How much does Saxenda cost?

Saxenda was a pioneer in the weight-loss drug category, being the first GLP-1 to get FDA approval for weight management back in 2014. This paved the way for future GLP-1s like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide). But right next to the headlines about the significant impact these medications can have on weight are the ones about how much they cost and how few insurance companies are covering them. Here is everything you need to know for your health and budget.

How much is Saxenda without insurance?

According to the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, the list price of the 3.0mg dose of Saxenda is $1,349.02 for a 30-day supply, which includes five, 3 mL prefilled injectable pens. However, the actual cost may vary based on your pharmacy, whether or not you qualify for discounts, or if you can participate in any savings programs.

One other associated cost: Saxenda injectable pens are designed to be used with Novo Nordisk disposable needles (NovoFine), which are sold separately and may require a prescription in some states. A box of 100 needles typically costs around $60, though prices can vary depending on the pharmacy.

How much is Saxenda with insurance?

As with any medication, the out-of-pocket cost for Saxenda with insurance depends on your provider and individual plan. To determine if Saxenda is covered under your plan and what your costs might be, it’s best to contact your insurance provider directly.

Does insurance cover Saxenda?

Whether or not insurance covers Saxenda ultimately depends on your insurance and your specific plan. For the broad category of GLP-1 agonists, commercial insurance companies are typically more likely to cover those approved for type 2 diabetes rather than weight loss or obesity medication, says Dr. Eduardo Grunvald, M.D., a board-certified obesity medicine physician and medical director of the weight management program at UC San Diego Health. For instance, it may be harder to get coverage for Saxenda, the version of liraglutide approved for weight loss, compared to Victoza, another form of liraglutide used to treat type 2 diabetes.

If your commercial insurance denies coverage for Saxenda, Grunvald suggests starting by asking whether the denial is due to a plan exclusion. “If it is, then you’re kind of stuck. But if it’s not, it might just be that your prescriber needs to submit prior authorization paperwork.” This is something that’s filled out by your physician explaining the medical reasons for why the medication is prescribed. While it doesn’t guarantee that insurance will approve coverage, it can make a difference in some cases.

Does Medicaid cover Saxenda?

Some Medicaid programs do cover Saxenda (liraglutide), however coverage depends on what state you live in. Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program designed to provide coverage for those with low-income. You can contact your state’s Medicaid office to learn more about which prescription drugs are covered. Saxenda also has a useful tool on their website that allows you to select your state and it will direct you to the right government website for more information.

Does Medicare cover Saxenda?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover Saxenda or any other weight-loss drugs. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, or those under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. While Saxenda is currently not included under Medicare’s prescription drug coverage (something known as Medicare part D), that’s not to say that this may not change in the future — especially with the growing focus on obesity treatment. To stay up to date, check Medicare’s official website for the most current list of covered brand name and generic drugs.

How to save on Saxenda without insurance

With a list price of more than $1,000 a month, paying for Saxenda without insurance can be hard to afford. “A majority of my patients that I treat can’t pay out of pocket for these drugs,” says Grunvald. But there are some ways to bring down the cost. One is to check if Saxenda is on the FDA drug shortages list. If it is, you can look into getting a compounded version from a compounding pharmacy. These versions have the same formulation as the brand name drugs but are often available for much less.

Telehealth prescription services

Not only can connecting with your healthcare provider virtually be more convenient, it may also be less expensive. For example, members of WeightWatchers can consult with an obesity specialist provider, discuss medical needs, and develop a personalized treatment plan — all for less than it might cost to see a doctor once without insurance. If your provider determines Saxenda is the right fit for you, they can find out what your out-of-pocket cost will be ahead of time and, if it’s too high, discuss alternatives. With your WW care team, you’ll also get ongoing support with regular check-ins, guidance from registered dietitians, and fitness coaching.

Get a 90-day supply

Filling a prescription for a 90-day supply of Saxenda can cost less than only doing one month at a time. Reach out to your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider to see if this option is available and to compare costs. Note that this is only applicable once you’ve established your maintenance Saxenda dosage, since you’d need to take the same dose for all three months.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Saxenda?

If your insurance doesn’t cover Saxenda or the out-of-pocket costs are too high, there are some potentially more affordable options. Be sure to consult your physician to find the best alternative.

GLP-1 drugs

GLP-1s is the category of medications that include Saxenda. They mimic a natural hormone in your body (glucagon-like peptide-1) that helps regulate blood sugar, slows down digestion, and triggers that feeling of fullness, ultimately helping to reduce appetite and lead to weight loss.

If you’re comfortable giving yourself injections using a needle as opposed to a pre-filled auto injectable pen, talk to your doctor about trying the single-dose vial version of Zepbound (tirzepatide). The vials, available in the lower doses (2.5 mg and 5 mg), can be bought directly from Eli Lilly’s pharmacy, LillyDirect, where the cost is typically about half the price of the pen version, says Grunvald.

Non-GLP-1 alternatives

Weight loss medications have existed long before the onset of GLP-1s. Consult with your physician to see if any of the below medications may be right for you.

• Qsymia: A mix of two drugs — phentermine and topiramate — that work together to suppress your appetite and keep you feeling full longer.
• Metformin: This medication helps your body become more sensitive to insulin and can also help reduce hunger.
• Phentermine: A stimulant that works by affecting your nervous system, it helps curb hunger and makes you feel satisfied after eating.
• Bupropion Naltrexone: This combination targets the brain’s reward system to help reduce cravings and control overeating.

The bottom line

Saxenda, the brand name for liraglutide that was FDA-approved for weight management in 2014, has a list price of over $1,000 per 30-day supply. While you would end up paying much less if your insurance covers Saxenda, many do not cover GLP-1s approved for weight loss. If your insurance does not cover Saxenda, there are other less expensive options, both in the GLP-1 and non-GLP-1 categories.