Oral Semaglutide Complete Guide — 2025 Edition

[Cheat Sheet] Oral Semaglutide Price & Where to Buy (2025 Update)

If you are searching for how much oral semaglutide costs and where to buy it legally, safely, and at the best price, here is a quick overview:

• U.S. originator drug: About US$998 per month (out-of-pocket). Available through multiple telehealth platforms with online prescribing.
• China originator drug: About CNY 3,600–12,600 per month. You can obtain a prescription via “online consultation” on JD.com / Taobao and have it delivered.
• Taiwan originator drug: About NT$5,000–13,000 per month. A doctor’s prescription is required and it cannot be purchased purely online.
• Cross-border generic: Typically less than half the price of the originator. Subject to local “personal use” regulations, small quantities (usually up to 3 months’ supply) can be imported legally for personal use with global shipping.

So if your goal is to find the cheapest and most convenient way to buy oral semaglutide:
Cross-border purchasing of Bangladesh DGDA-approved generic oral semaglutide (for example, Ziska Pharma’s Semaglo) is currently one of the best options in terms of both price and convenience.

I. Oral Semaglutide Price: Originator Prices in Different Countries

Oral semaglutide was developed by Novo Nordisk and received U.S. FDA approval in September 2019. It became the world’s first approved oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, primarily indicated for blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Because oral semaglutide improves insulin secretion and glycemic control while also causing weight loss, some doctors also use it off-label for weight management in clinical practice.

Oral semaglutide is attractive to many people who want to lose weight with semaglutide, especially those who are afraid of injections or whose weight-loss goals do not require the stronger effects of injectable formulations.

This article will walk you through reference cash prices for oral semaglutide in major markets and help you choose legal and more affordable purchasing channels!

The following are reference self-pay prices for originator oral semaglutide (based on 30 tablets per month) in each market.

Self-pay Oral Semaglutide Prices (Converted to USD)

Dose	🇺🇸 U.S.	🇯🇵 Japan	🇨🇳 China	🇹🇼 Taiwan
3 mg	$998	$70	$120	$170
7 mg	$998	$160	$230	$230
14 mg	$998	$260	$420	$420

Self-pay Oral Semaglutide Prices (Converted to TWD)

Dose	🇺🇸 U.S.	🇯🇵 Japan	🇨🇳 China	🇹🇼 Taiwan
3 mg	$29,900	$2,100	$3,600	$5,100
7 mg	$29,900	$4,800	$6,900	$6,900
14 mg	$29,900	$7,800	$12,600	$12,600

Self-pay Oral Semaglutide Prices (Converted to CNY)

Dose	🇺🇸 U.S.	🇯🇵 Japan	🇨🇳 China	🇹🇼 Taiwan
3 mg	¥6,020	¥420	¥720	¥1,020
7 mg	¥6,020	¥960	¥1,380	¥1,380
14 mg	¥6,020	¥1,560	¥2,520	¥2,520

From the tables above, it is clear that the U.S. has the highest prices for oral semaglutide, with all doses costing nearly US$1,000 per month. Japan has the lowest prices, at roughly one-quarter of the U.S. level. There are several reasons for this:

1. In Japan, drug prices are regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare under the “National Drug Price List.” Even self-pay prescriptions are influenced by this pricing framework.
2. Many Japanese clinics offer “self-pay weight management services” using oral semaglutide. While consultation fees are charged separately, the drug itself is sold at wholesale price plus a reasonable margin, instead of multiple-tier markups typical in U.S. retail pharmacies.
3. There is intense competition among private clinics in Japan offering GLP-1 weight-loss programs, which puts downward pressure on prices.

However, in many other Asia-Pacific markets, even though oral semaglutide is cheaper than in the U.S., long-term self-pay use still represents a significant financial burden for patients.

II. Oral Semaglutide Price: Insurance Coverage by Country

🇺🇸 U.S.: Medicare Part D Coverage

In most markets, commercial insurance and Medicare Part D cover oral semaglutide, especially under plans that include this product in their formulary. Approximately 98% of commercial plans and 95% of Medicare Part D plans provide coverage. Eligible patients may also qualify for savings programs, with out-of-pocket costs as low as US$10 per month for the first 3 months. However, coverage only applies to the type 2 diabetes indication; weight-loss patients still need to pay out-of-pocket.

🇹🇼 Taiwan: Not Covered by National Health Insurance

As an oral GLP-1 medication, oral semaglutide is currently not reimbursed by Taiwan’s National Health Insurance. Both type 2 diabetes and weight-management use require out-of-pocket payment.

🇯🇵 Japan: Not Covered by National Health Insurance (NHI)

Under Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system, insurance typically covers about 70% of the cost of standard medications. However, oral semaglutide, as an oral GLP-1 agent, is not currently covered and must be paid out-of-pocket.

🇨🇳 China: Not Included in the National Reimbursement Drug List

At present, oral semaglutide has not been included in China’s National Reimbursement Drug List, so patients must pay for it themselves.

III. Where to Buy Oral Semaglutide Safely and Affordably: Consider Generic Versions from Bangladesh

What Is a Generic Drug and Why Is It Cheaper?

A generic drug is a medication that contains the same active ingredient, dosage, route of administration, and therapeutic effect as the originator drug, but is not manufactured by the original innovator company. Generic drugs are usually priced lower than originator drugs, helping reduce healthcare costs and providing economic benefits to both patients and healthcare systems.

In Theory, There Should Be No Generic Oral Semaglutide Before 2031

Under U.S. patent protection rules, new drugs typically enjoy at least 12 years of market exclusivity to protect the innovator’s R&D investment. Patents related to oral semaglutide are expected to expire around 2031 at the earliest, which means that, in principle, no other companies can manufacture oral semaglutide before then.

However, Bangladeshi Manufacturers Are Allowed to Produce Generic Oral Semaglutide

Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest producers of generic medicines. Protected by WTO (World Trade Organization) TRIPS exemptions for least developed countries, local manufacturers are allowed to legally produce generic versions of patented medicines, even while patents remain in force globally.

Leading Bangladeshi manufacturers maintain strict quality standards for their generics:

• They hold WHO-recognized quality certifications (such as WHO-PQ and GMP);
• They are formally approved for marketing by the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) in Bangladesh;
• They have demonstrated bioequivalence, meaning their efficacy is equivalent to the originator drug.

Bangladesh-made Oral Semaglutide Costs Only About One-third of the Originator Price or Less

These generics are usually shipped directly from the manufacturer without multiple intermediaries, making pricing transparent and reasonable. They offer a reliable and affordable option for many patients who pay out-of-pocket for treatment.

The world’s first generic oral semaglutide was launched by long-established Bangladeshi manufacturer Ziska Pharmaceuticals under the brand name Semaglo. To date, Ziska has produced more than 100,000 doses of generic oral semaglutide, primarily serving patients in Bangladesh and neighboring Asian countries.

IV. Where to Buy Oral Semaglutide? Channels for Originator Products

1. Offline Hospitals and Clinics

Oral semaglutide is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a licensed physician. It is typically prescribed after evaluation in endocrinology, metabolism clinics, or weight-management and aesthetic clinics. For weight management, patients need to meet clinical criteria (such as elevated BMI and comorbidities), and treatment should be monitored by a doctor.

2. Telehealth Platforms

In a few countries with advanced telehealth infrastructure, consumers can obtain an oral semaglutide prescription via online consultation and have the medication delivered. However, these telehealth platforms generally do not provide cross-border shipping.

🇺🇸 U.S.: Multiple Telehealth Platforms

For example, platforms such as PlushCare, QuickMD, and Eden Telemed Clinic offer remote consultations and prescriptions.

🇨🇳 China: Taobao, JD.com

Patients can obtain an online prescription through healthcare services embedded in these major e-commerce platforms and have the drug delivered by partner pharmacies.

🇯🇵 Japan: Telemedicine Clinics

Some medical institutions provide prescriptions for oral semaglutide (Japanese brand name: リベルサス) via telemedicine. Patients can consult doctors remotely, receive a prescription after assessment, and have the medication dispensed and shipped according to the prescribed amount.

V. Where to Buy Oral Semaglutide? Channels for Generic Products

1. Cross-border Medication Platforms

Approved generics can be purchased through cross-border medication platforms such as Mediva Rx, which place orders directly with Bangladeshi manufacturers. The medicines are shipped by air directly from the manufacturer to your doorstep, typically arriving within about a week.

Many Asian countries (including Japan, Taiwan, China, and Australia) allow individuals to import small quantities of prescription medications from overseas for personal use, usually limited to no more than a three-month supply per shipment. Resale is strictly prohibited and would constitute a legal violation.

For small, personal-use quantities, customs usually do not require a prescription or medical certificate and generally do not collect import duties on personal medicines. Because regulations on personal cross-border medication purchases differ by country, please refer to the Guide to Importing Medicines for Personal Use for more details.

When choosing a generic, always confirm that the source is a manufacturer with internationally recognized certifications and that the dosage matches the originator to ensure both efficacy and safety.

2. Pharmacies in Bangladesh

Some consumers choose to fly to Bangladesh and purchase generics directly from local pharmacies, then bring the medicines back home. However, this approach is costly in both time and money and is not suitable for everyone.

3. Private Resellers (Not Recommended)

In many markets, some private resellers purchase large quantities of generics from Bangladeshi pharmacies and resell them domestically. This practice violates local regulations and exposes consumers to risks such as expired or counterfeit products.

 

VI. How Effective Is Oral Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

Although oral semaglutide has not yet been approved for a weight-loss indication in most regions, clinical studies by Novo Nordisk (the PIONEER trial program) show that daily oral semaglutide 14 mg not only improves glycemic control but also leads to an average weight loss of around 4–5 kg over 26 weeks.

In addition, a real-world study from Switzerland found that patients taking 14 mg of oral semaglutide daily for one year experienced an average weight reduction of 5.7% (5.9 kg).

VI. How Effective Is Oral Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

Although oral semaglutide has not yet been approved for a weight-loss indication in most regions, clinical studies by Novo Nordisk (the PIONEER trial program) show that daily oral semaglutide 14 mg not only improves glycemic control but also leads to an average weight loss of around 4–5 kg over 26 weeks.

In addition, a real-world study from Switzerland found that patients taking 14 mg of oral semaglutide daily for one year experienced an average weight reduction of 5.7% (5.9 kg).

It is important to emphasize that oral semaglutide is currently only approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Using it for weight management should be based on a physician’s assessment of risks and benefits. It should never be used without medical supervision.

 

VII. How Is Oral Semaglutide Different From Other GLP-1 Drugs?

The comparison between oral semaglutide and other common GLP-1 medications is summarized in the table below:

	Oral semaglutide	Semaglutide injection	Tirzepatide
Brand-Name Manufacturer	Novo Nordisk	Novo Nordisk	Eli Lilly
Active ingredient	Semaglutide	Semaglutide	Tirzepatide
Indication	Type 2 diabetes	Weight management	Type 2 diabetes / Weight management
Formulation	Oral tablet	Subcutaneous injection	Subcutaneous injection
Dosing frequency	Once daily	Once weekly	Once weekly

Like Semaglutide injection, oral Semaglutide contains semaglutide as its main active ingredient. Oral semaglutide is an oral formulation with higher doses taken daily. Because oral medications must be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, their bioavailability is only about 0.4%–1%. As a result, higher doses are needed to achieve blood levels and efficacy similar to those of injectable formulations, which also contributes to a higher per-unit cost for oral semaglutide.

 

VIII. What Is “Compounded Oral Semaglutide” and Why You Should No Longer Use It

Between 2023 and 2024, shortages in Novo Nordisk’s supply chain led to severe stockouts of oral semaglutide in many regions. During this period, the U.S. market saw the rise of so-called “compounded oral semaglutide”: versions prepared by compounding pharmacies using similar raw materials. These products were typically much cheaper than the originator, making them highly attractive to consumers.

Under U.S. law, when a drug is placed on the “shortage list,” the FDA may temporarily allow qualified pharmacies (such as 503A pharmacies and 503B outsourcing facilities) to compound that medication to help address the shortage. At the time, many telehealth platforms and pharmacies offered compounded oral semaglutide for self-pay use.

However, these compounded medications are not produced under a license from the originator nor have they gone through the FDA’s full approval process. They lack robust evidence for quality, dose consistency, and sterile manufacturing. The FDA has also warned that some compounded products may not contain the correct active ingredient and may even be contaminated or counterfeit.

By 2025, as Novo Nordisk’s supply had stabilized, the FDA removed oral semaglutide from its shortage list and officially prohibited all pharmacies from compounding or selling compounded versions of oral semaglutide. Pharmacies and clinics that previously offered these products were ordered to withdraw them, and violators may face enforcement actions and civil liability.

For consumers, this sends a clear signal: there are no longer any legally authorized compounded oral semaglutide products on the market. If you still see compounded oral semaglutide priced far below market averages and from unclear sources, it is very likely an illegal product and may pose serious health risks.

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Popular FAQs

Q1: How does oral semaglutide work?

When we eat, the gut releases a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone sends a “I’m full” signal to the brain, while stimulating insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon. The result is better blood sugar control and reduced appetite.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 analog developed as a once-daily oral medication by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

Unlike traditional GLP-1 drugs that require injection, oral semaglutide is taken once daily by mouth and can continuously suppress appetite, prolong satiety, and stabilize blood glucose. It has been approved as a prescription drug for type 2 diabetes in multiple countries, including:
🇺🇸 U.S., 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇪🇺 European Union, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇦🇺 Australia, and others.

Q2: Why is oral semaglutide so expensive?

Oral semaglutide is expensive mainly because it is an innovative GLP-1 drug developed by Novo Nordisk. The R&D process—from molecular design to clinical trials—has cost several billion U.S. dollars. Before its patents expire, the company tends to use premium pricing to recoup its investment.

Furthermore, oral semaglutide is currently the only oral GLP-1 product on the market. Combined with high demand for obesity and diabetes treatment and limited production capacity, the supply-demand imbalance supports a high final retail price.

Q3: Will the price of oral semaglutide go down in the future?

In the short term, it is unlikely that oral semaglutide will see a dramatic price cut. There are three main reasons: First, its patents will not expire until at least 2031, so Novo Nordisk retains monopoly pricing power until then. Second, global demand continues to rise while supply remains tight, supporting high prices. Third, the manufacturer is likely to maintain a value-based pricing strategy and will not reduce prices easily.

However, in the longer term, if competitors launch new products and governments or insurers increase pricing pressure, Novo Nordisk may adjust prices downward.

Q4: What is the relationship between oral semaglutide and semaglutide?

“Semaglutide” is the generic active ingredient name, while “oral semaglutide” refers to the oral tablet formulation of this ingredient. They refer to the same active substance; the difference lies in the formulation and route of administration.

Q5: Which is better for weight loss: oral semaglutide or injectable semaglutide?

Based on current clinical trial data, semaglutide-based weight-loss injections show greater weight-loss effects than oral semaglutide. Over 68 weeks, injectable formulations can reduce body weight by approximately 12–15% in overweight patients, whereas oral semaglutide can achieve around 4–6% weight loss over 52 weeks. This is mainly because injectables can deliver more stable and sustained drug concentrations, while oral formulations are limited by gastrointestinal absorption and thus have milder effects. In addition, injectables are often specifically designed for obesity treatment with stepwise dose-escalation schemes tailored to weight loss, while oral semaglutide is primarily indicated for type 2 diabetes, with weight loss as a secondary benefit.

Q6: Are generic versions of oral semaglutide less effective?

No. As long as they pass international bioequivalence studies and certification, generic versions have comparable absorption and therapeutic effects to the originator and are considered safe and effective.

Q7: What dose should I start with for oral semaglutide?

It is generally recommended to start at 3 mg and slowly titrate to 7 mg or 14 mg according to your doctor’s instructions. Whether the maximum dose is necessary depends on your individual situation.

Q8: Will I regain weight after stopping oral semaglutide?

If you do not continue to manage your diet and exercise after stopping the medication, your weight may rebound. The drug is a tool; long-term lifestyle changes are the real key to maintaining results.

 

If you have further questions about oral semaglutide or generic options, feel free to contact the Mediva Rx professional team. We provide safe, compliant, and affordable medication options to help you take the first step in managing your health.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for reference only. Specific treatment choices should follow your doctor’s advice, the official prescribing information, and the latest clinical research.