How to Calculate Compounded GLP-1 Cost

What is Compounded GLP-1 Cost?

The Compounded GLP-1 Cost Calculator estimates the monthly expense for compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide from compounding pharmacies, which offer lower-cost alternatives during FDA-declared drug shortages. It compares compounded pricing against brand-name medications.

Formula

Monthly Compounded Cost = (Dose per Week × 4.33 weeks) × Price per mg from Compounding Pharmacy

D: Weekly Dose (mg) — Amount of semaglutide or tirzepatide per weekly injection
P_comp: Compounded Price ($/month) — Monthly cost from the compounding pharmacy
P_brand: Brand Price ($/month) — Brand-name medication list price for comparison
C_form: Formulation Type (text) — Injection, sublingual, or other compounded delivery form

Step-by-Step Guide

1Select the GLP-1 active ingredient (semaglutide or tirzepatide) and your weekly dose
2Choose between subcutaneous injection, sublingual tablet, or other compounded formulations
3Enter the compounding pharmacy quoted price per vial or per month
4Compare against brand-name medication cost to see potential savings

Worked Examples

Input

Compounded semaglutide 2.5 mg/mL, 1 mL per week, from licensed 503B pharmacy

Result

Monthly cost: $150-$350 depending on pharmacy and state. Compared to Wegovy list price of $1,349/month: savings of $999-$1,199/month (74-89%).

Input

Compounded tirzepatide 10 mg/week, sublingual troche formulation

Result

Monthly cost: $250-$500. Compared to Mounjaro list price of $1,023/month: savings of $523-$773/month (51-76%). Note: sublingual bioavailability may differ from injection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✕Assuming compounded GLP-1s are identical to brand-name — purity, sterility, and potency may vary between pharmacies
✕Not verifying the compounding pharmacy is FDA-registered (503A or 503B) and state-licensed
✕Continuing compounded versions after the FDA shortage ends, which may raise legal issues for 503A pharmacies

Frequently Asked Questions

Is compounded semaglutide safe?

Compounded semaglutide from a licensed, FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility or state-licensed 503A pharmacy is prepared under regulatory oversight. However, compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and do not undergo the same rigorous testing as manufactured brands. Verify your pharmacy credentials and report any adverse effects. The FDA has issued warnings about contaminated compounded products from unregistered sources.

Will compounded GLP-1s be available after the shortage ends?

When the FDA removes a drug from the shortage list, 503A pharmacies must stop compounding that drug. 503B outsourcing facilities may have a transition period. As of 2024, semaglutide was still listed as in shortage. Check the FDA Drug Shortage Database for current status and consult your provider about transitioning to brand-name medication if needed.

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