Semaglutide Tablet Price in 2024

Semaglutide has gained traction recently for its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels and body weight, with the oral medication mirroring the efficacy of its injectable counterpart.¹ There has also been an increase in prescribing oral Semaglutide since it was first launched in 2019.² However, affordability remains a concern, with the brand-name Semaglutide tablet price being expensive like its injectable version.³

This article discusses oral Semaglutide's medical importance and costs with and without insurance. We also explain the factors influencing the prices of new drugs and offer tips for reducing weight management medication costs, including Henry Meds’ win-win solution.

What Is Semaglutide, and How Does It Help You Manage Weight?

Semaglutide is a medication with the same effects as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a natural hormone that coordinates the actions of your brain, gut, and pancreas to regulate appetite, energy intake, and blood sugar. Semaglutide does just that, but with a twist: it lingers in your body much longer, amplifying these effects.

Semaglutide intake produces better control of appetite, caloric intake, blood sugar levels, and body weight. This extended action is what sets Semaglutide apart from its shorter-acting competitors, making it a better health management option.⁴

How Quickly Do You Lose Weight on Oral Semaglutide?

Combining oral Semaglutide with healthy lifestyle changes can help people reach their weight goals effectively. Here's what clinical studies on brand-name Semaglutide reveal about how quickly people can lose weight with the right regimen:

• With daily oral intake of low-dose Semaglutide and lifestyle modifications, you may see at least 5% body weight reduction after 26 weeks.⁵

• On the other hand, daily intake of high-dose oral Semaglutide and adopting healthy habits can cause people to lose up to 17.4% of their body weight after 68 weeks.¹

Oral Semaglutide’s effects are dose-dependent. That means increasing this medication’s dose makes it more effective in controlling blood sugar and weight. However, the above are just average results, and individual experiences may vary. 

Is Semaglutide Available in Tablets?

Brand-name Semaglutide is available in both injectable and tablet forms.⁶ At Henry Meds, we understand that individual needs differ. That is why, besides the injectable and pill forms, we also offer Semaglutide in a compounded sublingual form, one that can be placed under the tongue and enter the bloodstream faster. This alternative is ideal for those who cannot tolerate injections, have swallowing difficulties, and need faster medication absorption.⁷

Remember, personalized healthcare is key. Reach out to Henry Meds to discuss your specific needs and consider if compounded sublingual Semaglutide is suitable for you.

Which Is Better, Semaglutide Tablets or Injection?

To answer this question, we compare oral and injectable Semaglutide based on three characteristics: efficacy, side effects, and price. The studies and clinical trials on these products were conducted using brand-name Semaglutide.

Regarding efficacy, studies show that oral Semaglutide’s efficacy is similar to the injectable form. Daily intake of high-dose oral Semaglutide can cause people to lose 15.1% of their body weight after 68 weeks. This is comparable to the weight-reducing effect of weekly 2.4 mg Semaglutide injections, which can cause patients to lose 14.9% of their body weight.⁸

As for their side effects, most adverse reactions to the oral form are similar to the injectable because of their Semaglutide content. The most common side effects of Semaglutide-containing products manifest in the digestive system.

However, oral pills have adverse effects that injectables don’t have, and vice-versa. For example, oral Semaglutide, not the injectable, tends to increase the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement pills in the gut if taken together.⁹ Meanwhile, injectable Semaglutide, but not the pill form can cause injection site reactions.¹⁰

In terms of costs, brand-name Semaglutide injectables¹¹ are sold at about the same list price as brand-name Semaglutide pills.³ However, the injectable form is currently in shortage, while the oral form is not.¹²

Regardless, both high costs and shortages can limit the accessibility of these life-changing medications to patients who truly need them. Fortunately, Henry Meds can help solve these medication accessibility problems.

Deciding whether the tablet or injectable Semaglutide form is more suitable depends on your specific needs. The tablet and injectable brand-name Semaglutide forms are equally efficacious. However, individual side-effect sensitivities may influence people’s experiences with these medications.

Additionally, limited access to brand-name Semaglutide makes some people happily switch to inexpensive alternatives, such as Compounded Semaglutide. Your healthcare provider in the Henry Meds network can help you decide which option is right for you.

Is the Semaglutide Tablet Form Better Than Other Weight Management Medications?

No studies have directly compared oral Semaglutide’s weight-reducing effects with more established weight management medications. However, from separate reports, the weight-reduction efficacies of these medications are as follows:

Oral treatments

Among oral weight management pills, high-dose oral Semaglutide is the most efficacious, as it can cause 14.9% body weight reduction in 68 weeks.⁸ Semaglutide is the only GLP-1 agonist in this group.

Meanwhile, Orlistat can produce 8.8% body weight loss in 52 weeks at 120 mg three times daily.¹³ The Naltrexone/Bupropion combination can cause 6.4% body weight loss in 56 weeks. Naltrexone is taken at 8 mg and Bupropion at 90 mg four times daily.¹³ The combined Phentermine/Topiramate medication leads to a 9.8% body weight reduction in 56 weeks. Phentermine is taken at 15 mg and Topiramate at 92 mg daily.¹³

Injectables

Oral Semaglutide is still more effective than the once-daily injectable GLP-1 agonist Liraglutide, which can produce 8.0% body weight reduction in 56 weeks when injected at 3 mg daily.¹³ However, oral Semaglutide is slightly less efficacious than Tirzepatide, which can cause a body weight reduction of 20.9% in 72 weeks when injected at 15 mg daily. Tirzepatide combines GLP-1’s effects with those of a similar hormone, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP).⁸

However, these are just averages, and individual results may vary. Other factors like diet and exercise also play significant roles in weight loss.

How Much Do Semaglutide Tablets Cost When Used for Weight Management?

Weight management specialists recommend reducing weight by 5-10% to improve cardiovascular health in people with weight-related conditions.¹⁴ As you can see from the above figures, Semaglutide can help people achieve that goal.

To help you estimate your costs, weight management specialists recommend staying on the same weight management regimen for a period of 3-6 months before considering more aggressive methods. However, the treatment duration varies individually.¹⁴

Brand-name Semaglutide’s list price is $935.77 per month’s supply.³ With insurance and enrollment in the manufacturer-sponsored discount program, this may go down to as low as $10 per month’s supply.¹⁵

Yet, most people have no insurance coverage for weight management medications.¹⁶ That means people without insurance plans must spend thousands of dollars to complete a Semaglutide treatment program. But this is where Henry Meds’ services can bring you immense value.

Why Is Oral Semaglutide Expensive?

The high price of oral Semaglutide can be attributed to the following factors:¹⁷

• Monopoly or market exclusivity: New drugs often enjoy limited competition, adding to the current brand-name Semaglutide pill cost issues.

• Research and development: Extensive testing and development contribute to the initial cost.

• Pharmaceutical lobbying: Industry influence can impact pricing policies.

• Soaring demand: High demand for effective weight-loss options can drive up any new drug’s list price. 

These factors highlight the importance of exploring cost-saving solutions when considering this medication.

How Can You Reduce Oral Semaglutide’s Cost?

Taking brand-name oral Semaglutide can strain your budget. Some cost-saving strategies people have explored are explained in this section. However, people may find some of these options inaccessible, unsustainable, or unsafe.

Insurance: Individuals with insurance can get brand-name oral Semaglutide at a very low price.¹⁵ However, as previously mentioned, not everyone has insurance coverage for weight management treatments.¹⁶ 

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): People may contribute pre-tax dollars to an HSA and use it for qualified medical expenses, including chronic weight management treatment. However, you need a high-deductible health plan to open an HSA, which still raises your out-of-pocket costs.¹⁸

Prescription discount cards: People may explore savings cards offered by retail pharmacies and other third-party groups, but be aware of limitations and potential fees.¹⁹

Bulk-buying: Pharmacies offer discounts for 90-day medication supplies. However, oversupplying also has disadvantages. For instance, clinicians must assess a medication’s effects before prescribing a refill.²⁰ Medication waste may result if a provider stops a treatment due to ineffectiveness or intolerable side effects. Studies also show that oversupplying can lead to inappropriate medication use.²¹ At worst, it can tempt patients with emotional problems to overdose.²²

Purchasing online or abroad: Counterfeiting is common in these avenues and thus, they are inherently risky. Traveling in some international regions to buy cheap medications is also dangerous for Americans.²³ 

As you can see, none of these options offer long-term solutions to the Semaglutide accessibility problem. To ensure you achieve your health goals, you need a way to obtain your prescription medications affordably, safely, conveniently, and steadily. Henry Meds’ treatment programs tick all these boxes and more.

What Is Compounding, and Why Should You Consider Compounded Semaglutide?

Compounding Semaglutide offers a sustainable alternative to buying brand-name Semaglutide for chronic weight management. The benefits of compounding medications include the following:²⁴

• Easier administration: You can choose the oral, injectable, or sublingual route for taking Semaglutide.

• Precise dosage form: Get the medication amount that’s suitable for you.

• Availability: Compounded versions can be readily available when brand-name drugs are scarce.

As of January 2024, a 30-day supply of branded GLP-1 drugs like Semaglutide costs $717 to $761 after discounts in the US.²⁵ Meanwhile, Henry Meds' oral GLP-1 subscription programs, which offer compounded alternatives with the same benefits, are significantly cheaper at $249, with no hidden fees. You may talk to US-licensed medical providers on the Henry Meds platform regarding Compounded Semaglutide’s benefits and potential risks.

How Can Henry Meds Help You Get Semaglutide Pills Affordably, Conveniently, Safely, and Steadily?

Henry Meds can connect you to a vast network of US-licensed healthcare providers, pharmacists, and compounding pharmacies that can simplify your weight management journey. First, choose a health program from our website, create an account, and fill out our medical intake form. Second, set an appointment date with one of the providers in our network.

During the online visit, your provider will evaluate your suitability for Semaglutide treatment and prescribe it if it’s appropriate for you. Otherwise, they may prescribe an alternative regimen. One of the compounding pharmacies in the Henry Meds network can fill the clinician’s prescription and send your medications by mail. It’s that easy! We don’t charge hidden fees or require insurance.

Semaglutide Tablet Price Should Not Hinder You from Meeting Your Health Goals

Semaglutide pills make it convenient to take a highly effective weight management medication. They help you avoid injections that can irritate the skin. However, the cost of Semaglutide tablet monthly supplies, if branded, can be daunting. There are ways to improve this medication’s accessibility, but Henry Meds offers the best solution.

Henry Meds’ weight management treatment programs put you in touch with US-licensed clinicians who can prescribe you the medication if it’s appropriate for you. The US-licensed pharmacies in the Henry Meds network can fill the prescription and send you the medications by mail. No fuss, no hidden fees, and no insurance needed. A month’s subscription costs only $249/month. Take control of your health today and partner up with Henry Meds!

FAQs

How Do You Take Semaglutide Tablets for Weight Management?

For most patients, the tablet must be taken on an empty stomach with up to 4 oz or 120 mL of water as soon as they wake up. They must wait at least half an hour before eating, drinking (except plain water), or taking other medications.

Food, liquids, and medications can reduce Semaglutide’s absorption. Other oral medications must be taken at least 30 minutes after taking Semaglutide rather than simultaneously.²⁶ The tablet must be consumed whole and must not be split, crushed, or chewed.²⁶

For people observing Ramadan, Semaglutide may be taken 30 minutes before eating midnight snacks. They must refrain from eating for at least six hours before taking a Semaglutide tablet to maximize absorption. This schedule avoids inconvenience to pilgrims following a fasting schedule.²⁷

For workers, they can take Semaglutide tablets in the morning before breakfast. Shift workers can adjust according to their first meal after waking up from sleep.²⁷

Remember: These are just general guidelines. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for taking Semaglutide.

Can You Buy Semaglutide Over the Counter?

Oral Semaglutide is prescription-only, meaning it can only be dispensed and used with a doctor’s prescription. Like many other beneficial medications, oral Semaglutide is not 100% risk-free. You need a doctor’s supervision to guide you in taking the medication properly and avoid its risks.⁶

Is Semaglutide Tablet Safe?

Oral Semaglutide, like any beneficial medication, is not without potential risks. For instance, people with pre-existing kidney conditions might experience toxicity if they take this medication inappropriately.²⁸ However, most of these risks can be avoided or mitigated. Careful screening and close supervision by a healthcare professional can help minimize these risks. 

Disclaimers:

To help you trust the information we provide, every article written by Henry relies on peer-reviewed studies and medically reviewed facts. We ensure that data, ideas, and figures cited are reliable, current, and accurate. Our team of medical reviewers aims to help you cut through the noise with clear and authoritative primary and secondary sources.

Nothing in this article is intended to be prescriptive or medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting a new diet and exercise plan. The information presented is about our medically supervised weight management programs and is not an advertisement for a specific drug.

Please note: Henry Meds does not offer Rybelsus®, which is only available from the Novo Nordisk company. Compounded Semaglutide is a patient-specific medication created in a state Board of Pharmacy or FDA-licensed compounding facility per a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. Compounded drugs are required to exclusively use ingredients from FDA-licensed facilities, and test sterile compounds for potency, sterility, and purity. While compounded drugs are legal, they do not undergo pre-market approval from the FDA as they are not made in large batches for the public. Compounds are made based on specific orders from a medical professional. Because of that, the dose, route of administration, safety, and efficacy may differ from commercially available, brand-name drugs. Henry Meds exclusively works with licensed sterile compounding pharmacies in the United States.