This page is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.
Cheapest GLP-1 Options in 2026
GLP-1 medications ranked from least to most expensive per month, with every cost-reduction strategy explained.
GLP-1 Options Ranked by Monthly Cost
Compounded Semaglutide via Telehealth
$99 to $299/mo
Compounded semaglutide from a licensed 503B compounding pharmacy, prescribed through a telehealth platform. Available when the branded drug (Ozempic/Wegovy) is on the FDA shortage list. Dose varies by platform.
Examples: Hims (~$99/mo, low doses), Henry Meds (~$197/mo), various telehealth platforms ($150-299/mo depending on dose).
Compounded Tirzepatide via Telehealth
$199 to $400/mo
Compounded tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) from licensed compounding pharmacies. Higher cost than compounded semaglutide due to the active ingredient cost. Check current FDA shortage status — availability changes.
Various telehealth platforms offer compounded tirzepatide when legally available.
Branded GLP-1 with Insurance + Savings Card
$25 to $550/mo
If your insurance covers a GLP-1 medication, adding the manufacturer savings card on top can reduce your monthly out-of-pocket cost dramatically. Results vary based on your plan tier, deductible, and which drug is covered.
- Ozempic: $25/mo co-pay card (eligible commercial insured)
- Mounjaro: $25/mo co-pay card (eligible commercial insured)
- Wegovy: savings program, variable
- Zepbound: $550 maximum per month cap
Branded GLP-1 Without Insurance
$935 to $1,349/mo
Full retail cost of branded GLP-1 medications without any insurance or discount: Ozempic ~$935/mo, Mounjaro ~$1,060/mo, Zepbound ~$1,060/mo, Wegovy ~$1,349/mo.
How to Get the Cheapest Option
- Check your insurance first. Log into your plan portal or call member services. Ask which GLP-1 medications are on the formulary and what tier they are.
- If covered: Request the formulary drug with the best tier. Apply for the manufacturer savings card on top of your insurance co-pay.
- If not covered: Explore telehealth platforms offering compounded semaglutide. This is the lowest cost route without insurance. Henry Meds starts at $197/mo, Hims at $99/mo for lower starter doses.
Manufacturer Savings Programs
| Drug | Maker | Program | Medicare eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Novo Nordisk | $25/mo co-pay card | No |
| Wegovy | Novo Nordisk | Wegovy savings card | No |
| Mounjaro | Eli Lilly | $25/mo co-pay card | No |
| Zepbound | Eli Lilly | $550 monthly max | No |
GoodRx and Discount Cards
GoodRx and similar prescription discount programs can reduce the retail cost of branded GLP-1 medications but typically not below $700 per month. For those without insurance, the compounded telehealth route is usually a lower monthly cost than GoodRx on branded drugs.
The Compounding Pharmacy Route
Compounding pharmacies can legally produce semaglutide and tirzepatide when the branded version is on the FDA drug shortage list. The FDA shortage status of these drugs changes over time.
If the FDA removes a drug from the shortage list, compounding pharmacies have a wind-down period before they must stop producing that compound. Always check current shortage status at the FDA website or ask your telehealth provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest GLP-1 medication?
Compounded semaglutide through a licensed telehealth platform is the cheapest route for most people without insurance. Prices range from $99 to $299 per month depending on dose and provider. Henry Meds starts at around $197 per month. Hims offers low starter doses from $99 per month. These are only legally available when the branded drug is on the FDA shortage list.
How do GLP-1 savings cards work?
Manufacturer savings cards reduce your out-of-pocket co-pay at the pharmacy. Novo Nordisk offers a $25 per month co-pay card for Ozempic and a separate savings program for Wegovy. Eli Lilly offers a $25 co-pay card for Mounjaro and a $550 maximum monthly cap for Zepbound. These cards require commercial insurance. They do not work for Medicare or Medicaid patients.
Is compounded semaglutide the same quality as Ozempic?
Compounded semaglutide uses the same active ingredient but is produced in compounding pharmacies rather than by Novo Nordisk. FDA-registered compounding pharmacies follow strict quality standards but compounded drugs do not go through the same FDA approval process as branded drugs. Compounding is legal when the branded drug is on the FDA shortage list. Always use a licensed, FDA-registered 503B pharmacy.
Can I get a GLP-1 free through insurance?
Some insurance plans cover GLP-1 medications with a zero-dollar co-pay after meeting your deductible, but this varies widely. Most require prior authorization and a documented diagnosis. For weight loss, many plans require BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI of 27 or higher with a qualifying condition like type 2 diabetes or hypertension. Check your plan's formulary and prior authorization requirements.
Cost matters, but so does safety. Whatever route you choose, make sure a licensed physician supervises your GLP-1 use. Talk to your doctor before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.