Yes. We offer both.
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are the brand name options. Both are made by pharmaceutical manufacturers and are FDA-approved for weight management.
Price is the difference people ask about first, but it isn't the only one. Here's the full picture so you can decide properly.
FDA approval
Branded medications have been reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, quality, and labeling for mass production. Compounded medications have not since they are compounded for a specific prescription and person. That's true of all compounded medicine, everywhere — not just ours. Our pharmacy partners are still licensed and inspected, but that's a different thing from FDA approval.
How you take it
Branded medication comes as a pre-filled pen with the dose already set. You dial it and inject.
Compounded medication usually comes as a vial with a syringe, which means you measure your own dose each week. It's not difficult, but it is a step where mistakes can happen. If measuring your own dose worries you, that's a genuine reason to consider branded.
Cost
Branded costs more.
Insurance
Branded medication can sometimes covered by insurance. Compounded medication almost never is. If you have coverage, it's worth checking your plan.
Availability
Branded supply is controlled by the manufacturer. Compounded availability depends on the pharmacy and on current regulations.
Which one is right for you?
Branded may suit you better if:
You want an FDA-approved medication
You have insurance that might cover it
You'd rather not measure your own dose
A compounded medication hasn't worked well for you
Compounded may suit you better if:
You're paying out of pocket and cost is the deciding factor
It's working well for you already
There's no wrong answer here, and plenty of people start with one and move to the other.
How to switch
Message your Care Team through the portal and tell them what you're thinking. They'll walk you through pricing, availability, and what changes.
One thing to expect: your dose may restart lower and build back up. These medications aren't interchangeable unit for unit, and your provider will set the schedule.
One more thing
Rules around compounded GLP-1 medications have been changing, and they may keep changing. If anything affects your treatment, we'll contact you directly. You're also welcome to ask us at any time, it's a fair question and we'd rather you hear it from us.