What GLP-1s are
GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medications that mimic a gut hormone involved in appetite and blood-sugar regulation. Semaglutide is FDA-approved for chronic weight management as Wegovy, and tirzepatide, which acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, as Zepbound. Related versions (Ozempic, Mounjaro) are approved for type 2 diabetes. They're used alongside diet and activity changes, require a prescription, and need clinician oversight.
Brand-name vs. compounded
Reviewed and labeled
- Reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality
- Fixed, labeled doses, usually in pre-filled pens
- Dispensed by a licensed pharmacy with a prescription
- Insurance coverage varies widely by plan
Custom-made, not FDA-approved
- Not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before sale
- Often supplied in vials at varying concentrations, which the FDA has linked to dosing errors
- Made by 503A pharmacies (patient-specific prescriptions) or 503B outsourcing facilities
- Legal access narrowed after the shortages ended (see below)
How telehealth programs typically work
Intake
Online health history, current medications, and goals.
Labs
Baseline bloodwork, either ordered by the program or your own recent results.
Clinician review
A licensed clinician decides if a prescription is appropriate, by video, phone, or async review.
Pharmacy
The prescription is filled by a licensed pharmacy and shipped or picked up.
Follow-ups
Ongoing check-ins on side effects, progress, and dose adjustments set by your clinician.
Side-by-side comparison
| Program | Medication type | Pricing model | Labs required | Clinician follow-up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider Aadd details | Brand-name / compounded | Monthly · per-dose · membership + Rx | Yes / no / bring your own | Cadence · async or live | — Visit → |
| Provider Badd details | Brand-name / compounded | Monthly · per-dose · membership + Rx | Yes / no / bring your own | Cadence · async or live | — Visit → |
| Provider Cadd details | Brand-name / compounded | Monthly · per-dose · membership + Rx | Yes / no / bring your own | Cadence · async or live | — Visit → |
We're verifying programs now. Rows are added only after we confirm details directly with each provider. Prices change often, so always confirm the current total cost at checkout.
What to look for, and red flags
- A licensed clinician in your state reviews you before any prescription
- A real intake: history, medications, and labs
- Named, state-licensed dispensing pharmacy
- Clear total pricing: consult, medication, labs, follow-ups
- Scheduled follow-ups and a way to reach a clinician
- Easy cancellation terms in writing
- "No prescription needed" or no clinician review
- Calling compounded products "generic" or "the same as" Wegovy or Zepbound
- Won't name the pharmacy that makes the medication
- Guaranteed results or before/after promises
- "Research use only" or peptide-shop sellers
- Pressure to commit to long prepaid plans
Frequently asked
Are compounded GLP-1s the same as Wegovy or Zepbound?
No. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they're sold. The FDA has also said companies may not market compounded products as generics or as the same as the approved drugs.
Is compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide still legal?
The FDA declared the tirzepatide shortage resolved in December 2024 and the semaglutide shortage resolved in February 2025, and the shortage-based grace periods for compounders ended in 2025. Narrow exceptions remain, mainly a 503A pharmacy compounding for an individual patient whose prescriber documents a clinical need the approved product can't meet. Rules are still changing, so check with the pharmacy and your clinician.
Do I need labs?
Many programs ask for baseline bloodwork, and it's a good sign when they do. Labs help a clinician spot conditions that change whether a GLP-1 makes sense for you.
Can I get a GLP-1 without a prescription?
No. These are prescription medications. Any seller offering them without a licensed clinician's review is a red flag, and the FDA has warned about unapproved and counterfeit products sold online.
What side effects should I know about?
Gastrointestinal effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are the most commonly reported. The full list of risks is in each medication's FDA label, and your clinician should walk you through them.
How does Protocolia make money?
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we say a good program should do.
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