6 Affordable GLP-1 Solutions After the FDA Bans Generic Medications

If you’re following the GLP-1 (Ozempic and other prescription weight-loss medications) scene, you may have read that the FDA set a cut-off date for this month on pharmacies that compound GLP-1 medications (specifically, semaglutide and tirzepatide). This means that if you’re taking or thinking about taking more affordable compounded medication, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll no longer have access to these powerful weight loss drugs.

Thankfully, we found telehealth providers that offer affordable GLP-1 options, both FDA-approved name-brand and customized GLP-1/GIP protocols, which may avoid the looming ban on generic options. I am part of the team that reviewed more than 30 of the top telehealth providers offering GLP-1 medications in the past year for our sister site, Woman’s World, and used that expertise to curate a list of the best options. Here’s what I found.

6 Affordable GLP-1 Alternatives You Should Know About

1. Mochi Health: Mochi Health offers affordable access to compounded GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, starting at $99 per month plus a monthly membership fee that also includes virtual medical care and coaching. Mochi also offers brand-name GLP-1s (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) and if you have health insurance and you qualify for GLP-1 medication, your out-of-pocket cost will be significantly less than without insurance.

Mochi’s cost for compounded GLP-1 medication (semaglutide) is $99/month plus a $69 membership fee ($168/month), and compounded GLP-1/GIP (tirzepatide) is $199/month plus a $69 membership fee ($268/month). However, Mochi discounts their monthly membership fee if you pay in advance. We have an in-depth review of Mochi Health for more.

2. Found Health: With Found, you’re getting a personalized weight loss program that includes name-brand GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) or compounded semaglutide (if you’re approved). When I recently reviewed Found, I “found” their offerings, pricing and customer service competitive in the marketplace.

While name-brand medication pricing will vary depending on your insurance, it offers compounded semaglutide for $189 plus a $99 membership fee per month ($288 total). Found also offers non-GLP-1 weight loss medications that it includes in the $99 monthly fee (metformin, topiramate, zonisamide).

3. MedVi: MedVi offers a comprehensive weight loss program that includes access to GLP-1 medications, including compounded and name-brand options. The program starts at $179 for compounded semaglutide, which covers physician review, a personalized plan, one-on-one guidance, a metabolic report and the cost of prescription medication delivered to your door. Subsequent refills are $299, maintaining the same program benefits.

MedVi also offers compounded tirzepatide for $279 the first month and $499 when you refill your medication. If compounded medications aren’t your thing, MedVi has access to Ozempic and Wegovy starting at $795 and $995 per month, respectively.

4. SkyRX: SkyRX provides GLP-1 medications, including compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, with an all-inclusive pricing model. The telehealth provider offers same-day appointments, with medications delivered within two business days. Pricing is a single monthly fee that includes medication, supplies, doctor visits and shipping.

Compounded semaglutide starts at $199/month and refills at $297/month. Compounded tirzepatide is slightly more expensive at $297/month and refills at $397/month. SkyRX says that you can see a 15% reduction in your body weight when taking GLP-1 medication.

5. Fridays Health: Fridays offers compounded GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide with all-inclusive monthly pricing. Plans start at $249/month for semaglutide or $359/month for tirzepatide, with discounted rates available for 3-month subscriptions. Pricing includes provider visits, lab work, coaching and access to fitness and mental wellness resources. In my review, Fridays stood out as a top choice with fast and effective customer service.

6. Ro: Ro provides GLP-1 medications through its “Body Program,” which includes personalized treatment plans, clinical check-ins and weight loss coaching. Pricing starts at $45 per month plus the cost of medication. The cheapest option is Zepbound, which costs $349-$499 per month, depending on your dose. Ro also provides other telehealth services, including sexual health, fertility, hair loss and skin care. Check out our sister site’s review on Ro, where we thoroughly dive into their offerings, pricing and customer experience.

How Can Telehealth Providers Still Offer Compounded GLP-1 Medication?

After speaking to several telehealth brands offering compounded GLP-1 medication, there seem to be three approaches they are taking to stay within current FDA regulations:

1. Continue selling compounded medication: A few brands I spoke to are continuing to sell compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. They will continue to do so until their supply runs out, and then will have to find an alternative solution.
2. Stop selling compounded medication: Some brands are stopping compounded medications and are only offering name-brand options.
3. Sell customized compounded medication: Certain brands are now offering “customized” GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP protocols. This means that they can create semaglutide and tirzapetide, but customize them to an individual patient by adding different ingredients like B12 or metformin.

Make Sure to Thoroughly Research GLP-1 Providers

While compounded medications from telehealth providers offers a much cheaper alternative to name-brand medications, it’s not without its risks. In fact, there are mixed medical opinions on the safety. When I spoke to Megahan Garcia-Webb, MD, a triple board-certified physician specializing in obesity medicine and producer of the YouTube series Weight Medicine with Dr. Meghan, she mentioned she’s against compounded GLP-1 medication:

I don’t recommend compounded versions because they bypass the standard precautions, and there is no guarantee they are safe, not to mention effective.

In a slight contrast to Dr Garcia-Webb, GLP-1 expert Dr. Spencer Nadolsky told me:

I used to be much more against the compounded versions. I think there is a degree of quality in compounding the medicines. If I were to recommend a compounded version ever, it would be made by a 503B pharmacy. I’m still cautious about it because I think it would be really nice to know more about it if it’s been studied more.

Telehealth Providers Still Offer Affordable GLP-1 Options, At Least For Now

As FDA regulations around compounded GLP-1 medications continue to evolve, many telehealth providers that rely on compounding pharmacies may soon face supply shortages or pause their offerings altogether. If you’re currently using compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide (or thinking about starting), it’s important to understand that access could change quickly. Providers that offer a  GLP-1/GIP option, like Mochi, hope this variation won’t be subject to upcoming restrictions.

However, there are still affordable and flexible options available through trusted telehealth platforms, including both FDA-approved name-brand medications and customized GLP-1/GIP protocols. Just be sure to do your research: look for providers that clearly state where their medication comes from and whether they work with licensed 503B compounding pharmacies in the U.S. While the landscape is changing, it’s still possible to find a safe, effective solution that aligns with your weight loss goals and budget.