Tirzepatide compounded: Can you still buy it?

Most plans reimburse only FDA-approved drugs; compounded costs are usually cash pay. “You’d think that would be a basic question because how do you know what the true market is if you haven’t even asked how big it is?” Rosebush says. As a result, he argues, it’s hard to know if Eli Lilly can supply the drugs for all the patients using name brand drugs and the ones who had been using compounded versions and would need to switch. According to FDA rules, small compounding pharmacies can’t make copies of available brand name drugs more than four times a month. And bulk compounders, called outsourcing facilities, can’t fill orders starting 60 days after a shortage ends.

Online telehealth providers

But it appears the days when lower-priced GLP-1 compounds were manufactured on an industrial scale may be over. In October 2024, the FDA removed tirzepatide from the shortage list, signaling that the national supply had stabilized. Then, in February 2025, the FDA announced that the semaglutide shortage was resolved, further reducing the need for compounded versions of these medications. When you sign up at Sesame, you’re paying for a 3-month weight loss program. Pricing starts at $195, but you’ll see some providers with costs in the $300+ range.

Novo Nordisk ends Hims & Hers deal

Yes, but Healthon’s licensed providers handle all assessments online. Once approved, your treatment is shipped directly to your door with no need for in-person visits. Healthon offers affordable Semaglutide plans with transparent pricing based on dosage and treatment duration. “It created a lot of concerns as to the quality of the compounded product and whether these products were safe and effective,” he says. For people who are prescribed a GLP-1 and are able to afford it, the starting dose on the branded medication may need to start at or near the lowest dose, depending on the provider. Even when there’s no drug shortage, pharmacies are allowed to compound patient-specific formulations of a drug to meet their unique needs, says DiStefano.

Within that framework, “the real thing is expensive” is not a valid reason for copying, as much as many patients wish that was the case. Jessica DeBenedetto has only been on compounded tirzepatide for a couple of weeks, but she already feels like it’s a life-changer. Her doctor prescribed the cheaper, generic version of the weight-loss drug after her insurer refused to cover Zepbound, the brand-name version made by Eli Lilly. DeBenedetto, now 43, tells me she’s been prediabetic since her 20s, and after going through hormone injections with IVF, she’s put on a worrying amount of weight she just can’t take off.

Why Consider Ozempic® or Wegovy®?

Across 1,000+ reviews at Trustpilot, for example, the company earns an average of 4 stars out of 5. Found is pretty tight-lipped about what its program and medications cost. Unlike most of its competitors, this company doesn’t have a “Pricing” page or an FAQ where you can take a peek at what to expect. Instead, those details aren’t revealed until you walk through the sign-up process. But don’t worry – we’ve done that legwork for you (though prices are, of course, subject to change).

A head-to-head comparison showed that tirzepatide (Zepbound) led to more weight loss than semaglutide (Wegovy). Tirzepatide users lost about 20% of their body weight, while semaglutide users averaged around 14%. The first generics of semaglutide will launch in Canada in 2026 when Novo Nordisk’s patent expires. Sandoz, a global leader in generics, in partnership with Pharmathen, a Greek pharmaceutical company, will launch its biosimilar semaglutide which will help reduce costs for patients paying high prices for branded GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Novo Nordisk holds 29 patents covering various aspects of semaglutide, including its formulation, delivery methods, and manufacturing processes.

Manages blood sugar

Increases in calcitonin levels have been observed in some patients, though the clinical significance remains uncertain. Changes in thyroid function tests are generally not observed, despite theoretical concerns based on animal studies showing thyroid C-cell effects. Certain antibiotics may interact with the cyanocobalamin component through effects on vitamin B12 metabolism or efficacy. Chloramphenicol, though rarely used in modern practice, can antagonize the hematologic response to vitamin B12 in patients with megaloblastic anemia. Hepatic impairment may also influence the suitability of Semaglutide / Cyanocobalamin Injection for certain patients. While semaglutide pharmacokinetics are not significantly altered in patients with hepatic impairment, the medication has not been extensively studied in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction.

• If you live outside of California, PlushCare charges $299/month for compounded Semaglutide; within CA, it’s priced at $399/month.
• The outlook looks a bit different for compounded tirzepatide versus compounded semaglutide.
• Remember that those prices are in addition to your monthly membership and any visit copays or fees.

Novo Nordisk claims that it does not provide semaglutide ozempic semaglutide tablets to other companies for compounding. NiceRx offers a one-month supply of compounded semaglutide including free shipping to your doorstep. Currently, only Novo Nordisk is authorized to manufacture semaglutide and generic semaglutide is not yet available in the United States.

Through strategic marketing and storytelling, Lauren highlights the impact of healthcare professionals and the tools that support their success. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a type of medication that mimics a hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels, slow digestion, and reduce appetite—making it highly effective for both diabetes management and weight loss. Many patients have found compounded semaglutide to be just as effective as brand-name versions, particularly when prescribed by experienced medical professionals. After that, patients will need to switch to brand-name medications or explore other weight loss and diabetes management options.

This exclusivity allows the brand-name manufacturer to recoup research and development costs before facing generic competition. Without these protections, companies would have less incentive to invest in new drug development. If you’re paying out of pocket, there are several ways to access semaglutide at a lower cost. Exploring different purchasing options can help you find the best price for your needs.