Affordable Access: Understanding the New $49 Oral Semaglutide Option from Hims and Hers The journey toward sustainable weight loss is often paved with challenges, but for many in our Wezempic community, the biggest hurdle hasn’t been the diet or the exercise—it has been the price tag. For years,
The journey toward sustainable weight loss is often paved with challenges, but for many in our Wezempic community, the biggest hurdle hasn’t been the diet or the exercise—it has been the price tag. For years, the gold standard in weight management, GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, have come with monthly costs that can exceed $1,000 without insurance coverage. We have seen how this creates a divide between those who can afford life-changing health outcomes and those who are left behind.
Recently, the landscape of weight loss medication shifted significantly. Telehealth provider Hims and Hers announced a new offering that has caught the attention of the medical world and patients alike: a compounded oral semaglutide option starting at just $49 per month. This news caused a ripple effect in the market, even impacting the stock prices of pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. But beyond the financial headlines, what does this mean for you, the person trying to navigate your health and wellness?
At Wezempic, we believe that informed patients make the best decisions. Let’s dive into what this announcement actually means, the science behind oral medications, and what you need to know about safety and efficacy when considering a lower-cost alternative.
While the world has become familiar with the weekly "pen" injections used for Ozempic and Wegovy, oral versions of these medications represent the next frontier in weight management. Hims and Hers is positioning their new $49 offering as a direct alternative to the more expensive branded pills and injections.
The active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic is semaglutide. While Novo Nordisk currently markets an oral version of semaglutide called Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes, they have also been developing a higher-dose oral version specifically for weight loss. By offering a compounded oral version now, Hims and Hers is moving to fill a massive demand for affordable, non-injectable options.
According to Hims and Hers Health, Inc., this move is designed to expand access to a broader population of people who may be needle-phobic or simply cannot afford the high out-of-pocket costs of brand-name GLP-1s. For many of us, the ability to take a daily pill rather than a weekly injection could make the weight loss journey feel more manageable and less like a medical procedure.
It is important for us to clarify what "compounded" means, as this is where much of the confusion lies. A compounded medication is not the same as a generic medication. While generics are FDA-approved versions of off-patent drugs, compounded drugs are custom-mixed by a pharmacy.
Under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, compounding pharmacies are permitted to create versions of medications that are currently on the FDA’s official shortage list. Because semaglutide injections have been in high demand and frequently listed as "in short supply," these pharmacies have been able to produce compounded versions to meet the public's needs.
However, Hims and Hers' new oral offering is unique because it focuses on a "copy" of the oral delivery system. We must understand that while the active ingredient—semaglutide—is intended to be the same, the formulation used to help the body absorb that pill may differ from the patented technology used by Novo Nordisk.
The primary reason this news has generated so much excitement in our community is the cost. At $49 per month, this medication is roughly 5% of the list price of brand-name Wegovy. For many people whose insurance companies have recently stopped covering weight loss drugs, or for those who never had coverage to begin with, this price point makes the medication accessible for the first time.
The financial pressure of maintaining a GLP-1 regimen can be a significant source of stress. We have heard from many members of the Wezempic community who have had to stop their treatment prematurely due to costs, leading to weight regain and frustration. A stable, low-cost option could provide the long-term consistency that is required for these medications to be truly effective.
The market's reaction to this announcement was swift. Shares of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk saw a decline following the news, as investors recognized that the monopoly on GLP-1 medications is being challenged. When telehealth platforms can provide the same active ingredients at a fraction of the cost, it forces a conversation about drug pricing in the United States. While competition is generally good for the consumer, it also places a greater responsibility on us to ensure we are choosing high-quality sources for our care.
When we discuss compounded medications, safety must be our top priority. Because these versions are not individually reviewed by the FDA for safety and efficacy before they reach the consumer, the burden of due diligence often falls on the patient and their provider.
If you are considering a low-cost oral semaglutide, here are the standards we recommend looking for:
We must remember that while the price is attractive, the goal is health. Saving money is only a win if the medication is safe and works as intended to support your weight loss goals.
Choosing between an oral pill and an injectable medication is a personal decision that should be made with your doctor. Each method has its own set of considerations.
For many, the biggest benefit is the lack of needles. If you have a phobia of injections or find it difficult to travel with refrigerated pens, a daily pill offers incredible convenience. Additionally, some users find that a daily dose provides a more consistent level of the medication in their system, potentially smoothing out side effects.
Injectable versions like Wegovy have a long track record of clinical data specifically for weight loss. Because they bypass the digestive system, they often have higher "bioavailability," meaning the body can use the medication more efficiently. Some studies have suggested that higher doses of injectable semaglutide result in greater weight loss compared to current oral versions, though new high-dose pills are currently being tested to close that gap.
As we navigate these new options together, we want to provide you with actionable steps to ensure your journey remains safe and effective:
The announcement of a $49 oral semaglutide option is a significant milestone in the fight for health equity. It represents a shift toward making life-changing medical advancements available to more than just the wealthy. At Wezempic, we are heartened by the possibility that more members of our community will be able to access the tools they need to live healthier, longer lives.
However, with increased access comes a greater need for education. We encourage everyone to approach these new options with a balance of optimism and caution. Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint, and the most important factor in your success is a safe, sustainable plan that you can maintain over time.
As always, we are here to support you. Whether you are on a brand-name injectable, a compounded pill, or are still deciding which path is right for you, you are a valued part of this community. Let’s continue to share our experiences, ask the tough questions, and empower one another to make the best decisions for our health.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication.
Sources:
- Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (2024). Press Release: Expansion of Weight Management Portfolio.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2024). Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers.
- Novo Nordisk. (2023). Clinical trial data on oral semaglutide for weight management (OASIS 1 trial).