The weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy will be available for purchase through Costco’s pharmacies in the United States, the drugs’ manufacturer announced.

Novo Nordisk said in a statement on Oct. 3 that the company is “excited to announce our collaboration with Costco Pharmacy” and that Costco members “ who are self-paying patients can now access” the two medications at Costco locations.

According to Costco’s website, the retail chain is offering injectable pen versions of Wegovy and Ozempic for $500.93 and $500.95, respectively. Ozempic comes in a 2 milligram per 3 milliliter strength, while Wegovy comes in multiple strengths.

The Epoch Times contacted both Costco and Novo Nordisk for comment.

Novo Nordisk’s Executive Vice President, David Moore, told news outlets this week in a statement that “our collaboration with Costco is another step forward by Novo Nordisk in making real Wegovy and Ozempic easier to access and afford—right where people already shop.”

“By partnering with one of the country’s most trusted retailers, we are meeting people where they are and connecting them to real, FDA-approved medicines in our premium pen devices with our $499 self-pay offer,” Moore added.

“Everyone deserves care that’s simple, reliable, and within reach—and we’re proud to lead the way in helping make that a reality.”

In an interview with NBC’s “Today” show last week, Moore said that “we want to make sure” the company is offering the “real and authentic” versions of the drugs, likely referring to a spate of counterfeit versions of the two drugs being offered.

“We know that Costco is a trusted brand,” he said.

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, targets the brain to impact the feeling or state of being hungry. The Food and Drug Administration approved Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy was approved for weight loss.

In recent years, the usage of semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists has skyrocketed among Americans. According to a survey released by KFF in May 2024, approximately 1 in 8 adults reported taking a GLP-1 medication, while around 6 percent of respondents indicated they were currently taking one.

The FDA issued a bulletin stating that consumers should be cautious of counterfeit versions of semaglutide that were discovered in the U.S. supply chain earlier this year. Novo Nordisk had informed the federal drug regulator that “several hundred units” of counterfeit Ozempic were distributed in the United States.

“FDA is aware of six adverse event reports associated with this lot, however, none of them appear to be associated with the counterfeit product. All six adverse events were reported by Novo Nordisk,” the agency said.

Last month, the FDA said it has concerns that “some patients and health care professionals may look to unapproved versions of GLP-1” agonist drugs as an option for weight loss, which it said could be “risky” for some patients.

In the “Today” interview, Moore said that the price of the drugs could “continue to decrease,” but called for an increase in health care insurance coverage for those drugs.