What GLP-1 injections cost in 2026
Brand-name self-pay prices and compounded plans for weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide injections, side by side, with what each price includes.
The short version
Without insurance, the FDA-approved injections, Wegovy and Zepbound, cost roughly $299 to $449 a month when you buy directly from the manufacturer, depending on the dose, and up to $699 at higher doses if a refill is late. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide injections through Vitascend cost $119 to $279 a month on a 3-month plan, with your clinician and shipping included.
Prices side by side
Weekly injections, price per month, as published on September 29, 2026. Manufacturers change their prices, so check their sites for the latest.
| Medication and dose | Brand, from the manufacturer | Vitascend, compounded |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide, starting doses (0.25 to 1 mg) | Wegovy: $349 (new patients: $199 for the first 2 fills at 0.25 or 0.5 mg, through Dec 31, 2026) | $119 to $139 on a 3-month plan, $149 to $179 month to month |
| Semaglutide, higher doses (1 to 2.5 mg) | Wegovy: $349 | $159 to $169 on a 3-month plan, $199 to $209 month to month |
| Tirzepatide, starting doses (2.5 to 7.5 mg) | Zepbound: $299 (2.5 mg), $399 (5 mg), $449 (7.5 mg) | $169 to $199 on a 3-month plan, $209 to $249 month to month |
| Tirzepatide, higher doses (10 to 15 mg) | Zepbound: $449 if refilled within 45 days, otherwise $699 | $259 to $279 on a 3-month plan, $319 to $339 month to month |
What each price includes
Buying a brand directly from the manufacturer covers the medication. You still need a prescription from a clinician, and that visit is usually a separate cost. Some manufacturer programs connect you with telehealth providers who charge their own fees.
Vitascend's price covers the medication, a licensed clinician's reviews for as long as you're on the plan, and shipping (cold-packed when it needs to be). The one extra is the $50 visit fee on your first order, and only if a clinician approves you. We don't bill insurance.
Why compounded costs less, and the trade-off
Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed pharmacy for an individual patient and don't carry the costs of bringing a brand to market. That's why they usually cost less.
The trade-off is that they're not FDA-approved. They contain the same active ingredients as the brands, but they aren't the brands, and the brands' clinical trial results weren't measured on them. The FDA has also raised concerns about unapproved GLP-1 products, especially ones sold without a prescription. Buy only from a provider that uses a licensed pharmacy and a licensed clinician.
For some people the FDA-approved product is the better choice. Your clinician can talk you through it.
If you have insurance
Some plans cover Wegovy or Zepbound for weight management, usually with prior authorization, so it's worth checking your coverage. We don't bill insurance, so our prices are the same for everyone.
Questions to ask any provider
Wherever you go, get clear answers to these before you pay:
- Is this the full monthly price, including the clinician and shipping?
- Are there membership, visit or consultation fees, and when are they charged?
- Does the price go up after the first month or as my dose increases?
- Does my plan renew automatically, and how do I stop it?
- Which licensed pharmacy makes my medication?
Sources
This guide is general education, not medical advice. Whether a treatment is right for you is a decision for you and a licensed clinician. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.