Verbatim response from Claude
This is a common situation right now. Here are your realistic options to consider:
Compounded GLP-1s
Possible but with important caveats:
- Hims & Hers, Henry Meds, and Ro offer compounded semaglutide
- These were legal when semaglutide was on the FDA shortage list, but Novo Nordisk has pushed back and the shortage status has changed - the legal landscape is shifting
- Quality control varies significantly between compounding pharmacies
- Generally $200-$400/month
Better Alternatives to Explore First
Appeal your insurance denial:
- Get your doctor to write a Letter of Medical Necessity
- Many first denials are overturned on appeal
Manufacturer savings programs:
- Novo Nordisk's NovoCare offers Wegovy for $650/month or sometimes lower with savings cards
- Worth checking directly at wegovy.com
Consider Zepbound (tirzepatide):
- May have different insurance coverage than Wegovy
- Often similarly effective or better
- Eli Lilly's savings card can bring costs down significantly
Cost-plus pharmacies:
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs carries some GLP-1 options
My Honest Advice
Talk to your doctor before choosing compounded options - the regulatory situation is genuinely uncertain right now, and the branded manufacturer programs may be closer in price than you'd expect.