The headline cost of GLP-1 medications, $900–1,300/month for brand-name Wegovy or Zepbound, causes many people to give up before they start. But that's not the real cost for most people. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, available through telehealth providers, cost $147–280/month. Here's the full breakdown.
Brand-Name GLP-1 Costs
| Medication | Monthly Retail Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) | $935–1,050 | With manufacturer coupon if insured |
| Ozempic (semaglutide, off-label) | $900–1,000 | Approved for T2D, widely prescribed off-label |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | $1,050–1,300 | FDA-approved for weight management |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide, off-label) | $1,000–1,250 | Approved for T2D |
Compounded GLP-1 Costs
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are significantly less expensive because they're made by licensed compounding pharmacies rather than the original drug manufacturers. The active ingredient is identical; what differs is the regulatory pathway and the elimination of brand-name markup.
| Medication | Monthly Cost (telehealth) | All-Inclusive? |
|---|---|---|
| Compounded semaglutide | $147–200 | Best providers: yes |
| Compounded tirzepatide | $197–280 | Best providers: yes |
"All-inclusive" means the price includes medication, physician consultation, supplies (syringes, needles, alcohol swabs), and shipping. Some providers advertise a low base price and add fees at checkout, always get the all-in monthly number before committing.
What's Included in a Telehealth Price
Legitimate telehealth GLP-1 providers typically include:
- Physician evaluation and prescription (async or video)
- Medication from a licensed US compounding pharmacy
- Injection supplies
- Shipping (often free)
- Check-in messaging with clinical staff
Watch for providers that charge separately for consultations, supplies, or shipping on top of a low advertised medication price.
Insurance Coverage Reality
Most commercial insurance plans do not cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss, they're more likely to cover them for type 2 diabetes. Medicare explicitly excludes weight loss medications from Part D coverage. If you have type 2 diabetes and are prescribed these medications for that indication, coverage is more likely but still not guaranteed.
For most people trying to access GLP-1 medications for weight loss, the practical choice is compounded medication through a telehealth provider at $147–280/month, not brand-name through insurance.