Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Cost: Complete Price Comparison
Deciding between tirzepatide and semaglutide for weight loss? Cost is a major factor. I've researched pricing across every provider and found ways to save thousands. Here's the complete cost breakdown for both medications—including the affordable options most doctors don't tell you about.
Quick Answer
Brand-name tirzepatide costs $1,000-$1,400/month while semaglutide costs $900-$1,400/month—nearly identical pricing. However, compounded versions are drastically cheaper: tirzepatide at $249/month and semaglutide at $99/month from FDA-registered pharmacies like Coreage Rx. Both medications deliver excellent results, so choosing based on price makes sense.
I use compounded tirzepatide at $249/month. It's the same medication as Mounjaro/Zepbound but costs 85% less than brand-name.
Brand-Name Pricing: Both Are Expensive
Let's start with the bad news: brand-name versions of both medications are extremely expensive without insurance.
Tirzepatide (Brand-Name)
Mounjaro (diabetes)
$1,000-$1,070/month
Zepbound (weight loss)
$1,060-$1,400/month
Annual cost: $12,000-$16,800 out-of-pocket
Semaglutide (Brand-Name)
Ozempic (diabetes)
$900-$1,000/month
Wegovy (weight loss)
$1,300-$1,400/month
Annual cost: $10,800-$16,800 out-of-pocket
Why Are They So Expensive?
Pharmaceutical companies set these prices because they can. These are patented medications under exclusive manufacturing, and demand is astronomical. Novo Nordisk (semaglutide) and Eli Lilly (tirzepatide) have no generic competition yet.
Reality check: Most people cannot afford $12,000-$16,000 per year for weight loss medication, which is why compounded alternatives are becoming the standard.
Compounded Pricing: The Affordable Alternative
Here's the good news: FDA-registered 503B compounding pharmacies can legally produce these medications at a fraction of brand-name costs. The medications are chemically identical—just without the brand name markup.
Compounded Tirzepatide
$249/month
Coreage Rx pricing
- Same medication as Mounjaro/Zepbound
- 503B FDA-registered pharmacy
- Physician supervised
- Free shipping included
- All supplies provided
Annual savings: $9,012-$16,056 vs brand-name
Compounded Semaglutide
$99/month
Coreage Rx pricing
- Same medication as Ozempic/Wegovy
- 503B FDA-registered pharmacy
- Physician supervised
- Free shipping included
- All supplies provided
Annual savings: $9,612-$15,612 vs brand-name
Why Compounded Medications Cost Less
Compounding pharmacies don't pay for marketing, sales teams, or brand development. They produce the medication in sterile facilities following FDA guidelines, but without the massive markup. You're paying for the actual medication, not commercials and brand recognition.
The chemical compound is identical. Your body can't tell the difference between compounded tirzepatide and brand-name Mounjaro—they work the same way.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Medication Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Savings vs Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro (brand tirzepatide) | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 | — |
| Compounded Tirzepatide | $249 | $2,988 | $9,012-$13,812 |
| Wegovy (brand semaglutide) | $1,300-$1,400 | $15,600-$16,800 | — |
| Compounded Semaglutide | $99 | $1,188 | $14,412-$15,612 |
My Personal Cost Experience
Why I Chose Compounded Tirzepatide at $249/month
I started on brand-name Mounjaro with insurance coverage, but when my insurance dropped coverage after 3 months, I was suddenly facing $1,200+ monthly bills. That's $14,400 per year—absolutely unsustainable on my budget.
I researched compounded options and found Coreage Rx offering physician-supervised compounded tirzepatide at $249/month. The switch was seamless, the medication works identically, and I'm saving over $11,000 per year.
I've lost 42 pounds on compounded tirzepatide. It works exactly the same as brand-name Mounjaro, just without the insane price tag.
Why Not Semaglutide at $99/month?
Semaglutide at $99/month is even cheaper, and I seriously considered it. Here's why I chose tirzepatide instead:
- Better weight loss results: Tirzepatide shows 15-22% total body weight loss vs semaglutide's 10-15%
- Dual mechanism: Tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors (semaglutide only targets GLP-1)
- Fewer side effects for me: I had worse nausea on semaglutide than tirzepatide
- Worth the extra $150/month: For superior results, the price difference felt justified
That said, semaglutide at $99/month is an incredible deal and works phenomenally for many people. If budget is your top priority, it's a fantastic choice.
Insurance Coverage: Don't Count On It
Most Insurance Plans Don't Cover Weight Loss
Here's the harsh reality: most insurance companies don't cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss, even though obesity is a recognized medical condition. They'll cover Ozempic for diabetes or Mounjaro for diabetes, but Wegovy and Zepbound (the weight loss versions) are frequently excluded.
Even when insurance does cover these medications, prior authorization can take weeks, and copays are often $200-$500/month. Plus, coverage can be dropped at any time, leaving you suddenly paying full price.
Manufacturer Savings Cards: Temporary and Limited
Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk offer savings cards that can reduce costs to $25-$250/month, but these have significant limitations:
- Only available with commercial insurance (not Medicare, Medicaid, or uninsured)
- Annual caps (usually $500-$600 in savings total)
- Can be discontinued at any time
- Often require prior authorization and hoops to jump through
These cards are helpful short-term, but they're not a reliable long-term solution. Compounded medications offer predictable, sustainable pricing.
Which Medication Should You Choose Based on Cost?
Choose Compounded Semaglutide ($99/month) If:
- Budget is your absolute top priority
- You're satisfied with 10-15% total body weight loss
- You want the most affordable option possible
- You've had good results with semaglutide before
- You tolerate semaglutide's side effects well
Choose Compounded Tirzepatide ($249/month) If:
- You want maximum weight loss results (15-22% total body weight loss)
- You can afford $150/month more for better outcomes
- You want the dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism
- You've tried semaglutide and want something stronger
- You experienced too many side effects on semaglutide
Both Are Affordable Compared to Brand-Name
Here's the bottom line: whether you choose compounded semaglutide at $99/month or compounded tirzepatide at $249/month, you're saving thousands compared to brand-name versions. Either choice is financially sustainable for most people, whereas $1,200-$1,400/month brand-name pricing is not.
Where to Get Affordable Compounded Medications
I use Coreage Rx for compounded tirzepatide ($249/month) and they also offer compounded semaglutide ($99/month). Both medications come from the same FDA-registered 503B pharmacy with full physician supervision.
Why I Chose Coreage Rx
- Best pricing available: $99/month semaglutide, $249/month tirzepatide
- 503B FDA-registered pharmacy: Highest quality compounding standards
- Physician supervised: Board-certified doctors oversee treatment
- All supplies included: Syringes, needles, alcohol wipes, sharps container
- Free shipping: Delivered monthly to your door
- No hidden fees: What you see is what you pay
- Medical support: Access to healthcare team throughout treatment
I've been using Coreage Rx for 8 months now. The medication works identically to brand-name, and the savings have made weight loss medication actually affordable. Read my full Coreage Rx review.
Ready to Start Affordable Weight Loss Medication?
Get physician-supervised compounded semaglutide at $99/month or tirzepatide at $249/month. Same medications as brand-name, just without the markup.
$99/month semaglutide • $249/month tirzepatide • Free shipping • All supplies included
Cost Comparison FAQ
Is compounded medication as safe as brand-name?
Yes, when produced by an FDA-registered 503B compounding pharmacy. These facilities follow strict FDA guidelines for sterility, quality control, and testing. Coreage Rx uses only 503B pharmacies, which meet the highest compounding standards. The active ingredient is chemically identical to brand-name versions.
Will my insurance cover compounded medications?
Generally no. Most insurance plans don't cover compounded medications because they're not FDA-approved branded drugs. However, at $99-$249/month, compounded medications are often cheaper than insurance copays for brand-name versions anyway.
Can I switch from brand-name to compounded?
Absolutely. I switched from brand-name Mounjaro to compounded tirzepatide without any issues. The dosing is the same, the medication works the same, and the transition was seamless. Many people switch to save money once they realize compounded options exist.
How much can I realistically save with compounded medications?
If you're paying out-of-pocket for brand-name, you'll save $9,000-$16,000 per year by switching to compounded. Even with insurance copays of $200-$500/month, compounded medications at $99-$249/month are significantly cheaper. Over a year of treatment, savings are substantial.
Are there any hidden costs with compounded medications?
Not with reputable providers like Coreage Rx. The monthly price ($99 for semaglutide, $249 for tirzepatide) includes the medication, physician supervision, all injection supplies, and free shipping. There are no setup fees, consultation fees, or hidden charges.
What if compounded medications become unavailable?
Compounding pharmacies can legally produce medications when there's a shortage of the brand-name drug or when patients need custom formulations. Currently, both tirzepatide and semaglutide are on the FDA shortage list, making compounding perfectly legal. If shortages end, availability may change, but for now, compounded options are widely accessible.
Bottom Line
Brand-name tirzepatide and semaglutide cost nearly the same ($1,000-$1,400/month), making them financially out of reach for most people. Compounded versions—$249/month for tirzepatide and $99/month for semaglutide—deliver the same results at 85-93% lower prices.
I chose compounded tirzepatide at $249/month because I wanted the superior weight loss results (15-22% vs 10-15%), and it's still massively cheaper than brand-name. If budget is your absolute top priority, compounded semaglutide at $99/month is an incredible value.
Either way, you'll save thousands per year compared to brand-name pricing. Don't let cost prevent you from accessing effective weight loss medication—affordable options exist.
Both medications work. Choose based on your budget and weight loss goals, knowing that compounded options make either choice financially sustainable.
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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Pricing information is accurate as of publication but may change. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication. Read our full medical disclaimer.