Cheapest Way to Get GLP-1 Medications Online in 2026

Last updated: February 2026 · Written by the Clear Metabolic team

I have been on Mounjaro for over a year. Before I started, I spent an unreasonable amount of time comparing every provider, pharmacy, and savings program I could find. GLP-1 pricing is genuinely confusing — brand-name drugs that cost over $1,000 a month, compounded versions at a fraction of the price, manufacturer savings cards with a maze of eligibility rules, and telehealth startups popping up every week.

This guide is what I wish existed when I started. No fluff, no vague “talk to your doctor” hedging on pricing. Just a clear breakdown of what things actually cost in 2026 and the cheapest legitimate ways to get GLP-1 medications delivered to your door.

TL;DR — The Cheapest Options Right Now

If you want the short answer, here it is:

• Cheapest compounded semaglutide: Found Health ($129/mo) or Ro ($149/mo for medication, plus membership fees)
• Cheapest compounded tirzepatide: MEDVi (~$179/mo starting) or comparable telehealth providers
• Cheapest brand-name tirzepatide (Zepbound): LillyDirect self-pay vials at $299-$449/mo depending on dose
• Cheapest brand-name semaglutide (Wegovy): NovoCare Pharmacy introductory pricing at $199/mo for starter doses
• Best deal if you have commercial insurance: Manufacturer savings cards can bring brand-name costs down to $25/mo

The rest of this guide explains the tradeoffs, red flags, and details behind each option.

Brand-Name vs. Compounded GLP-1s: What You Need to Know

This is the single most important distinction in the GLP-1 world right now, and most people get confused by it. Let me break it down plainly.

Brand-Name GLP-1 Medications

These are the FDA-approved drugs made by the pharmaceutical companies that developed them:

• Ozempic (semaglutide, by Novo Nordisk) — approved for type 2 diabetes
• Wegovy (semaglutide, by Novo Nordisk) — approved for weight management
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide, by Eli Lilly) — approved for type 2 diabetes
• Zepbound (tirzepatide, by Eli Lilly) — approved for weight management

These are the “real deal.” They have gone through rigorous FDA clinical trials. They come in pre-filled pens (and now some vial options). And they are expensive — list prices run from roughly $900 to $1,400+ per month without insurance.

Compounded GLP-1 Medications

Compounded versions are pharmacy-made copies of these same active ingredients (semaglutide or tirzepatide). A licensed compounding pharmacy takes the raw active ingredient and formulates the injectable (or sometimes oral) medication in-house.

This is legal under FDA rules — specifically under Section 503A and 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Compounding pharmacies have been allowed to produce these medications while the FDA has maintained an official drug shortage designation for semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Key facts about compounded GLP-1s:

• They contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name drug
• They are not FDA-approved as finished products (the raw ingredient is, but the final compounded product has not gone through FDA review for safety, efficacy, or quality)
• They are significantly cheaper — typically $129 to $399 per month vs. $900+ for brand-name
• They are made by U.S.-licensed compounding pharmacies (503A or 503B facilities)
• They have been available primarily because of FDA drug shortage designations

The critical caveat: The legal situation is shifting. The FDA resolved the tirzepatide shortage in October 2025 and the semaglutide shortage in February 2025, though legal challenges and evolving enforcement have kept the market in flux through early 2026. More on this below.

Price Comparison: GLP-1 Telehealth Providers

Here is what the major online GLP-1 providers are charging as of early 2026. These are approximate rates and can change — always verify current pricing on the provider’s website.

A few things to note about this table:

1. Prices change frequently. Telehealth startups adjust pricing every few months. Always check the provider’s current site.
2. Watch for hidden fees. Some providers advertise a low medication price but charge a separate membership, consultation, or lab fee. Ro’s membership fee of $145/month, for example, is on top of the medication cost.
3. Dose matters. Most providers charge more as your dose increases. The starting price advertised is almost always the lowest-dose price.
4. Upfront billing. Some providers (Hims/Hers in particular) offer their best monthly rate only when you pay for 6-12 months upfront.

Insurance vs. Cash Pay: Which Is Actually Cheaper?

This depends entirely on your insurance plan, but here is a general framework.

When Insurance Makes Sense

If you have commercial insurance (employer-provided or marketplace) that covers GLP-1 medications for weight management or type 2 diabetes, and you pair it with a manufacturer savings card, you could pay as little as $25 per month for brand-name Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, or Ozempic.

That is far cheaper than any compounded option. The catch: many insurance plans do not cover GLP-1s for weight loss, or they impose prior authorization requirements, step therapy, or high specialty-tier copays.

Insurance is worth pursuing if:

• Your plan explicitly covers Wegovy, Zepbound, or other GLP-1s for weight management
• You have a diabetes diagnosis (coverage for Ozempic/Mounjaro for T2D is more common)
• Your employer offers a plan with obesity medication benefits (large employers increasingly do)
• You qualify for manufacturer savings cards (more on these below)

When Cash Pay / Compounded Is Cheaper

For many people, insurance either does not cover GLP-1s for weight loss at all, or the out-of-pocket cost after insurance is still $300-$500+/month due to high specialty copays or coinsurance.

Cash pay (compounded) is usually the better deal if:

• Your insurance does not cover GLP-1 medications for weight management
• Your plan requires a prior authorization you cannot get approved
• Your specialty copay or coinsurance is higher than $200-$300/month
• You are on a high-deductible plan and have not met your deductible

In those cases, a compounded semaglutide provider at $149-$249/month beats what many people would pay through insurance. And LillyDirect’s Zepbound vials at $299-$449/month are often competitive with or cheaper than insurance copays for specialty medications.

My personal experience: I initially tried to go through insurance for Mounjaro. The prior authorization took three weeks, got denied, and the appeal took another month. By the time I had an answer (still denied for weight loss), I could have been on medication for two months through a cash-pay provider. Time has a cost too.

Manufacturer Savings Programs

Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk offer programs to reduce out-of-pocket costs. These are worth exploring before you commit to a compounded provider.

Eli Lilly Savings Card (Mounjaro & Zepbound)

Mounjaro Savings Card (for type 2 diabetes):

• Pay as little as $25 per month with eligible commercial insurance
• Maximum savings of $150 per 1-month prescription
• Annual cap of $1,950 in savings per calendar year
• Valid through December 31, 2026
• Not available for Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance

Zepbound via LillyDirect (for weight management, self-pay):

• Single-dose vials available directly from Eli Lilly
• $299/month for the 2.5 mg starting dose
• $399/month for the 5 mg dose
• $449/month for 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses
• No insurance required, no income requirements
• Must refill within 45 days for the discounted pricing on higher doses
• Available for pickup at Walmart pharmacies nationwide via LillyDirect

The LillyDirect self-pay option is a genuinely good deal for brand-name tirzepatide. At $449/month for the maintenance dose, it is roughly a third of the list price and you are getting the actual FDA-approved product. If you want brand-name and do not have insurance coverage, this is worth serious consideration.

Novo Nordisk (Wegovy & Ozempic)

Wegovy Savings Card:

• Pay as little as $25 per month with eligible commercial insurance
• Maximum savings of $100 per 1-month fill
• Not available for government insurance beneficiaries

NovoCare Pharmacy Direct Pricing:

• Introductory pricing: $199/month for 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses (available through March 31, 2026)
• Higher doses (1.5 mg, 4 mg): $149-$199/month with savings offers
• Some offers are time-limited, so check NovoCare’s current programs

Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP):

• For qualifying low-income patients without insurance coverage
• Note that Wegovy is not currently covered under the traditional PAP for 2026
• Ozempic (for T2D) may be available through PAP for eligible patients

The Compounding Pharmacy Situation: What You Need to Know

This is the most rapidly evolving part of the GLP-1 market, and it directly affects pricing and availability.

How Compounding Became a Thing

Under FDA regulations, compounding pharmacies can produce copies of FDA-approved drugs when those drugs are on the FDA’s official drug shortage list. For the past two to three years, both semaglutide and tirzepatide were on that list, which opened the door for hundreds of compounding pharmacies to produce affordable alternatives.

This is what created the entire online GLP-1 telehealth market. Providers like Hims/Hers, Ro, and dozens of others partnered with 503A and 503B compounding pharmacies to offer semaglutide and tirzepatide at a fraction of the brand-name cost.

The Shortage Is Over — What Now?

As of early 2026, the FDA has resolved the shortage designations for both tirzepatide (October 2025) and semaglutide (February 2025). This means:

• The legal basis for mass-producing compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide has narrowed significantly
• The FDA has signaled it will prioritize enforcement against certain mass-marketed compounded GLP-1 products
• However, patient-specific compounding under Section 503A may still be permissible in narrow circumstances where a patient’s needs cannot be met by the FDA-approved version

What This Means for You

In practical terms, as of February 2026:

1. Compounded GLP-1s are still available from many providers, but the legal ground is shifting.
2. Prices may change. If compounding becomes more restricted, the cheap semaglutide and tirzepatide options could disappear or get more expensive.
3. Brand-name alternatives are getting cheaper. LillyDirect’s Zepbound vials at $299-$449/month and NovoCare’s Wegovy pricing are direct responses to the compounding market. The manufacturers are competing on price for the first time.
4. Legal battles are ongoing. Novo Nordisk has sued Hims & Hers. The FDA is updating its enforcement posture. This space is volatile.

My take: If you are considering a compounded GLP-1, it is still a legitimate option today through licensed providers and pharmacies. But I would not assume the current pricing and availability will last indefinitely. The trend is toward brand-name manufacturers lowering their direct-pay prices to undercut compounders. That is actually good news for consumers in the long run.

How to Actually Order GLP-1 Medications Online

Whether you go with a compounded provider or a brand-name direct-pay option, the process is similar. Here is what to expect step by step.

Step 1: Choose a Provider and Sign Up

Pick a telehealth provider from the comparison table above (or from our full provider comparison). You will create an account and fill out a health questionnaire. This typically asks about:

• Your height, weight, and BMI
• Medical history (diabetes, heart conditions, thyroid issues)
• Current medications
• Weight loss goals
• Whether you have tried other weight loss methods

Most providers require a BMI of 27+ (with a weight-related condition) or 30+ to qualify.

Step 2: Telehealth Consultation

A licensed prescriber (doctor, NP, or PA) reviews your information. Depending on the provider, this happens as:

• Asynchronous review: The prescriber reviews your questionnaire and messages you (most common, and fastest — often same-day)
• Video visit: A scheduled telehealth appointment where you speak with the prescriber live
• Phone call: Less common, but some providers offer this

The prescriber determines if you are a candidate for a GLP-1 medication and writes a prescription if appropriate. Some providers require lab work (bloodwork) before prescribing; others do not.

Step 3: Prescription and Pharmacy

Once prescribed, the medication is either:

• Shipped from a partner pharmacy directly to you (compounded providers)
• Filled at a retail pharmacy you choose (some brand-name prescriptions)
• Shipped via the manufacturer’s direct program (LillyDirect, NovoCare Pharmacy)

Compounded injectables ship cold-packed to maintain temperature. Most arrive within 3-7 business days.

Step 4: Start Your Medication

GLP-1 medications are injected subcutaneously (under the skin), typically once per week. You start at the lowest dose and titrate up every 4 weeks. Your provider should guide you through the dosing schedule.

Brand-name pens come pre-filled — you just dial the dose and inject. Compounded medications may come in vials, which means you draw the dose with a syringe (your provider or pharmacy will include instructions).

Step 5: Ongoing Refills and Check-ins

Most telehealth providers set up automatic monthly refills. You will have periodic check-ins with your prescriber (monthly or quarterly, depending on the provider) to monitor progress, adjust dosing, and manage any side effects.

Red Flags: What to Avoid

The demand for cheap GLP-1s has created a cottage industry of shady operators. Here is how to protect yourself.

Overseas Pharmacies and “Research Peptides”

Do not buy semaglutide or tirzepatide from:

• Overseas online pharmacies (often based in India, China, or Turkey) that sell without a prescription. You have no way to verify what is actually in the vial. There have been documented cases of contamination, incorrect dosing, and outright counterfeits.
• Peptide research supply companies that sell “research-grade” semaglutide labeled “not for human consumption.” These products are not manufactured under pharmaceutical-grade conditions. They are intended for laboratory research, not injection into your body.
• Social media sellers offering GLP-1 medications via Instagram, TikTok, or Telegram. This is illegal and dangerous.

Warning Signs of an Illegitimate Provider

Watch out for:

• No telehealth consultation required. Any legitimate provider must have a licensed prescriber evaluate you before dispensing a prescription medication.
• No U.S. pharmacy license. Ask which pharmacy fills the prescription. It should be a U.S.-licensed 503A or 503B compounding pharmacy, or a standard retail pharmacy.
• Prices that seem too good to be true. If someone is offering semaglutide for $50/month, question where it is coming from.
• No ongoing medical supervision. A responsible provider monitors you with regular check-ins, not just a one-time prescription.
• Pressure to buy in bulk. Legitimate providers dispense monthly. If someone wants you to buy six months upfront with no medical oversight, walk away.

How to Verify a Compounding Pharmacy

If you want to verify that a compounding pharmacy is legitimate:

1. Check the state board of pharmacy where the pharmacy is located. They should have an active license.
2. Look for PCAB accreditation (Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board) — this is a voluntary but meaningful quality standard.
3. Ask if they are a 503A or 503B facility. 503B outsourcing facilities are subject to FDA inspection and have stricter quality standards than 503A pharmacies.
4. Ask about third-party testing. Reputable compounders test their products for potency, sterility, and endotoxins.

The Bottom Line: My Recommendation

After spending a year on GLP-1 medication and tracking this market obsessively, here is my honest take on the best approach for different situations.

If you have commercial insurance that covers GLP-1s: Use your insurance + a manufacturer savings card. You could pay as little as $25/month for brand-name Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, or Ozempic. Nothing beats that.

If you do not have insurance coverage and want brand-name: LillyDirect’s Zepbound vials at $299-$449/month are the best deal for FDA-approved tirzepatide. NovoCare’s Wegovy introductory pricing ($199/month for starter doses) is worth considering if you prefer semaglutide.

If you want the absolute lowest cost and are comfortable with compounded: Providers like Found Health, Ro, and Shed offer compounded semaglutide in the $129-$199/month range. Just understand that compounded products are not FDA-approved as finished products, and the regulatory situation is changing.

If you want tirzepatide (dual GIP/GLP-1) at the lowest cost: MEDVi and similar providers offer compounded tirzepatide starting around $179-$279/month. LillyDirect Zepbound vials at $299/month for the starting dose are competitive and give you the brand-name product.

Regardless of which route you choose: Work with a legitimate, licensed provider. Get proper medical supervision. Do not cut corners on safety to save a few dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic or Wegovy?

Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy. However, the final compounded product is not FDA-approved. It has not gone through the same manufacturing, testing, and quality control processes as the brand-name versions. Many patients have had good results with compounded versions, but they are not identical products.

Can I get Ozempic online without a prescription?

No. Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) are prescription medications. Any legitimate provider will require a telehealth consultation with a licensed prescriber before dispensing. If someone offers to sell you these medications without a prescription, that is a major red flag.

How much does Ozempic cost without insurance?

Brand-name Ozempic has a list price of roughly $900-$1,000 per month without insurance. With GoodRx coupons, you might get it for $800-$850 at certain pharmacies. Compounded semaglutide from telehealth providers typically runs $129-$299 per month. NovoCare (Novo Nordisk’s direct pharmacy) offers Wegovy at $199/month for starter doses.

Will compounded GLP-1s still be available in 2026?

As of February 2026, compounded GLP-1 medications are still available from many providers, but the market is shifting. The FDA has resolved the shortage designations for both semaglutide and tirzepatide, which narrows the legal basis for mass compounding. Patient-specific compounding under Section 503A may continue in some form. The situation is evolving, and availability could change.

What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — it targets two hormones instead of one. In clinical trials, tirzepatide showed slightly greater average weight loss than semaglutide. Both are effective, and the best choice depends on your individual response and medical history.

Do I need a BMI of 30 to qualify?

Most providers require a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol). Some providers have slightly different criteria. If you are near the threshold, it is worth applying — the prescriber will make the final determination.

How quickly do GLP-1 medications work?

Most people notice reduced appetite within the first one to two weeks. Meaningful weight loss (5%+ of body weight) typically occurs within the first two to three months. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15-20% of body weight over 12-18 months, though individual results vary significantly.

Can I switch from compounded to brand-name (or vice versa)?

Yes. If you are on compounded semaglutide and want to switch to brand-name Wegovy (or vice versa), your prescriber can adjust your prescription. The same goes for switching between semaglutide and tirzepatide, though a dose adjustment period may be needed since they are different medications.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pricing information is approximate and based on publicly available data as of February 2026. Actual costs may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication. Clear Metabolic may earn a commission through provider links on this page. See our full disclosure.