Key Takeaways
- Brand-name semaglutide (Wegovy) costs ~$1,350/month without insurance; brand-name tirzepatide (Zepbound) runs ~$1,060–$1,350/month
- Compounded semaglutide is available from $99–$269/month through licensed telehealth providers
- Compounded tirzepatide runs $125–$399/month, roughly 20–40% more than semaglutide due to more complex manufacturing
- Tirzepatide produced 20.2% average weight loss vs 13.7% for semaglutide in the head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 trial
- The "cheapest" option depends on which month of treatment you're comparing — starter prices and maintenance prices diverge significantly
If you've been researching GLP-1 medications for weight loss, you've probably noticed something frustrating: pricing is all over the place. One provider advertises semaglutide at $99/month. Another lists tirzepatide at $349. A third quotes Wegovy at $1,350. Are these the same drugs? Why the massive price range?
The answer lies in the distinction between brand-name and compounded medications, insurance coverage, and how different telehealth platforms structure their pricing. This guide breaks down what semaglutide and tirzepatide actually cost in 2026 — at every tier — so you can make a genuinely informed decision.
Brand-Name Pricing: The Sticker Shock
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are available as brand-name medications manufactured by major pharmaceutical companies. These are the prices you'll encounter without insurance coverage:
| Medication | Brand Name | Approved For | Monthly Cost (No Insurance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Wegovy | Weight loss | ~$1,350/mo |
| Semaglutide | Ozempic | Type 2 diabetes | ~$935–$1,100/mo |
| Tirzepatide | Zepbound | Weight loss | ~$1,060–$1,350/mo |
| Tirzepatide | Mounjaro | Type 2 diabetes | ~$1,069–$1,112/mo |
Novo Nordisk reduced Wegovy's list price in early 2026, and GoodRx launched an introductory rate of $199/month for the lowest doses of Ozempic and Wegovy. After the introductory period, the standard self-pay price settles at $349/month through GoodRx. Eli Lilly offers a $299/month cash-pay option for Zepbound through LillyDirect.
With commercial insurance and manufacturer savings cards, copays can drop to $25–$50/month for either medication. Medicare patients may pay around $50/month for Mounjaro in 2026.
Compounded Pricing: Where the Real Savings Are
Compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide are produced by licensed pharmacies (503A and 503B facilities) and are available without insurance at dramatically lower prices. These contain the same active ingredient but are not FDA-approved finished products.
| Medication | Starter Dose | Maintenance Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compounded Semaglutide | $99–$179/mo | $149–$269/mo | Widely available; pricing more standardized |
| Compounded Tirzepatide | $125–$299/mo | $249–$399/mo | More complex to compound; fewer sources since late 2025 |
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are produced by licensed pharmacies under specific regulatory frameworks. Tirzepatide compounding has been more restricted since the FDA declared tirzepatide no longer in shortage in late 2025. Semaglutide compounding remains more broadly available but the regulatory landscape is evolving. Always verify your provider uses a licensed, accredited pharmacy.
The Real Comparison: Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide Value
Price per pound lost matters more than price per month. The SURMOUNT-5 trial — the first direct head-to-head study — found that tirzepatide at the highest dose produced 20.2% average body weight loss compared to 13.7% for semaglutide 2.4mg. That's a 47% relative improvement.
For someone weighing 220 pounds, that translates to roughly 44 pounds lost on tirzepatide versus 30 pounds on semaglutide. If compounded tirzepatide costs $50–$130 more per month than compounded semaglutide, the cost per additional pound lost may actually favor tirzepatide.
At $149/month for compounded semaglutide (30 lbs lost over 72 weeks): approximately $89 per pound lost. At $249/month for compounded tirzepatide (44 lbs lost over 72 weeks): approximately $102 per pound lost. The price-per-pound gap is much smaller than the monthly price gap suggests.
What Telehealth Providers Charge Right Now
Most telehealth providers bundle consultation fees, medication, shipping, and ongoing support into a single monthly price. Here's what to expect across the market in April 2026:
| Price Range | What You Get | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| $99–$149/mo | Compounded semaglutide, basic telehealth | Price may rise at higher doses; limited clinical support |
| $149–$249/mo | Compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, standard care | Check if price is flat-rate or dose-dependent |
| $249–$399/mo | Premium compounded options, enhanced monitoring | May include labs, coaching, or lifestyle programming |
| $299–$1,350/mo | Brand-name medications (Wegovy, Zepbound) | Check insurance eligibility first; manufacturer discounts available |
Yucca Health — Compounded GLP-1s from $150/mo
Flat-rate pricing on compounded semaglutide. No hidden fees. Licensed pharmacy network.
Sesame Care — Brand-Name GLP-1 Prescriptions
Prescribes FDA-approved brand-name medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. No compounded alternatives.
How to Choose: Decision Framework
Choose compounded semaglutide if:
- Budget is your primary concern — it's the most affordable entry point
- You're new to GLP-1 medications and want to start with the more established option
- You don't have insurance coverage for brand-name medications
Choose compounded tirzepatide if:
- You've plateaued on semaglutide and want stronger results
- Maximizing weight loss is more important than minimizing monthly cost
- You can find a verified provider with consistent supply (availability has tightened)
Choose brand-name (Wegovy or Zepbound) if:
- Your insurance covers it — copays can be as low as $25/month
- You prefer FDA-approved finished products with standardized quality controls
- You qualify for manufacturer savings programs or LillyDirect pricing
Synergy Rx — All-Inclusive Compounded GLP-1
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. Everything included: medication, consult, shipping.
The Bottom Line on Pricing
The GLP-1 pricing landscape in 2026 is more dynamic than ever. Brand-name prices are slowly coming down through manufacturer programs, while compounded prices have stabilized but face ongoing regulatory uncertainty. The "best price" depends entirely on your insurance status, which medication works for your body, and whether you're comparing introductory teaser rates or actual long-term maintenance costs.
Before committing to any provider, ask three questions: What will I pay at my maintenance dose, not just my starter dose? Does the price include everything (consult, medication, supplies, shipping)? And what's the cancellation policy if I need to switch?