How Much Do Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Cost? | Mira Health
How Much Do Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Cost?
Compounded GLP-1 like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide costs between $250-$400 a month with online providers like Henry, Enbold, and Mochi and costs $60-$120 a month directly with compound pharmacies. It is important to note that pricing varies based on our dosage.
David Burke, PharmD
David Burke, PharmD, is a seasoned clinical pharmacist with over 10 years of experience in hospital and community pharmacy settings. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Understand The Difference Between Dosage vs. Concentration
When dealing with compounded medications, it's important to grasp the difference between dosage and concentration and the quantity of liquid in a vial, as this affects how much you pay. Based on your dose, a $100 vial of medication could last you a month or two and that makes a huge difference in costs.
Dosage vs. Concentration: Dosage refers to the amount of medication you take, usually measured in milligrams (mg). Concentration tells you how much medication is in each milliliter (mL) of liquid. For example, if you have a 1ml vial and the label says 10 mg/mL, that means there are 10 mg of medication within that entire vial.
Cost Understanding: The price of a vial can seem confusing. A vial with more liquid or a higher concentration of medication might cost more, but it could also mean you're getting more doses out of it, which might actually save money in the long run.
For instance, if you need 10 mg of your medication monthly. Which vial below is the cheaper option?
- Vial A: 1ml of 5 mg/mL, costs $100, there is a total of 10mg of the medication
- Vial B: 0.5ml of 20 mg/ml, costs $100, there is a total of 10mg of the medication
| Description | Vial A | Vial B |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration (mg/mL) | 5 mg/mL | 20 mg/mL |
| Volume (mL) | 1 mL | 0.5 mL |
| Total Medication (mg) | Total 5 mg | Total 10 mg |
| Cost per Vial ($) | $100/vial | $100/vial |
| How Many Vials You Need (assume 10mg/mo dose) | 2 vials/mo | 1 vial/mo |
| Your monthly cost | $200/mo | $100/mo |
In this example, we demonstrate that though Vial A seems like a better buy because it has more liquid, it turns out to be twice as expensive as Vial B. This is because it is not as concentrated. While evaluating the cost of compounded medications, it is important to remember to do some maths and figure out the monthly cost for your dosage.
General Dosage for Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
Semaglutide General Dosage For Weight Management:
- Start: 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
- Gradual Increase: Increase the dose every 4 weeks through incremental steps (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg) up to 2.4 mg once weekly.
| Month | Total Dose |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | 1 mg (0.25 mg x 4 weeks) |
| Month 2 | 2 mg (0.5 mg x 4 weeks) |
| Month 3 | 3 mg (or 4 mg depending on adjustment at Week 9) |
Tirzepatide General Dosage For Weight Management:
- Start: 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
- Increase to 5 mg: After 4 weeks, increase the dose to 5 mg once weekly.
- Further Increases: Depending on the efficacy and tolerability, the dose can be increased to 10 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on the 5 mg dose, and potentially to 15 mg once weekly after at least another 4 weeks.
| Month | Total Dose |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | 10 mg (2.5 mg x 4 weeks) |
| Month 2 | 20 mg (5 mg x 4 weeks) |
| Month 3 | 40 mg (depending on adjustment at Week 9) |
How Much Do Compounded Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Cost?
Cost for Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Through Online Providers
Currently, there are hundreds of online providers prescribing GLP-1 within a monthly package as a solution for weight loss. These providers often contract with compounded pharmacies and mark up the price by percentage. The average cost for getting Semaglutide and Tirzepatide (compounded GLP-1) via online providers like Henry, Enbolds, Mochi, and others is between $250-$400 a month.
| Provider | Cost |
|---|---|
| HenryMeds | $297/mo Semaglutide $297/mo Liraglutide $249/mo Oral Semaglutide $449/mo Tirzepatide $149/mo Phentermine |
| Enbolds | $199-299/mo Semaglutide $299-$529.99/mo Tirzepatide |
| TelefitMD | $350/mo Semaglutide |
| Mochi Health | $255/mo Semaglutide $404/mo Tirzepatide |
| Ro | $145/mo for script renewal + $450/mo for GLP-1 |
| Nextmed Health | Nextmed website stopped accepting new patients |
| Calibrate | $1749 upfront ($146/mo) for GLP-1 |
Cost for Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Directly with Compound Pharmacies
If you have a current provider who is willing to prescribe you GLP-1 at a compound pharmacy or transfer your script, you often receive "patient pricing" from this pharmacy.
It is important to note that many providers with weight loss programs have existing relationships with one or more pharmacies and often mark the price up 100% or more. Therefore, even if there is patient pricing available, you cannot get it due to the provider choosing to mark up. The only way for you to get the lower prices is to find a provider who is willing to transfer your script and pass on the direct pricing to you.
| Medication | Patient pricing (Average) | Shipping cost |
|---|---|---|
| Compounded Semaglutide | $60 first month (1mg dose) $120 second month (2mg dose) $180 third month (3mg dose) |
$10-$35 |
| Compounded Tirzepatide | $120 first month (10mg dose) $240 second month (20mg dose) |
$10-$35 |
Differences Between Branded Vs. Compound GLP-1
Branded GLP-1 Agonists like Ozempic®, Saxenda®, and Wegovy® are rigorously tested and approved by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medications undergo extensive clinical trials to prove their safety, efficacy, and quality before they can be marketed.
Compounded GLP-1 Agonists, on the other hand, are prepared in specialized pharmacies to meet the specific needs of individual patients. While compounding pharmacies are regulated by state boards of pharmacy, compounded medications do not require FDA approval. The ingredients used are typically FDA-approved, but the final compounded formulation is not subjected to the same level of scrutiny as branded drugs.
The quality can depend heavily on the source of ingredients and the standards of the compounding pharmacy. Reputable compounding pharmacies, especially those accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB), follow rigorous guidelines, but the risk of variability can be higher than with mass-produced drugs.
Popular Compound Pharmacies Carrying GLP-1
- Empower Pharmacy - Based in Houston, Texas, Empower Pharmacy offers a wide range of compounded medications, including GLP-1 agonists, and is known for its stringent quality control and patient-focused services.
- Belle Sante Diagnostic & Therapeutic Institute, Inc. - Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Belle Sante is recognized for its personalized medicine approach, providing custom compounded medications tailored to the specific needs of patients.
- APS Pharmacy - This Florida-based pharmacy specializes in various compounded medications, including those for weight management and diabetes care. They are noted for their adherence to high standards in compounding.
- McGuff Compounding Pharmacy Services, Inc. - Operating out of Santa Ana, California, McGuff is a well-established name in the compounding pharmacy sector, known for producing high-quality custom medications.
- Wellness Pharmacy - Situated in Birmingham, Alabama, Wellness Pharmacy has a long-standing reputation for providing a variety of compounded medications, including GLP-1 agonists, with a focus on safety and efficacy.
- Innovative Pharmacy Solutions - Based in Greenfield, Indiana, this pharmacy offers a range of compounding services, focusing on chronic conditions including diabetes, where GLP-1 agonists are commonly prescribed.
- Pavilion Compounding Pharmacy - Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Pavilion offers a wide range of compounding services, including custom formulations of GLP-1 agonists for individual patient needs.
- Absolute Pharmacy - Based in North Canton, Ohio, Absolute Pharmacy provides comprehensive compounding services, including customized GLP-1 medications for diabetes and weight management.
3 Questions to Ask When Ordering Compound GLP-1
Is the pharmacy licensed and accredited?
Ask if the online pharmacy is licensed in your state and if they have any specific accreditations like PCAB (Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board).
What is the source of your ingredients?
Inquire about where they source their pharmaceutical ingredients and whether they are FDA-approved.
Are There Other Ingredients Besides the Main Active Ingredient?
There are other active formulas often mixed with GLP-1 to reduce side effects or enhance its efficacy. It is important to inquire about these to make sure they are right for you.
FAQ
1. How does the price of compounded GLP-1 medications compare to branded versions like Ozempic® and Mounjaro®?
- Generally, compounded versions of medications can be cheaper than their branded counterparts. This is because compounding pharmacies don’t bear the same research and marketing costs that major pharmaceutical companies do. However, the exact savings can vary widely depending on the pharmacy, the formulation needed, and local market conditions.
2. Are there any less known costs associated with compounded GLP-1 medications that I should be aware of?
- Besides the base cost of the medication, additional fees might include shipping, handling, or consultation fees, especially if you're ordering from an online pharmacy. It's important to ask for a full breakdown of costs upfront to avoid unexpected charges.
3. What are some ways I can reduce the cost of compounded GLP-1 medications?
- Bulk purchasing: Some compounding pharmacies offer discounts for larger orders.
- Adjusting dosage or frequency: If clinically appropriate, adjusting the dose or frequency of administration might reduce the amount of medication needed, thus lowering costs.
- Comparing pharmacies: Prices can vary significantly between pharmacies, so it pays to shop around.