GLP-1 COST GUIDE: WHAT YOU'LL ACTUALLY PAY
💰 Quick Summary
Brand-name GLP-1s cost $1,000-1,300/month without insurance. Compounded versions run $150-600/month through telehealth providers. Oral semaglutide launches January 2026 at $149/month. Here's how to navigate your options.
CURRENT PRICING LANDSCAPE
| Option | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (brand semaglutide) | ~$1,300 | Cash price without insurance |
| Zepbound (brand tirzepatide) | ~$1,000 | Cash price without insurance |
| Compounded Semaglutide | $150-450 | Telehealth providers |
| Compounded Tirzepatide | $300-600 | Telehealth providers |
| Oral Semaglutide (coming) | $149 | Launches January 2026 |
OPTION 1: BRAND-NAME WITH INSURANCE
The gold standard — FDA-approved, consistent quality, covered by some insurance plans. The challenge: many insurers exclude weight loss medications, and prior authorization can be a battle.
✅ Pros
- FDA-approved product
- Consistent manufacturing quality
- Full clinical trial data
- Covered by some insurers
❌ Cons
- Many insurers don't cover
- Prior authorization hassle
- May require BMI ≥30 or comorbidity
- Cash price prohibitive
OPTION 2: COMPOUNDED (TELEHEALTH)
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are produced by compounding pharmacies using the same active ingredients. Legal under FDA regulations when there's a shortage. More affordable, but with important caveats.
✅ Pros
- 70-85% cheaper than brand
- No insurance needed
- Easier qualification
- Often includes provider visits
❌ Cons
- Not FDA-approved products
- Quality varies by pharmacy
- May end when shortages resolve
- Less regulatory oversight
⚠️ FDA Warning on Compounded GLP-1s
The FDA has issued warnings about compounded semaglutide products. Choose providers that use 503B-registered outsourcing facilities and provide certificates of analysis. Quality matters.
OPTION 3: ORAL SEMAGLUTIDE (COMING 2026)
Novo Nordisk is launching FDA-approved oral semaglutide 25mg in January 2026 at an aggressive price point designed to compete with compounding pharmacies.
✅ Pros
- FDA-approved product
- Competitive pricing
- No injections
- Same efficacy as injectable
❌ Cons
- Not available yet
- Strict dosing requirements
- Must take on empty stomach
- Potential supply constraints at launch
SAVING MONEY: LEGITIMATE OPTIONS
1. Manufacturer Savings Programs
- Novo Nordisk offers savings cards for Wegovy
- Eli Lilly has patient assistance for Zepbound
- Eligibility often requires commercial insurance
2. HSA/FSA Accounts
- GLP-1s are generally HSA/FSA eligible with prescription
- Pay with pre-tax dollars (effectively 20-35% savings)
- Works for both brand and compounded
3. Price Shopping Telehealth
- Prices vary significantly between providers
- Some include visits, labs, supplies in price
- Others charge separately — read the fine print
4. Wait for Oral Semaglutide
- $149/month FDA-approved option coming
- May be worth waiting if you're not in a hurry
- Combines brand quality with competitive pricing
WHAT TO AVOID
- Overseas pharmacies: Quality unverifiable, often counterfeit
- Social media sellers: Unregulated, potentially dangerous
- Prices too good to be true: Under $100/month should raise red flags
- Providers without pharmacy verification: Ask which 503B facility they use
TOTAL COST OF TREATMENT
Monthly medication cost is just part of the picture. Factor in:
- Initial consultation: $0-150 (many telehealth include this)
- Follow-up visits: $0-75/month (varies by provider)
- Labs: $0-200 (some providers include, others don't)
- Supplies: Usually included, sometimes separate
- Protein supplements: $50-100/month (recommended)
Realistic monthly budget: $200-700/month all-in for compounded options, depending on provider and add-ons.
COMPARE PROVIDER PRICING
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