Verbatim response from Perplexity
The cheapest legitimate way is usually a licensed telehealth provider offering compounded semaglutide, because those plans are often the lowest cash-pay option and include the prescription, consultation, and medication in one monthly fee.[2][4][9][13]
If you want the lowest brand-name price instead of compounded medication, the cheapest legitimate route is usually through the manufacturer’s direct/self-pay program with a savings card or starter-vial pricing, such as LillyDirect for Zepbound or NovoCare for Wegovy.[2][10][14]
A practical way to choose:
- Lowest overall cash price: compounded semaglutide from a reputable telehealth platform, often starting around $99–$179/month depending on the provider and billing terms.[2][4][5][9][13]
- Lowest FDA-approved brand-name price: manufacturer direct programs, with some options starting around $149–$299/month for limited starter doses or self-pay vials.[2][6][10][14]
- Potentially cheapest with insurance: a brand-name GLP-1 plus manufacturer savings card, which can bring costs down to $0–$25/month for eligible patients.[3][14]
To stay legitimate, use a service that clearly lists a licensed prescriber, a named pharmacy, and standard medical screening; avoid sellers that only market “peptides” or do not disclose the dispensing pharmacy.[13] GoodRx Care Direct is one example of a licensed online service that can prescribe a GLP-1 if medically appropriate.[1]
If you want, I can compare the cheapest 3–5 reputable online options for either semaglutide or tirzepatide based on whether you want brand-name or compounded.