Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Liraglutide (Victoza) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Victoza 1.2mg/day Pen (brand) | $900 – $1,000 | $50 – $200 |
| Victoza 1.8mg/day Pen (brand) | $950 – $1,050 | $60 – $250 |
| Saxenda 3mg/day (weight loss brand) | $1,300 – $1,500 | $100 – $400 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Tier 3 brand — injectable GLP-1 agonist; prior authorization typically required
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Victoza costs $900 to $1,000 per month without insurance. With insurance and copay cards, costs may be reduced to $50 to $250 per month.
Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but semaglutide (Ozempic) is newer, more potent for weight loss, and dosed weekly. Liraglutide (Victoza) is injected daily and was the first in this class with cardiovascular benefit data.
Yes, liraglutide causes significant weight loss. At the higher Saxenda dose (3mg daily), it is FDA-approved specifically for weight management, with average weight loss of 5-8% of body weight.