| Product | List Price | With Insurance | Self-Pay/Cash | FDA-Approved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy Injection | $1,349/mo | $0–$25/mo* | $1,349/mo | Yes |
| Zepbound Injection | $1,059/mo | $0–$25/mo* | $550/mo (LillyDirect) | Yes |
| Wegovy Pill | $149–$299/mo | Varies | $149–$299/mo | Yes |
| Orforglipron (est.) | $149–$399/mo | TBD | $149–$399/mo | Pending |
| Compounded Semaglutide | N/A | Not covered | $150–$400/mo | No |
| Compounded Tirzepatide | N/A | Not covered | $200–$500/mo | No |
| Generic Liraglutide (Saxenda) | ~$600–$800/mo | Varies | ~$600–$800/mo | Yes |
*With manufacturer savings card for commercially insured patients. Medicare, Medicaid, and government insurance excluded from savings programs.
The Hidden Costs of Compounded GLP-1s
The advertised price for compounded semaglutide is often misleading. When evaluating true monthly cost, factor in:
Medication cost: $99–$350/month depending on dose and provider. Many providers advertise the lowest titration dose price (“starting at $99!”) when maintenance doses cost significantly more.
Consultation/membership fees: $49–$199/month. Many telehealth platforms charge a separate “care fee” or “membership” on top of medication cost. This is the most common hidden cost.
Shipping: $0–$25/shipment. Cold-chain shipping for injectables isn’t free for all providers.
Supplies: Syringes, alcohol swabs, and sharps containers may or may not be included.
True Total Monthly Cost (TMC): $150–$500/month when all costs are included. Always ask for the TMC before signing up with any provider.
The 2026 Price Shift: Why Everything Is Changing
Several forces are converging to reshape GLP-1 pricing in 2026:
Wegovy pill at $149–$299: Novo Nordisk’s aggressive pricing for the oral formulation undercuts most compounding programs. This is the single biggest pricing disruption since compounded GLP-1s entered the market.
Medicare coverage beginning July 2026: The $50/month Bridge Program copay makes brand-name GLP-1s accessible to seniors for the first time.
Employer coverage expansion: Large employer coverage of GLP-1 medications jumped from 28% to 43% in one year. As more employers cover these drugs, the pool of patients who need compounding for cost reasons shrinks.
IRA negotiated pricing: Ozempic at $274/month starting January 2027 sets a new benchmark for semaglutide pricing across the market.
Wegovy list price cut to $675 in 2027: Novo Nordisk has announced a 50% reduction in Wegovy’s list price, further narrowing the gap with compounded alternatives.
How to Get the Lowest Price
If you have commercial insurance: Check whether your plan covers Wegovy or Zepbound. Use the manufacturer savings card ($0–$25/month for eligible patients). If denied, appeal with documentation of BMI and comorbidities.
If you’re on Medicare: Wait for the Bridge Program (July 2026) or BALANCE Model (January 2027). In the meantime, compounded semaglutide remains a self-pay option at $150–$400/month.
If you’re uninsured or self-pay: The Wegovy pill at $149/month (starting dose) is now the cheapest FDA-approved GLP-1 option. Compare against compounded programs to see which offers better total value.
HSA/FSA eligible: GLP-1 medications (brand and compounded) can be purchased with HSA/FSA funds with a Letter of Medical Necessity. This provides a 25–35% tax advantage on the cost.
Compare Real Prices From Real Providers
Total Monthly Cost, including hidden fees, for every provider we track.
Compare Providers →GLP-1 Compound Pharmacy Editorial Team
Independent research and analysis of the compounded GLP-1 market.