Major retailer sparks confusion as it offers weight-loss jabs at discounted price

A major retailer is teaming up with Novo Nordisk to slash prices on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy - but some shoppers say the move could ‘backfire’ on the well-known brand.

Recently published data by RAND claims that nearly 12 percent of Americans have admitted to using medications designed to help manage blood sugar levels.

Despite Ozempic not being an FDA-approved weight loss method, thousands use the drugs’ common side effects, including loss of appetite and quietening food noise, to their advantage.

Wegovy, meanwhile, is approved to reduce excess weight and maintain weight reduction long term, and is available via prescription.

According to ro, a one-month supply of Ozempic costs $997.58 without insurance. The site also stated that Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, which uses the same active ingredient, semaglutide, is priced slightly higher at $1,349.02 per month.

Data claims that almost 12 percent of Americans have used GLP-1 drugs for weight loss (George Frey/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

People reported that retail giant Costco will start offering the GLP-1 injectables for a fraction of their usual price. A spokesperson claimed the partnership was born because ‘everyone deserves’ to access the product, no matter the price point.

A month's supply of the pens will cost $499 for a four-week supply via the Costco Member Prescription Program.

Members can take advantage of the Costco savings as long as they have a prescription and are willing to pay out of pocket for the products - i.e. not filing a health insurance claim.

Moreover, the manufacturer has confirmed that Costco Executive Members and Costco Citibank Visa cardholders will be eligible to receive a further two percent discount, subject to applicable terms.

In a statement, Novo Nordisk said its Costco collaboration was ‘another step forward’ to make Wegovy and Ozempic ‘easier to access and afford’.

“By partnering with one of the country’s most trusted retailers, we are meeting people where they are and connecting them to real, FDA-approved medicines in our premium pen devices with our $499 self-pay offer,” Dave Moore, Executive Vice President of US Operations of Novo Nordisk Inc., told People.

“Everyone deserves care that’s simple, reliable, and within reach — and we’re proud to lead the way in helping make that a reality.”

However, not everyone seemed to be impressed by the new offering, with many taking to X to have their say.

“That might backfire,” said one user, sharing a photo of Costco's bakery selling doughnuts, pies, and other sweet treats.

Ozempic and its sibling drug Wegovy is set to be sold in Costco stores (Mike Campbell/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

It can be assumed that this equates to Ozempic and Wegovy users often complaining of feeling fuller quicker and having little desire to reach for sugary treats, both of which are said to be common side effects of the injectables.

“Costco offering Ozempic at ‘half price’ to members after selling them a 24-pack of steak, box of 1000 frozen nuggets, 20kg mixed dry pasta and 5L tub of Nutella,” said someone else.

Others have come out in defense of the membership-only warehouse, with one writing: “Costco is GREAT.”

Another typed: “This could be a real turning point for so many people who've been priced out of these treatments. Costco's approach might finally make them reachable.”

The Guardian reported that Costco’s entry into the GLP-1 market could further boost access and demand, especially since a number of medical plans continue to deny coverage for the drugs.

UNILAD has reached out to representatives of Novo Nordisk and Costco for further comment.