Here’s a clear cost comparison of weight loss medications, so you can weigh effectiveness against affordability and insurance access:
💰 Monthly Cost Estimates
(Without Insurance)
|
Medication |
Approx. Monthly Cost |
Notes |
|
Zepbound |
$1,060–$1,300 |
Injectable; highest efficacy; limited insurance
coverage |
|
Wegovy |
$1,200–$1,350 |
Injectable; similar insurance challenges |
|
Qsymia |
$200–$250 |
Oral capsule; available as generic; often covered with
prior auth |
|
Contrave |
$100–$250 |
Oral tablet; generic available; savings programs exist |
|
Orlistat (Xenical) |
$50–$100 |
Available OTC as Alli; lower efficacy but affordable |
|
Metformin |
$4–$20 |
Widely available generic; often covered by insurance |
|
Phentermine |
$10–$30 |
Very low cost; short-term use only |
Some insurers (like Cigna) cap out-of-pocket costs for
Wegovy and Zepbound at $200/month on select plans. But many plans still exclude
weight loss drugs entirely.
🧾 Insurance & Savings
Tips
- Manufacturer
coupons: Wegovy and Zepbound offer savings cards, but eligibility is
limited.
- GoodRx, SingleCare, or Amazon: Can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs for Qsymia,
Contrave, and Orlistat.
- Compounded
alternatives: Some clinics offer compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide at
lower prices, but safety and legality vary.
🧠 Strategic Takeaway for
You
Given your interest in sequencing care and optimizing
workflow:
- Qsymia
or Contrave may offer the best balance of cost, efficacy, and
accessibility.
- Metformin
could be a low-risk adjunct if insulin resistance is present.
- If
you're open to exploring compounded options or structured programs (like
Calibrate or Noom Med), I can help you vet them.