GLP-1 quick answers

What is the cheapest way to get a GLP-1 right now?

The lowest monthly price we track that includes the medicine is at Embody. Embody’s compounded semaglutide costs $49 a month when you pay for 12 months up front ($588), or $79 if you pay month to month. Check the medicine, dose and commitment before you choose, because a low monthly price is not always your total cost.

Which GLP-1 program is best?

The best program is the one whose total cost, medicine and care fit you. Our program finder lets you narrow by medicine and format. It starts with listed prices and keeps partial or unconfirmed totals separate. Published scores have assessment limitations and do not show which provider gives better care. The partners below are a commercial starting point, not a care-quality ranking.

How do you get a GLP-1 prescription online?

Choose a provider serving your state, complete its medical intake, and have a licensed clinician assess you. A prescription is not guaranteed. Before paying, check whether the price includes the consultation, labs, medication and follow-up care.

How much does a GLP-1 cost without insurance?

The lowest complete price we track is from $49/mo for a compounded program, at Embody. Compare the ongoing price, not only the first-month offer. 4 of the 40 programs we track work with insurance in some way, which does not mean your plan covers treatment.

What is the difference between compounded and brand-name GLP-1s?

Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved products. Compounded products are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality before sale. Do not assume a compounded product is equivalent to a brand-name medicine.

Source: FDA: unapproved GLP-1 products.

Is compounded semaglutide the same as Wegovy?

No. Wegovy is an FDA-approved medicine; a compounded semaglutide product is not. Some compounded products use semaglutide salt forms that differ from the ingredient in approved drugs. Ask which formulation and pharmacy the provider uses.

Source: FDA: semaglutide formulations.

Semaglutide or tirzepatide: which works better for weight loss?

Tirzepatide produced greater average weight loss in the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial: 20.2% versus 13.7% with semaglutide at 72 weeks, in adults with obesity without diabetes. These results apply to the studied injections and doses, not compounded or oral products. Your prescriber should also consider side effects, medical history and cost.

Source: SURMOUNT-5 results (trial sponsor: Lilly).

How do I know if an online GLP-1 pharmacy is legitimate?

Check the dispensing pharmacy's state license, prescription requirement, US address and access to a licensed pharmacist. Ask the provider to name the pharmacy before paying. Read cancellation terms and independent complaints; a polished website or high review score is not enough.

Source: FDA BeSafeRx pharmacy checks.

Which GLP-1 telehealth platform is best for women?

Hers is one option marketed to women, but branding does not tell you whether a program fits your care needs. Compare its medication options, total price and follow-up support with other providers. Discuss pregnancy plans and your medical history with a licensed prescriber before treatment.

Is compounded semaglutide safe?

Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved. The FDA has reported dosing errors, including cases requiring hospitalization, and raises concerns about product quality and fraudulent labeling. Get clear written dosing instructions from the prescriber and pharmacist; do not guess vial measurements.

Source: FDA: compounded GLP-1 risks.

Is oral tirzepatide as effective as injections?

Do not assume it is. Results from tirzepatide injection trials do not establish how well a compounded tablet, drop or other oral formulation works. Ask for evidence for the exact product being offered, rather than an injection trial quoted in its marketing.

Source: SURMOUNT-5 studied injections.

What happens during a GLP-1 telehealth visit?

A clinician reviews your health history, current medicines and treatment goals. Care varies by provider: compare care models to see which use messaging and which offer or require video visits. Ask how follow-up, dose changes and side effects are handled, and whether labs cost extra.

Which online GLP-1 providers should I avoid?

Be cautious if a provider hides its pharmacy, ongoing costs or cancellation terms. Our safety records include FDA warning letters for 9 providers we track: Sprout Health, Hers, Eden Health GLP-1, Maximus, Direct Meds GLP-1, SkinnyRx, MEDVi, Belle, Strut Health. Read each letter's specific findings; a marketing violation and a medication-quality problem are different issues.

How do I get a GLP-1 covered by Medicare?

Ask your prescriber and plan which coverage route applies to you. Some prescriptions qualify through Part D for covered conditions. Eligible beneficiaries may instead use the temporary Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, running July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. Eligibility and prior authorization still apply.

Source: CMS: Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.

How do I switch GLP-1 providers without a gap in treatment?

Arrange an assessment with your new provider before canceling your current service. Confirm prescription requirements, supply timing and cancellation deadlines with both providers. Tell the new clinician your current medication and dose; do not overlap medication or change dosing on your own.

Should I switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?

Discuss the switch with your prescriber if results, side effects or cost are a concern. The two drugs are not interchangeable dose for dose. A head-to-head trial favored tirzepatide for average weight loss, but that does not establish the right treatment or switching dose for you.

Source: SURMOUNT-5 trial results.

Is there a GLP-1 provider near me?

For online care, start with your state rather than your distance from a clinic. Check that the provider serves your location and its clinician is licensed to treat you there. Our state guides cover available options and insurance context; they are not a directory of local clinics.

Is Embody, TrimRx, Gala or Hers legitimate?

Check each company's evidence before choosing. Hers has an FDA warning letter recorded in our current safety database. Our recorded third-party ratings are Embody 3.8/5 across 10,100 reviews; TrimRx 3.8/5 across 5,410 reviews; Gala 4.6/5 across 3,925 reviews; Hers 3.3/5 across 10,563 reviews. A review rating is not a medical-quality guarantee.

Who publishes this and how do you make money?

Iacob Pastina publishes GLP-1 Picks, an independent comparison of 40 telehealth providers. Some links earn us a commission. Provider scores follow our published methodology; commercially featured picks are labeled separately. We are not a pharmacy or medical provider.