Key takeaways:
Saxenda (liraglutide) is an FDA-approved, prescription-only medication for weight loss. It’s available as a brand-name and generic medication. The brand-name version will be discontinued in January 2027.
The list price of brand-name Saxenda is around $1,350 per month. Without insurance or discounts, the average retail price for 1 carton (5 pens) of brand-name Saxenda is $1569.85. The average retail cost for 1 carton of generic liraglutide is $1191.25.
You can save on Saxenda by using a GoodRx coupon. You may also be able to save by getting a 90-day supply and using a tax-advantaged health fund to pay for your prescription.
Save on related medications
Losing weight can be challenging. And sometimes lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and exercise, aren’t enough to help you reach your goal. When that’s the case, your healthcare team may suggest adding a prescription-only medication, such as Saxenda (liraglutide), to your weight-loss plan.
Saxenda is an injectable medication that helps with weight loss by reducing your appetite and making you feel full. It comes in a prefilled pen that contains multiple doses.
Without insurance, Saxenda can cost thousands of dollars per year, which can make it out of reach for many people. And even though the treatment is FDA approved for weight loss, health insurance plans may not cover the medication. But you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs for Saxenda by using a few simple strategies.
Good to know: Brand-name Saxenda is being discontinued. The manufacturer will stop shipping it to pharmacies in January 2027. But the generic versions will continue to be available.
How much does Saxenda cost without insurance?
The manufacturer’s list price for Saxenda is around $1,350 for a 30-day supply. But if you’re paying without insurance or discounts, the cost might be higher because of markups at pharmacies.
The average retail price for 1 carton (5 pens) of brand-name Saxenda is $1569.85. Saxenda has a generic version available called liraglutide. The average retail cost for 1 carton of liraglutide is $1191.25.
What factors affect the cost of Saxenda?
Many factors affect the cost of Saxenda. Some can increase the price, while others may decrease it.
Brand vs. generic availability
Using a generic medication is one of the most effective ways to save money on your prescriptions. Saxenda is available as a lower-cost generic. The liraglutide injection works just as well as brand-name Saxenda. Using generic liraglutide offers the same quality as Saxenda but at a lower cost to you.
Dosage and quantity
The cost of Saxenda will largely depend on how many boxes you get. Each brand-name and generic Saxenda pen contains 18 mg of the medication. And each carton contains 5 pens. Once you’ve reached the recommended maintenance dose, a carton of Saxenda should last adults a month.
A carton may last longer when you’re first starting the medication. You’ll start with a low dose and gradually raise it over several weeks. Saxenda dosages for adolescents may also be lower than adult dosages. So a carton may also last longer for a child.
Location
In some cases, where you live can affect the cost of your medication. For example, according to GoodRx research, people living in Denver pay less overall for prescriptions than people living in New Orleans.
Pharmacy
Some pharmacies may charge more than others for Saxenda — even if they’re in the same city. GoodRx can help you save money by telling you which pharmacy near you offers the best price on your medication.
Insurance coverage
Using insurance can help lower the price of Saxenda. Keep in mind that even if you have an insurance plan that covers Saxenda, you may still be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses. These may include a deductible, copays, and coinsurance.
Review your insurance plan’s summary of benefits and coverage and formulary (list of covered medications) to see if Saxenda is included. You can also call the member services phone number on your prescription insurance card. A representative can tell you about coverage requirements, restrictions, and expected out-of-pocket costs.
What to do if Saxenda isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover Saxenda, try the following:
Use GoodRx. Try using GoodRx if Saxenda isn’t covered or costs too much through your insurance plan.
Request a formulary exception. If Saxenda isn’t listed on your plan’s formulary, request a formulary exception. Each plan has its own process for this, so contact your insurer for guidance.
File an appeal. If your formulary exception request is denied, you and your prescriber can appeal your insurer’s decision. Your insurance company will generally have a specific appeals process, which may require submitting additional medical records to support your request. Follow up with your health plan and work closely with your prescriber to advocate for your needs.
Consider switching plans. When it’s time for open enrollment, compare different health insurance plans to find one that provides better coverage for the medications you need.
Ask your prescriber about alternatives
Not all insurance plans are created equal. Each plan has its own list of covered or preferred medications. Some prefer to cover oral tablets, while others may provide better coverage for injectables.
Once you have your plan’s formulary, you can discuss alternatives to Saxenda with your prescriber. Some examples of alternative weight-loss medications include:
Ways to save money on Saxenda
Here are three ways that you may be able to save money on Saxenda.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
A GoodRx coupon could help you save on brand-name and generic Saxenda without insurance. With GoodRx, you may pay as low as $1323.69 for 1 carton of brand-name Saxenda. And 1 carton of generic liraglutide may cost as little as $372.45.
Here’s how to get a coupon:
Go to www.goodrx.com, or open the GoodRx app on your mobile device.
Type “Saxenda (brand-name)” or “Saxenda (generic)” in the search bar.
Click “Start saving,” or tap or click return.
Select the correct quantity, along with your location.
Choose to get your coupon by text or email, or print it out.
To avoid delays in processing, show the coupon to the pharmacy staff before they fill your prescription.
Keep in mind: GoodRx savings may vary by pharmacy and geographic location. The GoodRx website and app can help you compare prices in your area.
2. Ask about a 3-month supply
One idea is to fill a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply of Saxenda. Not only could this lower your overall costs, but it also means fewer trips to the pharmacy. Keep in mind that you’ll need a prescription that’s written specifically for a 90-day supply.
If your insurance covers Saxenda, check if your carrier offers lower prices for prescriptions filled through their mail-order pharmacy.
3. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
Another money-saving tip is to use funds from your health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to pay for Saxenda. These accounts let you set aside pretax dollars for qualified medical expenses. This can help you reduce your healthcare costs through tax savings.
Keep in mind that HSA funds roll over every year. But the money in your FSA usually has an expiration date. HRA funds may or may not expire depending on your account.
Frequently asked questions
Maybe, depending on your insurance coverage. If your plan covers Saxenda, they could charge you a $25 copay. But that’s something your plan will decide.
Keep in mind that $25 is a common manufacturer copay savings card offer for other popular weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy and Zepbound. Saxenda doesn’t have a copay savings card available.
Yes, Saxenda is being discontinued. The manufacturer Novo Nordisk has announced that the last shipments of Saxenda will go out to wholesalers in January 2027. There are several alternative weight-loss medications available, including a generic for Saxenda. Ask your prescriber about switching to generic liraglutide or another weight-loss medication before Saxenda is discontinued.
Maybe, depending on your insurance coverage. If your plan covers Saxenda, they could charge you a $25 copay. But that’s something your plan will decide.
Keep in mind that $25 is a common manufacturer copay savings card offer for other popular weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy and Zepbound. Saxenda doesn’t have a copay savings card available.
Yes, Saxenda is being discontinued. The manufacturer Novo Nordisk has announced that the last shipments of Saxenda will go out to wholesalers in January 2027. There are several alternative weight-loss medications available, including a generic for Saxenda. Ask your prescriber about switching to generic liraglutide or another weight-loss medication before Saxenda is discontinued.
The bottom line
Saxenda (liraglutide) is an injectable weight-loss medication. The average retail cost of 1 carton (5 pens) Saxenda without insurance is $1569.85. The average retail cost for 1 carton of generic liraglutide is $1191.25. How much you pay for Saxenda depends on your location, dosage, and insurance coverage.
To save money on Saxenda, consider using GoodRx coupons. You can also fill a 90-day supply or use tax-advantaged health funds to pay for your prescription.
Why trust our experts?
References
Jensen, L., et al. (2026). Liraglutide injection. ASHP’s Drug Shortage Bulletins.
NovoCare. (n.d.). What is the list price for Saxenda and will it impact me? Novo Nordisk.
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries. (2026). Saxenda- liraglutide injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. (2025). Teva announces FDA approval and launch of generic Saxenda (liraglutide injection) – first generic GLP-1 indicated for weight loss.
