GLP-1 Pricing, Plainly.
What every GLP-1 medication actually costs in 2026 — brand, compounded, telehealth, and local. Updated with real pricing data from 5 medications and 2026 manufacturer savings programs.
Key Facts
$149–$1,400
Monthly cost range across compounded telehealth to FDA-brand at retail.
$0–$25
Monthly cost with eligible commercial insurance + manufacturer savings card (Wegovy, Zepbound).
40–70%
Typical savings of compounded vs. FDA-brand — when compounding is legally permissible.
Monthly cost by medication
US cash-pay prices as of 2026-04-23. Insurance coverage varies; see /insurance for details.
| Medication | Brand names | Brand (cash pay) | Compounded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus | $900-1,400 | $150-450 |
| Tirzepatide Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist | Mounjaro, Zepbound | $1,000-1,200 | $200-500 |
| Liraglutide GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | Saxenda, Victoza | $1,300-1,500 (Saxenda); $900-1,100 (Victoza) | Not widely compounded |
| Dulaglutide GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | Trulicity | $900-1,100 | Not widely compounded |
| Exenatide GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | Byetta, Bydureon | $700-900 | Not widely compounded |
Brand vs. compounded: the economics
Compounded GLP-1 medications from 503A and 503B pharmacies can cost 40–70% less than FDA-brand equivalents, but their legal status is tied to the FDA drug shortage list. When a medication is removed from the shortage list, compounding for weight loss generally becomes restricted. As of April 2026, semaglutide and tirzepatide availability shifts regularly; check the FDA shortage list before committing to a compounded provider.
Manufacturer savings programs (2026)
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly offer savings cards that can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket cost for commercially insured patients. Wegovy and Zepbound have the most accessible programs; Ozempic and Mounjaro programs are more restricted since both are primarily diabetes medications.
Cash-pay strategies
For patients without insurance coverage, the most cost-effective paths in 2026 are: (1) Eli Lilly's self-pay vial program for Zepbound ($349–$549/month), (2) telehealth-dispensed compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide ($149–$449/month), and (3) HSA/FSA reimbursement where eligible.
Regional pricing variation
Local medical spa pricing for compounded GLP-1 programs varies by 2–3x across US markets. Premium urban markets (Manhattan, Los Angeles, Miami, Beverly Hills) commonly list $500–$900/month. Mid-market cities ($299–$499) and secondary markets ($199–$399) are substantially cheaper.