- A retail price of $900-$1,000/month.
- Insurance denials.
- Supply shortages.
- Wanting a drug approved for weight loss rather than diabetes.
What can you take instead of Ozempic?
The main alternatives are compounded semaglutide (the same drug for less), Wegovy (the weight-loss-approved version) and tirzepatide (a stronger option). People look beyond Ozempic for several reasons:
Recommended GLP-1 providers
Three telehealth providers our editors recommend, shown with the same cards as our full ranking.
Our Most Popular
1
Exceptional
9.8out of 10
Semaglutide from $69/mo, delivered in 1-2 days
Refund if not approvedFree expedited shipping
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide injection (GLP-1) · Compounded tirzepatide injection (GLP-1 + GIP) · Online doctor review and prescription · Dose changes through the patient portal
Starting price
$79$69/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Semaglutide $69/mo; tirzepatide $119/mo
- 5-minute questionnaire; doctor review usually within 24 hours
- Free 1-2 day shipping: cold-packed, tracked and insured
- No insurance, no clinic visits, cancel anytime
Pricing starts at
from $69/month
embody prescribes compounded semaglutide at $69/mo and tirzepatide at $119/mo online, ships in 1-2 days, and requires no insurance. Trustpilot: 3.8 from 9,604 reviews.
Read full embody review2
Exceptional
9.7out of 10
Low-cost GLP-1 care: semaglutide from $89/mo
Clear, flat pricingNo insurance needed
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide injection (GLP-1) · Compounded tirzepatide injection (GLP-1 + GIP) · Brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy · Once-weekly injection schedule
Starting price
$199$89/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Semaglutide from $89/mo; tirzepatide from $149/mo
- Brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy available
- Reviewed by a physician, PA or nurse practitioner
- Free shipping, arriving in about 5-7 days
Pricing starts at
from $89/month
altRx sells compounded semaglutide from $89/month and tirzepatide from $149/month at a flat price per dose, plus brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy. Self-pay, no insurance needed.
Read full altRx review3
Excellent
9.1out of 10
Custom-dosed GLP-1 plans with ongoing provider check-ins
HIPAA compliantMade in the USA
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide injection (GLP-1) · Compounded tirzepatide injection (GLP-1 + GIP) · Dosing schedule customized by your provider · Unlimited check-ins for the length of treatment
Starting price
$289$149/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Semaglutide $149/month at every dose
- Tirzepatide $259/month
- Custom dosing plus unlimited provider check-ins
- Free consultation and tracked delivery, often next-day
Pricing starts at
from $149/month
TrimRx offers custom-dosed compounded semaglutide at $149/month (same at every dose) and tirzepatide at $259/month, with unlimited provider check-ins included. Trustpilot: 3.8 from 5,392 reviews.
Read full TrimRx reviewIs compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
It has the same active ingredient. Compounded semaglutide is prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies and costs a verified $49-$199/month, compared with $1,149+ for brand Ozempic. It is the most popular Ozempic alternative and is offered by telehealth providers such as altRx, TrimRx and others. When people say they are "on Ozempic" through telehealth, this is usually what they are taking.
Is Wegovy a better choice than Ozempic for weight loss?
Wegovy is the version of semaglutide built for weight loss. It contains the same drug as Ozempic but goes to a higher maximum dose (2.4 mg vs 2 mg) and has FDA approval specifically for weight loss. It costs more at retail ($1,300+/month), but it is the on-label choice rather than off-label Ozempic.
Is tirzepatide stronger than Ozempic?
Yes, on average. Tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss, acts on two receptors instead of one and led to up to 22.5% weight loss in trials, compared with about 15% for semaglutide. Compounded tirzepatide is available through telehealth from a verified $89/month. See our tirzepatide providers page.
Semaglutide plans and prices by provider
Each provider's published semaglutide plan, sorted from lowest price, with the terms listed under every price.
Is GLP-1 Treatment Right for You?
GLP-1 medication is prescription-only: a licensed clinician has to decide it is appropriate, and it is not a fit for everyone. Side effects are possible, and they tend to show up in the first few weeks while your body adapts.
Results are usually best when the medication is paired with simple daily habits, such as balanced meals and regular movement.
For both safety and lasting progress, pick a provider that screens you properly before prescribing and keeps following up once treatment starts.
Which telehealth providers offer Ozempic alternatives?
Telehealth providers that sell compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide are the most affordable route:All of them include physician oversight, consultations and home delivery.
How much do Ozempic alternatives cost?
Verified published prices per month:
- Brand Ozempic: $1,149 at altRx.
- Brand Wegovy: $1,579 at altRx, $1,799 at Sprout.
- Compounded semaglutide: $49-$199.
- Compounded tirzepatide: $89-$299.
How do you switch from Ozempic to an alternative?
Moving to compounded semaglutide is simple because it is the same medication, and your telehealth provider can match your current dose. Moving to tirzepatide requires a consultation so your provider can choose the right starting dose.
Either change is usually smooth. Use the matching quiz to find a provider, or read our guide to getting semaglutide online.