for patients seeking trusted formulations directly from a recognized retail chain.
Expanding Access for Americans
As of August 2025, nearly 12% of Americans, including one-fifth of women aged 50 to 64, have used GLP-1 medications for weight loss. With many insurers still refusing coverage, Costco’s entry into the GLP-1 market may further increase access and demand. The move positions the retail giant as a new player in the pharmaceutical landscape, potentially reshaping how Americans purchase high-cost medical treatments.