"How much do I need to spend to get my first dose?" That's what most people actually want to know — not the monthly price five months from now. This guide breaks down every cost you'll face in month one, from consultation to injection.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. This doesn't affect our analysis. Prices verified May 2026.
The Four Costs in Month One
Your first month typically includes four separate costs, though many providers bundle some or all of them:
1. Medical Consultation ($0–$100)
Every legitimate GLP-1 program requires a medical evaluation before prescribing. This is a licensed provider reviewing your health history, BMI, medications, and contraindications. Most telehealth platforms include this in the monthly price — but some charge separately.
- Bundled (most common): The consultation fee is included in your first month's payment. No extra charge.
- Separate fee: Some providers charge $50–$100 for the initial evaluation, then a lower monthly medication fee.
- Free evaluation: A few providers offer free initial consultations, charging only if you're approved and decide to proceed.
2. Medication ($146–$400+)
This is the big one. Your first month's medication cost varies widely by provider and medication type:
| Provider | First Month | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Yucca Health | $146 | Sema (6-mo plan pricing) |
| Embody | $149 | Sema, first-month promo |
| Gala | $179 | Sema, flat rate |
| Care Bare Rx | ~$199 | Sema, consult included |
| Oak Weight Loss | ~$130 | Sema, competitive entry price |
| SHED | ~$297 | Sema, initial dose level |
Watch out for introductory pricing. A $149 first month that jumps to $299 by month three is a different proposition than $179 flat. Always ask about the full price trajectory before signing up.
3. Supplies ($0–$30)
Injectable GLP-1 medications require syringes, alcohol swabs, and a sharps container. Some providers include these; others don't.
- Included: Most telehealth providers ship supplies with your medication at no extra cost.
- Not included: You'll buy syringes (~$10–15 for a box), alcohol swabs (~$5), and a sharps container (~$5–10) at any pharmacy. Total: ~$20–30 one-time.
4. Shipping ($0–$25)
GLP-1 medications require cold-chain shipping (temperature-controlled packaging). Most providers include standard shipping free. Expedited or overnight options may cost $15–25 extra.
Total First-Month Cost: Real Examples
| Scenario | Consult | Medication | Supplies | Shipping | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget path | $0 | $146 | $0 | $0 | $146 |
| Mid-range | $0 | $179 | $0 | $0 | $179 |
| Premium | $50 | $297 | $25 | $20 | $392 |
Hidden First-Month Costs to Watch For
- Lab work requirements: Some providers require recent blood work (metabolic panel, A1C). If you don't have recent labs, that's an extra $50–200 at a lab. Many telehealth providers accept self-reported health info instead.
- Multi-month commitments: The lowest monthly prices often require 3- or 6-month prepayment. Your "first month" cost is actually 3–6 months upfront.
- Processing fees: Rare, but some charge a $10–25 "enrollment" or "processing" fee on top of the listed price.
- Cancellation penalties: If you prepay for 3+ months and stop early, read the refund policy carefully.
The Fastest Way to Get Started
Most telehealth GLP-1 providers follow this timeline:
- Day 1: Online health questionnaire (5–15 minutes)
- Day 1–3: Provider reviews and approves (if appropriate) your prescription
- Day 3–7: Pharmacy compounds and ships medication
- Day 5–10: Package arrives, you take your first dose
Total time from signup to first injection: typically 5–10 days. Some providers advertise faster turnarounds.
Best Options to Get Started
Lowest First-Month Cost
Best $149 Start
Best Flat Rate (No Surprises)
- Realistic first-month cost for compounded semaglutide: $130–$200 all-in
- Most telehealth providers bundle consultation, medication, supplies, and shipping
- Watch for multi-month prepayment requirements behind the lowest advertised prices
- Lab work is the most common hidden cost — check if your provider requires it
- From signup to first dose: plan on 5–10 days with most providers
Prices verified May 2026. All compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication.