GLP-1s Are Everywhere. Figuring Out What They Cost Is Another Story

As semaglutide and tirzepatide go mainstream, pricing remains one of the most confusing parts of starting treatment. Here's how one telehealth company is trying to make it simpler

By Zoë Mackay

Zoë Mackay

November 3, 2026

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In just a few years, GLP-1 medications have gone from niche prescription to dinner-table topic. They come up in group chats, at the gym, and across every social feed. But for all the talk about what these drugs do, there’s surprisingly little clarity about what they cost.

Ask people who have started treatment and a familiar story tends to emerge. The price looked reasonable at first, then climbed as the dose increased. A membership fee appeared. Then a separate charge for needles and supplies. Because GLP-1 treatment typically starts at a low dose and steps up over several months, many patients find their monthly bill climbing right along with it, which makes it hard to budget for something that’s meant to be a long-term commitment.

There are other considerations to take into account, too, starting with knowing what you’re getting.

Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide: What’s the Difference?

The two names you hear most often work in related but distinct ways. Semaglutide, one of the most widely prescribed GLP-1 medications, mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, slows digestion, and signals fullness to the brain. Tirzepatide, a newer medication, acts on GLP-1 receptors as well as a second hormone pathway called GIP, which is why it’s often described as a “dual-action” medication.

Both are weekly injections, and neither is automatically the better choice. Which one makes sense depends on a person’s health history, goals, and how they respond to treatment, a decision best made with a clinician.

A Flat-Rate Approach

Mondae, an online telehealth program, is betting that a simpler pricing model will remove one of the biggest hurdles to getting started. Rather than tying cost to dosage, the company prices its compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide by plan length, so the monthly figure stays the same as a patient’s dose changes.

Compounded semaglutide runs $69 a month on a six-month plan, $75 on a three-month plan, and $87 month to month. Compounded tirzepatide is $110, $118, and $126 for the same terms. All plans are billed monthly, and the price covers the medication, injection supplies, messaging with a care team, and shipping. There’s no membership or consultation fee, and insurance isn’t required. HSA and FSA cards are accepted, and the longer plans can be split into installments through Affirm or Klarna.

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The process itself happens from home. Patients complete a short online intake about their health history and goals, a licensed clinician reviews it — typically within about a day — and if treatment is prescribed, medication usually arrives in about two days. A card hold is placed at checkout, but no charge goes through unless a clinician actually writes a prescription.

Is Ordering a GLP-1 Online Safe?

The logistics of ordering GLP-1s online may be easier than ever, but it’s still worth checking with each provider to see what they’re actually offering — and how it’s getting to you. The rise of online GLP-1 programs has been accompanied by counterfeit products and unlicensed sellers, so knowing who is prescribing and who is making the medication matters.

Mondae says that every prescription is written by a state-licensed U.S. clinician, and only issued after a review of the patient’s health history. Medications are prepared by an FDA-registered U.S. pharmacy, and each batch is tested for potency, sterility, pH, and endotoxins, per the brand. The company is also LegitScript certified, a third-party verification that confirms that online pharmacies and telehealth providers meet legal and safety standards. Patients can also message their care team throughout their treatment with information provided by Mondae.

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It’s also important to understand what “compounded” means. Compounded medications are prepared by a pharmacy rather than the brand-name manufacturer, and they are not approved or evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. That’s one reason a clinician’s review, and ongoing access to that clinician, is a meaningful part of the process.

Mondae

The Bottom Line

GLP-1s aren’t for everyone, and results vary. Mondae says most members begin to notice changes within the first several weeks, but the right medication, dose, and timeline are individual decisions. The service is available in all 50 states, and there’s no long-term contract. The conversation around these medications isn’t slowing down, and for people weighing whether to start, a clear picture of the cost may make the decision a little easier.

To learn more or see if you qualify, visit Mondae.

Important safety information. GLP-1 medications are prescription-only and are not right for everyone. Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and stomach discomfort. These medications are generally not prescribed to people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or to people who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Your clinician will review your full health history before deciding whether treatment is appropriate. Talk to your clinician about all possible risks and side effects.

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Compounded products are not approved nor evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality by the FDA. Prescriptions are issued only if a licensed clinician determines treatment is appropriate. Rx only. $69/mo price is for compounded semaglutide on the 6-month plan, billed monthly; tirzepatide from $110/mo on the 6-month plan, billed monthly. Individual results vary. This content is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

© 2026 Mondae Health. Mondae is not affiliated with Rolling Stone.

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