Alan Meds VS. Zappy Semaglutide for Weight Loss Review
Compound Semaglutide for Weight Loss
What’s the difference between Semaglutide and then the name branded versions Wegovy or Ozempic? It's truly just that. The branded versions come from big pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk whereas the unbranded versions of Semaglutide come from a Compounding Pharmacies at a much more affordable price.
Medical Insurance does not cover compounded Semaglutide, the non-branded versions. If you are looking to use your insurance to cover the cost of name-brand products like Ozempic and Wegovy, this article may not give you the details and information you are looking for.
This blog post is comparing the process and costs of two companies that both offer compounded Semaglutide, rather than the name brand versions.
What is a Compounding Pharmacy?
Compounding pharmacies are regulated through a combination of federal and state oversight, although the specifics can vary depending on the jurisdiction. The FDA provides oversight at the federal level, especially for outsourcing facilities, while state boards of pharmacy handle day-to-day regulation and enforcement for traditional compounding pharmacies. This dual system helps ensure that compounded medications are safe and effective while accommodating the specific needs of individual patients.
In 2021 the FDA approved the use of GLP-1 drugs also known as Semaglutide and Tirzepitide for weight loss. Then in January of 2024, the FDA stated that there was a shortage of GLP-1 drugs. It was at that time that FDA gave compounding pharmacies an emergency exception to begin producing Semaglutide to help with the shortage.
Alan Meds and Zappy, how they work
Alan Meds doesn't charge an initial consult fee and they don't require any monthly subscription plan. On-going support and check-in's with your doctor are included in the monthly cost along with all needed supplies and free shipping on all meds.
Zappy Health is similar. Their motto is, "Break the Weight Loss Cycle." Again, like Alan Meds, no initial consult fee.
1) You meet.
You'll meet so that they can learn about your goals and dreams.
2) You adjust.
Together, you build a specific plan, just for you.
3) You Start.
You start losing weight while Zappy Health monitors every month.
Zappy VS. Alan Meds Semaglutide
The norm, when you start Semaglutide is that your first month dosage will be lower than months, two, three and beyond. So be prepared to know that the longer you remain on Semaglutide, it may increase in price each month.
Alan meds offers two dose sizes, the first month dose is $297 and then month two and beyond will be $458.
Zappy offers one option for semaglutide. The price is fixed regardless of the dose your Zappy doctor prescribes and is $295 per month.
Zappy indicated on their site that you could start for as little as $199, but didn't indicate if that was month one or when they offer that price.
Will Alan Meds or Zappy help me navigate my insurance?
No, neither company offers the brand name versions that are sometimes covered by insurance, so if you choose either of these two providers, you'll be paying out of pocket.
Zappy VS. Alan Meds, which one is more cost-effective?
Both companies are LegitScript Certified, meaning they have been certified by an outside organization on their verification of facilitating transactions for pharmacies. It also means that they have been approved for card-not-present transactions over the internet.
Clearly, from a pure cost perspective, Zappy is the more cost effective option. Regardless of which Alan Meds dose you compare against Zappy, Zappy is the clear winner in this match up.
Also note, that Zappy is #25 and Alan Meds is #45 on the Complete Comparison chart, meaning there are at least 24 other companies who offer compound Semaglutide at a lower cost.
See our "preferred providers" chart along with our Complete Semaglutide Cost Comparison Chart at the link below.
