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Weight loss comparison

Category Compounded Semaglutide (Patient-Drawn) Compounded Semaglutide (Oral Drops) Compounded Tirzepatide (Oral Drops) Name-Brand Injections (Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, etc.)
Route of Administration Injection (Vial & Syringe) Oral Liquid Drops Oral Liquid Drops Injection (Pre-Filled Pen)
Dosing Frequency Weekly Daily Daily Weekly (Ozempic, Wegovy), Daily (Saxenda)
Bioavailability High Moderate Moderate High (Optimized Brand Formula)
Mechanism of Action Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1, single action) Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1, single action) Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 and Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GLP-1 + GIP, dual action) Both GLP and GIP+GLP-1
Onset of Action Gradual, peaks in days Steady absorption daily Steady absorption daily Gradual, peaks in days
Convenience Requires drawing dose and inject manually No injections, easy daily oral intake No injection, easy daily oral intake Pre-measured dose, minimal preparation
Best For
  • Starting GLP-1 patient
  • Cost-conscious
  • Comfortable with manual draw from vial
  • Flexibility in titrating dosages
  • Starting and on-going GLP-1 patient
  • Needle-averse individuals
  • Comfortable with manual draw from vial
  • Good with daily oral routine
  • Flexibility in titrating dosages
  • Starting and on-going GLP-1 and GIP patient
  • Needle-averse individuals
  • Good with daily oral routine
  • Flexibility in titrating dosages
  • Patients preferring an FDA-approved brand
Effectiveness for Weight Loss Effective, typically up to 15% depending on dosage and other factors Effective, typically up to 15% but requires daily adherence and other factors Effective, typically up to 20% but requires daily adherence and other factors Most clinically studied for weight loss
Side Effects Possible nausea, GI discomfort Possible nausea, GI discomfort Possible nausea, GI discomfort Possible nausea, GI discomfort
Monitoring Self-administered, provider guided dose escalation Self-administered, provider guided dose escalation Self-administered, provider guided dose escalation Self-administered, provider guided dose escalation
Price $199/mo. subscription with 6-month prepay plan available $299/ mo. subscription, with 6-month prepay plan available $359/ mo. subscription with 6-month prepay plan available $1,000+ per month (varies by brand)
Discount $100 off first month for subscription or 20% off for 6 months prepa $100 off first month for subscription $100 off first month for subscription Not Available
Higher Dosage Add $50/mo. up to 2 mg per week Add $50/mo. up to 2 mg per day Add $50/mo. 7.5 mg per day Same price
Insurance Coverage Not covered Not covered Not covered May be covered (varies by provider)
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