GLP-1
What Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro really cost without insurance
May 5, 2026 · 8 min read
Branded GLP-1s remain expensive — Wegovy lists at $1,349/month, Mounjaro at $1,069. But the cash market has fractured into three layers worth understanding.
Layer 1: Manufacturer direct. Eli Lilly Direct sells Zepbound vials at $399–$549/month. Novo Nordisk has not yet matched.
Layer 2: Compounded semaglutide/tirzepatide. The FDA shortage exemption ended in late 2024 for tirzepatide and 2025 for semaglutide, so most legitimate compounding has wound down. Be skeptical of anything still under $200/month.
Layer 3: International / cash-pay clinics. Quality varies wildly. We do not link to these.
Bottom line: if you have insurance coverage, use it. If not, manufacturer direct is now the cheapest verified path.