The True Cost Formula
Calculate Your REAL Monthly Cost:
+ Consultation Fee (÷ months until next required)
+ Shipping Cost
+ Platform/Membership Fee
+ Follow-up Visit Fees
− Any Discounts
─────────────────
= TRUE MONTHLY COST
Hidden Fees Breakdown
💳 Initial Consultation Fee
Most telehealth providers charge for the initial doctor consultation before prescribing. Some bundle this into the medication price, others don't.
📦 Shipping Fees
GLP-1s require cold shipping (refrigerated). Some providers include this, others charge $15-29 per month for express cold-chain delivery.
🏷️ Platform/Membership Fees
Some providers charge a separate "membership" or "platform" fee on top of medication costs. This can add $30-99/month that isn't in the advertised price.
👨⚕️ Follow-up Visit Fees
Many providers require check-ins every 1-3 months. Some include these, others charge per visit.
💉 Supplies (Syringes, Alcohol Wipes)
Vial programs (like LillyDirect) should include syringes. Some compounding providers charge extra for injection supplies.
🔄 Dose Change Fees
When titrating up to higher doses, some providers charge for the new prescription or consultation.
Example: Advertised vs. Actual Cost
| Item | Advertised | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide (monthly) | $149 | $149 |
| Initial consultation | — | $59 |
| Monthly membership | — | $30 |
| Shipping | — | $19 |
| 3-month follow-up | — | $49 (÷3 = $16) |
| REAL First Month | $149 | $273 |
| REAL Ongoing Monthly | $149 | $214 |
Questions to Ask Before Signing Up
📋 Your Pre-Purchase Checklist
- What is the total cost for month 1? (Including all fees)
- What is the ongoing monthly cost? (After initial consultation)
- Is shipping included? How is the medication shipped?
- Are there membership or platform fees?
- How often are follow-ups required? What do they cost?
- What happens when my dose increases? Any additional charges?
- What's the cancellation policy? Are there termination fees?
- Which pharmacy compounds the medication? 503A or 503B?
Red Flags to Avoid
- Won't disclose total cost upfront — legit providers are transparent
- Prices below $100/month for semaglutide — likely underdosed or counterfeit
- Required annual contracts — month-to-month is standard
- No clear pharmacy disclosure — they should name their compounding partner
- Pressure tactics or "limited supply" urgency — legitimate providers don't need these
Compare True Costs
Our price comparison includes ALL fees, not just advertised medication prices.
See Real Prices →