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Wegovy Price in South Africa

Same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) but dosed and registered for weight loss, titrating up to 2.4 mg weekly. Novo Nordisk recently cut its SA prices, making the starting doses more competitive.

Active ingredient: semaglutide
Form: Pre-filled injection pen, once weekly
Maker: Novo Nordisk
Legal status: Schedule 4 — prescription required
Approved for: Registered specifically for weight management (higher-dose semaglutide).
Typical monthly cost: R1 800 – R3 700

Pricing

Wegovy prices (indicative)

Pharmacy	Item	Price
Pharmacy (indicative)	2.4 mg maintenance (1 month)	R3 700
Pharmacy (indicative)	Starting dose (after recent price cut)	R2 000

Prices last reviewed 2026-05-30. Pharmacies set their own prices and stock varies — confirm before you buy.

Safety

Side effects of Wegovy

Like other GLP-1 medicines, Wegovy (semaglutide, injected weekly) can cause side effects. The most common are usually mild and tend to ease as your body adjusts:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Abdominal pain or bloating
Reduced appetite and indigestion
Tiredness
Mild injection-site reactions

Get medical help if you experience any of the following:

Severe or persistent abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)
Gallbladder problems (pain, fever, jaundice)
Signs of low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Dehydration affecting the kidneys from prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea

This is not a complete list. Read the package insert and discuss risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Cover

Medical aid

Not typically covered — obesity is not classified as a chronic condition by most SA schemes.

Compare medical aid & gap cover

Access

How to get Wegovy

Wegovy is schedule 4 — prescription required. You need a consultation with a registered doctor, who issues a prescription you fill at a pharmacy — in person or via a licensed online-doctor service.

Speak to a licensed online doctor

Alternatives

Compare with other options

Ozempic Mounjaro Saxenda

FAQ

Wegovy — frequently asked questions

How much does Wegovy cost in South Africa?

Indicatively R1 800–R3 700 per month. The full 2.4 mg maintenance dose sits at the top of that range; lower starting doses are cheaper, especially after Novo Nordisk's recent SA price cut.

Is Wegovy available in South Africa?

Yes — Wegovy launched in SA and is stocked at registered pharmacies in five dose strengths as a Schedule 4 prescription medicine.

Does medical aid pay for Wegovy?

Generally no. Because most schemes don't classify obesity as a chronic condition, Wegovy is usually paid out of pocket for weight loss.

Wegovy vs Ozempic — what's the difference?

Same molecule (semaglutide). Wegovy is registered and dosed for weight loss; Ozempic is registered for diabetes and used off-label for weight loss.

Sources: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) registration data, the approved package inserts, and public pharmacy price listings. Last reviewed 2026-05-30. No information here is medical advice.