Affordable Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Alternatives
Compounded GLP-1 medications offer a more affordable alternative to brand-name options like Wegovy/Ozempic and Mounjaro/Zepbound. Created by licensed compounding pharmacies, these medications contain the same active ingredients (semaglutide or tirzepatide) at a fraction of the cost. However, they lack FDA approval and come with additional considerations regarding quality control and regulatory oversight.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Not FDA-Approved
Compounded medications are NOT FDA-approved. They are created under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which allows pharmacies to compound medications during drug shortages or for specific patient needs. They do not undergo the same rigorous testing and quality control as FDA-approved medications.
Compounded GLP-1 medications are custom-prepared formulations of semaglutide or tirzepatide created by licensed compounding pharmacies. They became widely available during the FDA-declared shortages of brand-name GLP-1 medications. These formulations aim to provide the same therapeutic effects as brand-name versions at significantly reduced prices.
💡 Our top compounded GLP-1 choice: Check out Coreage RX — Our #1 recommended provider with premium compounded semaglutide & tirzepatide starting at just $99/month.
When properly compounded with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide should theoretically provide similar results to brand-name semaglutide and brand-name tirzepatide. Many patients report comparable weight loss outcomes—15-20% of body weight depending on the active ingredient and dose.
The efficacy and safety of compounded medications depend heavily on the quality of the compounding pharmacy. Choose pharmacies that:
⚠️ Quality Concerns
Without FDA oversight, compounded medications may have inconsistent potency, purity, or sterility. There have been reports of contamination and quality issues with some compounded medications. Always verify your pharmacy's credentials and reputation.
Typical Cost: $200-$500 per month (60-80% less than brand-name)
Insurance: Generally NOT covered by insurance plans
Providers: Available through telehealth companies, online pharmacies, and some local compounding pharmacies
💰 Cost Savings Example
Brand-name Wegovy: ~$1,400/month without insurance
Compounded semaglutide: ~$300/month
Savings: ~$1,100/month or $13,200/year
Several telehealth and online pharmacy companies offer compounded GLP-1 medications:
Note: Availability and pricing vary by provider. Always verify pharmacy accreditation.
Ideal candidates include:
Not recommended for:
Compounded GLP-1 medications earn our "Best Value" designation for their significant cost savings and accessibility. However, the lack of FDA approval and variable quality prevent a perfect score.
If cost is your primary concern and you cannot access brand-name medications, compounded options from reputable, accredited pharmacies can be a reasonable choice. The dramatic cost savings make GLP-1 therapy accessible to many who would otherwise be priced out. However, carefully vet your provider, understand the risks, and maintain medical supervision throughout treatment.
Best Value Option
⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE
This review may be influenced by our financial relationships with compounded GLP-1 providers. We may receive significant compensation for referrals to telehealth and compounding pharmacy partners. Please read our full disclosure policy and consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication. Compounded medications carry additional risks. See our medical disclaimer.
Compare prices from vetted compounding pharmacies
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⚠️ DISCLOSURE: We may earn a commission from Coreage RX referrals
This recommendation may be influenced by our financial relationship with Coreage RX. See our full disclosure policy.
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