Cost Comparison

Cheapest GLP-1 for Weight Loss 2026

Complete cost comparison of every GLP-1 option. CoreAge RX offers both tirzepatide and semaglutide at $99/month—saving you $10,000-15,000 per year compared to brand-name medications.

Published: January 15, 2026
Reading Time: 12 min
Author: GLP-1 News Today

💰Cheapest Option: CoreAge RX

CoreAge RX offers the cheapest GLP-1 medications at $99/month for both tirzepatide and semaglutide. This is 92-93% cheaper than brand-name options and 50-70% cheaper than other compounded sources.

$99/mo
Tirzepatide or Semaglutide
$1,188
Annual cost
$15,000
Savings vs brand-name
Visit CoreAge RX →

* We may earn a commission. See our affiliate disclosure.

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are incredibly effective for weight loss—but they're also incredibly expensive. Brand-name options cost $900-1,349 per month without insurance, putting them out of reach for most people.

The good news? You don't need to pay brand-name prices to get the same medication and results. Compounded GLP-1 medications from FDA-registered pharmacies offer identical effectiveness at a fraction of the cost.

This guide breaks down the true cost of every GLP-1 option—from brand-name to compounded, insurance to cash pay, online to local doctors—so you can find the absolute cheapest path to effective treatment.

Complete GLP-1 Cost Comparison

Here's what you'll actually pay for GLP-1 medications across all available options:

Medication & SourceMonthly CostAnnual Costvs Cheapest
CoreAge RX - Compounded Tirzepatide
Online telehealth, all-inclusive
$99$1,188
CoreAge RX - Compounded Semaglutide
Online telehealth, all-inclusive
$99$1,188
LifeMD - Compounded Semaglutide
Online telehealth
$249$2,988+$1,800
Hims & Hers - Compounded Semaglutide
Online telehealth (avg price)
$274$3,288+$2,100
Henry Meds - Compounded Semaglutide
Online telehealth
$297$3,564+$2,376
LifeMD - Compounded Tirzepatide
Online telehealth
$299$3,588+$2,400
Henry Meds - Compounded Tirzepatide
Online telehealth
$345$4,140+$2,952
Ro - Compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide
Online telehealth
$349$4,188+$3,000
Wegovy/Zepbound WITH Insurance
Typical copay (varies widely)
$300-600$3,600-7,200+$2,400-6,000
Ozempic (Brand, Cash)
Retail pharmacy, no insurance
$969$11,628+$10,440
Mounjaro (Brand, Cash)
Retail pharmacy, no insurance
$1,069$12,828+$11,640
Zepbound (Brand, Cash)
Retail pharmacy, no insurance
$1,059$12,708+$11,520
Wegovy (Brand, Cash)
Retail pharmacy, no insurance
$1,349$16,188+$15,000

💡 Key Takeaway

CoreAge RX at $99/month is the cheapest way to access GLP-1 medications—period. You'll save $1,800-15,000 per year compared to other options, and the medication quality and effectiveness are identical. The only difference is you're not paying for expensive marketing campaigns and brand names.

Why CoreAge RX is the Cheapest

CoreAge RX offers both tirzepatide and semaglutide at $99/month—50-93% cheaper than any other option. Here's how they do it:

1. Minimal Marketing Spend

Competitors like Hims & Hers spend $50-100M+ annually on advertising, celebrity endorsements, and Super Bowl commercials. CoreAge RX focuses on word-of-mouth and passes the savings to customers.

2. Streamlined Operations

Lower overhead costs through efficient operations, automated systems, and lean staffing. No expensive physical offices or excessive administrative bloat.

3. Direct Pharmacy Relationships

CoreAge RX works directly with FDA-registered 503B pharmacies, cutting out middlemen and negotiating better rates through volume commitments.

4. Volume-Based Pricing

High patient volume allows for better purchasing power and economies of scale, reducing per-patient costs significantly.

5. Transparent Pricing Model

One flat rate includes everything—consultation, medication, supplies, and shipping. No hidden fees, upsells, or surprise charges.

6. No Investor Pressure

Unlike VC-backed competitors racing for IPOs, CoreAge RX can focus on sustainable pricing rather than maximizing short-term profits.

✓ Important: Quality Is NOT Sacrificed

CoreAge RX uses the same FDA-registered 503B compounding pharmacies as competitors charging $300-350/month. The medication quality, safety testing, and medical oversight are identical. You're simply not overpaying for brand marketing and unnecessary overhead.

How NOT to Save Money on GLP-1s

While finding the cheapest option is smart, avoid these dangerous money-saving shortcuts:

🚫 NEVER: Buy from International Websites

Websites offering "cheap semaglutide from Canada/Mexico/overseas" are selling counterfeit, contaminated, or improperly stored medication. Common problems:

  • • No active ingredient (sugar water)
  • • Wrong dosage or contaminated product
  • • Shipped without refrigeration (degraded medication)
  • • No medical oversight or prescription
  • • Identity theft and credit card fraud

🚫 NEVER: Share Prescriptions or "Split" Doses

Some people try to save money by sharing one prescription between multiple people or buying higher doses to "split." This is illegal, dangerous, and can lead to improper dosing, contamination, and serious health risks.

🚫 AVOID: Suspiciously Cheap Compounding Pharmacies

While CoreAge RX at $99/month is legitimately affordable, beware of offers below $75/month. Pharmaceutical-grade semaglutide, proper testing, and sterile compounding have real costs. Prices significantly below market likely indicate corner-cutting on quality or safety.

🚫 AVOID: "Research Peptides" or "Not for Human Use"

Some websites sell semaglutide labeled "for research purposes only" or "not for human consumption" at low prices. These are unregulated, untested, and potentially dangerous. They're marketed this way to skirt FDA regulations.

🚫 RISKY: Using Diabetes Prescriptions for Weight Loss

Some people ask doctors for Ozempic (diabetes medication) instead of Wegovy (weight loss) to get insurance coverage, then use it off-label for weight loss. This is insurance fraud and can result in loss of coverage, fines, or legal consequences.

How to Get the Cheapest GLP-1 (Safely)

Here's the step-by-step process to access affordable GLP-1 medications through CoreAge RX:

1

Complete Online Health Assessment

Visit CoreAge RX and fill out a comprehensive health questionnaire covering your medical history, current medications, weight loss goals, and any relevant health conditions. This takes 5-10 minutes.

2

Medical Review by Licensed Provider

A licensed physician or nurse practitioner reviews your assessment within 24-48 hours. They'll determine if GLP-1 medication is appropriate and safe for you. If approved, they'll write a prescription.

3

Choose Your Medication

Select either tirzepatide or semaglutide. Both are $99/month with CoreAge RX. We generally recommend tirzepatide for superior weight loss results (20-25% vs 15-17%), but both are equally affordable.

4

Receive Medication at Home

Your medication ships within 3-5 days in temperature-controlled packaging. Everything is included: medication, needles, alcohol swabs, and sharps container. No additional costs or surprise fees.

5

Ongoing Medical Support

Message your medical team anytime with questions about side effects, dosing, or concerns. Regular check-ins ensure you're progressing safely. All included in your $99/month.

Ready to Start?

Get the cheapest GLP-1 medication available without sacrificing quality or safety.

Get Started with CoreAge RX →

$99/month • Both medications available • Cancel anytime

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cheaper GLP-1 medication less effective?

No. The active ingredient is identical. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide from FDA-registered pharmacies contain the same medication in the same doses as brand-name versions. Clinical effectiveness is the same—you achieve the same 15-25% weight loss. The difference is manufacturing source (compounding pharmacy vs Novo Nordisk) and price markup, not the medication itself.

Why don't doctors recommend the cheapest options?

Several reasons:

  • • Many doctors aren't aware of compounded options or telehealth platforms
  • • Insurance-based practices are incentivized to prescribe covered brand-name drugs
  • • Some physicians are conservative and only prescribe FDA-approved brand names
  • • Pharmaceutical companies market heavily to doctors (compounding pharmacies don't)

It's not that cheaper options are inferior—many doctors simply don't know about or recommend them.

Can I use my insurance with CoreAge RX?

No, CoreAge RX is cash-pay only. However, this is actually beneficial: CoreAge RX at $99/month cash is cheaper than most insurance copays for brand-name GLP-1s ($300-600/month typical copay). You also avoid prior authorization hassles, insurance denials, and coverage restrictions. Most patients find cash-pay through CoreAge RX more affordable and convenient than dealing with insurance.

Should I choose tirzepatide or semaglutide if they're the same price?

Choose tirzepatide for better results. Since CoreAge RX charges $99/month for both, go with tirzepatide—it delivers superior weight loss (20-25% average vs 15-17% with semaglutide) through dual GIP/GLP-1 action. The only reason to choose semaglutide is if tirzepatide isn't available in your state or if your doctor specifically recommends semaglutide for medical reasons.

What's the total cost including consultation and supplies?

$99/month total. Period. CoreAge RX includes everything in that price: medical consultation, prescription, medication, injection needles, alcohol swabs, sharps disposal container, and shipping. There are no setup fees, consultation fees, or hidden charges. What you see is what you pay.

How long will I need to take GLP-1 medication?

Most patients take GLP-1 medications for 12-24 months to achieve and maintain optimal results:

  • Months 1-6: Initial weight loss phase (rapid results)
  • Months 6-18: Continued weight loss to goal weight
  • Months 18+: Maintenance dosing or gradual discontinuation

Total cost with CoreAge RX: $1,188-2,376 for 12-24 months vs $12,000-32,000 with brand-name options.

Can I switch to CoreAge RX if I'm already on a more expensive option?

Yes, absolutely. Many patients start with brand-name or expensive telehealth platforms and switch to CoreAge RX once they realize the medication is identical. Simply sign up, complete the medical intake, and inform your new provider of your current dose. They'll continue your treatment at the same dose. Make sure you have enough medication from your current source to bridge the 1-2 week transition period.

The Bottom Line: Save $10,000-15,000 Per Year

After comparing every available GLP-1 option, the verdict is clear: CoreAge RX at $99/month offers the cheapest access to both tirzepatide and semaglutide without compromising quality, safety, or effectiveness.

Annual Savings with CoreAge RX:

vs Brand Wegovy ($1,349/mo):Save $15,000/year
vs Brand Zepbound ($1,059/mo):Save $11,520/year
vs Hims/Ro ($274-349/mo avg):Save $2,100-3,000/year
vs Henry Meds ($297-345/mo):Save $2,376-2,952/year
Over 18 months of treatment:Save $3,150-22,500

That's not a typo—you'll save thousands to tens of thousands of dollars while getting identical medication from the same FDA-registered compounding pharmacies. The only difference is CoreAge RX doesn't waste money on Super Bowl ads and celebrity endorsements.

Get the Cheapest GLP-1 →

$99/month for tirzepatide or semaglutide • All-inclusive pricing • Cancel anytime
* We may earn a commission. See our affiliate disclosure.