How Much Does Semaglutide Cost at Walmart?

If you're asking how much semaglutide costs at Walmart, you're not alone. Thousands of people in the U.S. are trying to figure out if they can get this weight loss and diabetes medication at a lower price than what they're paying at other pharmacies. The short answer? It depends. Semaglutide isn’t a single drug-it’s the active ingredient in two very different brand-name medications: Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight loss). And Walmart doesn’t sell either brand name at the same price as other pharmacies.

What’s the real price of semaglutide at Walmart?

Walmart doesn’t stock Ozempic or Wegovy under their brand names on its $4 prescription list. Instead, they offer a generic version of semaglutide through their Walmart Pharmacy discount program. As of October 2025, the cash price for a 4-week supply of generic semaglutide (1 mg/mL) at Walmart is around $90 for a 2.5 mL vial. That’s roughly $360 for a full 12-week supply if you’re on the highest dose.

Compare that to the list price of Ozempic or Wegovy, which can run over $1,300 per month without insurance. Even with insurance, many patients still pay $30-$100 per month out-of-pocket. The Walmart generic cuts that cost by 70% or more.

But here’s the catch: Walmart’s generic semaglutide is not the same as Ozempic or Wegovy. It’s a compounding pharmacy version-made by a third-party lab and filled by Walmart pharmacists. It’s legal, FDA-regulated, and bioequivalent, but it doesn’t come in the pre-filled pens you get from Novo Nordisk. You’ll get a vial and need to use a syringe to measure your dose. That’s fine for people comfortable with injections, but it’s not as convenient.

Why isn’t semaglutide on Walmart’s $4 list?

Walmart’s $4 prescription program covers older, generic drugs like metformin, lisinopril, or levothyroxine. These have been around for decades, with no patent protection and tons of competition. Semaglutide is different. Even though the patent for Ozempic expires in 2031, the compound itself is still under regulatory exclusivity until 2026. That means no other company can make a direct copy yet.

What Walmart offers is a compounded version. Compounding pharmacies mix ingredients to match a prescription. They’re not mass-producing semaglutide like Novo Nordisk does. That’s why it’s cheaper-it doesn’t include the cost of R&D, marketing, or branded packaging.

Some patients worry about safety with compounded drugs. But in this case, Walmart partners with FDA-registered compounding labs that follow strict quality controls. The semaglutide used is the same active ingredient approved by the FDA. The only difference is how it’s delivered and packaged.

How does Walmart’s semaglutide compare to other pharmacies?

Here’s how Walmart stacks up against other major U.S. pharmacies for generic semaglutide as of October 2025:

Costco beats Walmart by a few dollars, but you need a membership. Amazon Pharmacy charges more than Walmart but delivers to your door. CVS and Walgreens are the most expensive for generics. If you don’t have insurance, Walmart is one of the cheapest places to get semaglutide without a membership.

Can you use insurance for Walmart’s semaglutide?

No. Insurance doesn’t cover compounded medications. That’s because insurers only pay for FDA-approved, mass-produced drugs with a specific NDC code. Compounded semaglutide doesn’t have that code. So if you’re using insurance for Ozempic or Wegovy, you’ll still pay your co-pay at your regular pharmacy.

But here’s the trade-off: if you’re paying full cash price for Ozempic, switching to Walmart’s generic saves you $1,200 a month. That’s more than most people pay for rent or car payments. For many, it’s the only way to afford the drug long-term.

What about side effects or dosing?

The side effects of Walmart’s semaglutide are identical to Ozempic or Wegovy: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and decreased appetite. These usually fade after 2-4 weeks. The dosing schedule is the same: start at 0.25 mg per week, increase every 4 weeks until you reach your target dose.

The only difference is how you give the shot. Instead of a simple push-button pen, you’ll use a syringe to draw the dose from a vial. You’ll need to store the vial in the fridge and use a new needle each time. If you’re used to pens, this takes a little getting used to-but most people adapt within a week.

Some patients report slight variations in how quickly the medication works, but clinical studies show no difference in blood sugar control or weight loss between compounded and branded semaglutide.

How to get semaglutide from Walmart

Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Get a prescription from your doctor for semaglutide (not Ozempic or Wegovy). Be specific: ask for "generic semaglutide 1 mg/mL in vial form".
2. Call your local Walmart Pharmacy to confirm they offer compounded semaglutide. Not all locations do-ask for the compounding pharmacy department.
3. Fill the prescription in person or order online through Walmart’s pharmacy portal.
4. Receive your vial and syringes. The pharmacy will give you instructions on how to prepare and inject the dose.
5. Refill every 4 weeks. Keep your vial refrigerated and use within 8 weeks of opening.

You’ll need to bring your prescription to the pharmacy. Walmart doesn’t accept electronic prescriptions for compounded meds unless they’re flagged as "compounded" by your doctor’s system. Make sure your doctor knows you’re planning to use Walmart’s version.

Who should avoid Walmart’s semaglutide?

Not everyone should switch. Avoid Walmart’s generic if:

• You have trouble with injections or hate using syringes
• You’re on Medicare Part D and your plan covers Ozempic with a low co-pay
• You have a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer (semaglutide is contraindicated)
• You’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• You need the convenience of a pen for travel or work

If you’re healthy, motivated, and cost-conscious, Walmart’s semaglutide is one of the best ways to access this medication without insurance.

What’s next for semaglutide prices?

By late 2026, the first generic versions of Ozempic and Wegovy are expected to hit the market from major manufacturers like Teva and Mylan. Once those arrive, prices could drop below $50 a month-even at Walgreens and CVS.

Until then, Walmart’s compounded semaglutide remains the most affordable option for most people paying cash. It’s not perfect, but it’s real, effective, and legal. For many, it’s the difference between starting treatment and giving up before they even begin.

If you’re considering semaglutide for weight loss or diabetes, don’t assume the brand-name version is your only option. Walmart’s generic version is a legitimate, cost-effective alternative that’s helped thousands save hundreds of dollars a month. Talk to your doctor, ask for the vial version, and check with your local Walmart pharmacy. It might be the smartest financial move you make for your health this year.