In a 72-week Zepbound (tirzepatide) study of adults without diabetes, average weight loss was 15.0% (34 lbs) for 5 mg, 19.5% (44 lbs) for 10 mg, 20.9% (48 lbs) for 15 mg, and 3.1% (7 lbs) for placebo. In a 72-week Zepbound (tirzepatide) study of adults with diabetes, average weight loss was 12.8% (28 lbs) for 10 mg, 14.7% (33 lbs) for 15 mg, and 3.2% (7 lbs) for placebo. In a 3-year Saxenda study, adults with pre-diabetes and BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with one or more weight-related conditions were given Saxenda or placebo added to a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity. At year one, 56% of people on Saxenda lost ≥5% of their weight vs 25% of patients on placebo. The Rex MD GLP-1 Weight Management Program doesn’t accept insurance at this time. Rex MD’s parent company LifeMD accepts insurance for qualifying patients and has access to branded GLP-1 medications like Zepbound®, Wegovy®, and more.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an expensive medication for those without prescription insurance coverage. Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to lower blood sugar levels in peo… Medicare Part D insured patients with type 2 diabetes may qualify for Extra Help to get a 30-day supply of Rybelsus for $10.35 only from Novo Nordisk. The Ozempic saving card program provides eligible patients with a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply of Ozempic for as little as $25. Additionally, the U.S. government does not regulate how much a pharmaceutical company can charge for a drug.
Starting around 2022, a surge in demand for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic (semaglutide for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (semaglutide for weight loss) led to nationwide shortages. Under federal law, the FDA allows compounding pharmacies to create versions of a commercially available drug only when it is on the agency’s drug shortage list, a practice known as ‘enforcement discretion’. This opened the door for compounded semaglutide to flood the market, offering a more affordable alternative for many patients who lacked insurance coverage or access to the expensive brand-name versions. Patients looking for weight loss medications like semaglutide (sold under brand names such as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®) now have the option to purchase through online telehealth providers and compounding pharmacies.
Speak with a licensed medical provider for a personalised plan
The K Health Medical Weight Management Program is a membership that offers unlimited texting with medical providers, along with access to urgent care and other doctor visits. K Health physicians can also manage other medical conditions in addition to obesity, so you could, for example, use your K Health membership for both weight loss and mental health care. Semaglutide is prescribed to help qualified patients lose and maintain weight loss in combination with diet and exercise.
One month, any dose, for $299*
In some cases, it may also be prescribed to those with insulin resistance but not type 2 diabetes. You must verify that prescriptions include adequate medical justification before compounding. Many users see appetite reduction and weight loss within the first few weeks, with continued progress over several months of consistent treatment. It works by reducing hunger, increasing feelings of fullness, and improving insulin response to promote effective, sustainable weight management. As Melanie discovered, GLP-1 drugs can help the body in other ways, too. Last year in Clinical Toxicology, emergency medicine doctors reported similar issues in a few cases.
We coordinate with our trusted, state-licensed compounding pharmacy to prepare your medication. Your semaglutide will be shipped directly to your doorstep with the necessary supplies, like syringes. If semaglutide is appropriate for your needs, our provider will issue a prescription and enroll you in our flexible month-to-month membership plan. The FDA keeps an updated list of medications currently in short supply. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. He adds that GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1s, aren’t suitable for people who have a history of medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, or pancreatitis.
What Can You Do If You Can’t Access Compounded GLP-1 Medications?
Explore if combining Topiramate and Semaglutide is safe and effective for weight management. Understand crucial drug interactions and pre-existing conditions to ensure safe and effective treatment. As a result of drug shortages and high prices, many people are exploring Ozempic alternatives. To make your search easier, we’ve detailed every GLP-1 on the market below – along with a comparison of cost, dosing amount and how it varies from Ozempic. Ozempic costs about $998 per month, or $499 for self-pay patients.
Unlimited telehealth visits from the comfort of your own space keep the focus solely on you — without distractions. Payment is only due if prescribed medication during your free evaluation. Start with a free, no-obligation evaluation — only pay if treatment is right for you.
Safety Precautions and Risks
The agency has established a green list import alert (66-80) to help stop GLP-1 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that have potential quality concerns from entering the U.S. supply chain. This import alert does not apply to GLP-1 API from manufacturers that, based on an FDA inspection or other FDA evaluation, appear to be in compliance with FDA’s rigorous standards for manufacturing practices. While the FDA has declared the shortage is over, compounded semaglutide is still allowed under existing regulations, which won’t change immediately. The group also asserts that the agency wrongly estimated manufacturers’ claims that they could supply demand without considering data showing patients lacked access to the prescriptions. The Outsourcing Facilities Association has sued the FDA twice thus far, and both cases are still pending. While the FDA has approved Wegovy and Zepbound for weight loss, their diabetes equivalents, Ozempic and Mounjaro, are frequently prescribed off-label for the same purpose.
- That silencing of food noise, the relentless buzz of food-related thoughts in the brain, is a common effect of GLP-1 drugs.
- Their experience matters with the medication’s safety and efficacy.
- FDA confirmed with the drug’s manufacturer that their stated product availability and manufacturing capacity can meet the present and projected national demand.
- Websites like the ones Mackey ordered from aren’t hard to find — anything but.
- In 2025, getting semaglutide prescribed is easy and affordable through online telehealth.
- As researchers continue to discover new potential use cases for GLP-1 drugs, and public interest and demand remains high, these drugs may be on the FDA’s official shortage list for months or even years to come.
Why choose a compounded pharmacy for semaglutide?
According to the agency, it doesn’t “review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are marketed.” That doesn’t make them inherently dangerous, Davis says. “Pharmacists jump in and help with drug shortages all the time.” But never like what’s happened with GLP-1 drugs. Semaglutide can often be used alongside other medications for diabetes or weight management. However, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions. As of early 2025, the FDA has announced significant changes regarding compounded semaglutide. Following a declaration that the shortage of semaglutide injection products has ended, compounding pharmacies are now facing restrictions on their ability to produce compounded versions of this medication.
These pharmacies test every batch in third-party, accredited labs, so you’re getting carefully checked medication. Instead of charging you directly for medications, it focuses on getting these medications covered by your insurance. That’s part of its model, prescriptions are where can i buy semaglutide compound only written after confirming insurance eligibility, and it handles the prior authorization process for you.
Choose based on your budget, insurance situation, and desired level of support. Never accept medications that come in unmarked vials, have handwritten labels, or look different from manufacturer specifications. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get semaglutide prescriptions for Wegovy or Ozempic.
One of the biggest dangers of buying semaglutide online is the risk of unregulated or counterfeit medication. Not all online pharmacies are licensed, and some may sell products that are contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or completely fake. Patients should ensure they are purchasing only from U.S.-licensed pharmacies or accredited telehealth programs. These semaglutide providers offer the least expensive and most affordable options for weight loss, helping you find cheaper semaglutide online compared to brand-name drugs. Finally, many pharmacies and telehealth providers offer discounts, savings programs, or patient assistance programs to help reduce the price, especially for individuals facing financial hardship. Exploring these options can make Semaglutide more affordable and lower your out-of-pocket expenses significantly.
