Calibrate Vs. Reflex MD 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.
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.
Calibrate Clinicians prescribe a variety of GLP-1 medications.
Calibrate and Reflex MD, how they work
Reflex MD Semaglutide – How it Works
Step 1 - Complete Medical Intake - Your medical doctor will develop the best treatment plan for you.
Step 2 - Meet with Doctor - A licensed doctor with weight loss experience will review your information.
Step 3 - Receive Medication - Receive your GLP-1 medication in the mail every month. Free Shipping to your door.
Join Calibrate - How it Works
1) Verify eligibility and sign up - Day 1
Take their eligibility quiz and get signed up. Then, you’ll download the Calibrate app and complete the Comprehensive Health Intake form.
2) Start learning and meet your coach - Days 1-5
Get started with the Calibrate curriculum and have your first 1:1 coaching session. In parallel, complete blood work at a lab convenient to you.
3) Get lab results and meet your clinician - Days 7-14
Once your blood work results are ready, you’ll discuss them with your Calibrate clinician during your first virtual appointment.
With Calibrate, at this point they will begin to work with your insurance provider to gain a pre-authorization for the medications. Be prepared to be patient, as this process can take some time.
Calibrate and Reflex MD - Pricing
Reflex MD - Pricing
Their monthly subscription is priced at $497.00, and it covers the multiple increases in medication.
For month one, you'll enjoy a $200.00 discount as an opportunity to experience their services first hand.
$297.00 first month cost
Reflex MD doesn't have a monthly fee or a fee for the initial consultation. Typical wait time to chat with a doctor is four-hours.
Reflex MD promises shipping within two-days from receipt of the prescription by their partner pharmacy.
Calibrate - Pricing
Calibrate is much more than just a medical weight loss prescription. They have an extensive, outlined plan for weight loss that just so happens to include weight loss drugs as a tool in their toolbelt.
Calibrate requires an initial 3-month commitment on their membership. It's $597 for the quarter and can be paid in monthly installments of $199. This cost does not include medications.
Cost per Month: $199
The membership includes:
Clinician-prescribed GLP-1 medication like Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro® or Zepbound®
1:1 personalized video coaching
Science-backed learning curriculum
Full-service insurance navigation
+10% weight loss guaranteed or you're eligible for money back
Calibrate only prescribes branded weight loss medications and doesn't appear to offer compounded semaglutide, the off-brand or generic version of the GLP-1. If it's determined that your medical insurance covers weight loss drugs, they state your cost could be as little as $25 per month. They also indicate that if you are on a high-deductible plan that your out of pocket could be higher until you meet that deductible.
If it's determine that your insurance doesn't cover weight loss drugs, they claim that they can still help you lose weight and that it's still possible even without the assistance of the GLP-1 meds like Wegovy or Ozempic.
Will Calibrate or Reflex MD help me navigate my insurance?
Yes, Calibrate takes great price in helping you navigate your insurance to get a pre-authorization for Wegovy or Ozempic.
Reflex MD only offers the compounded version of semaglutide and since insurance doesn't cover the compounded, generic version of the drug, you will be paying for this out of pocket at Reflex MD.
Join Calibrate Vs. Relfex MD - 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.
It's hard to declare a winner in this match since Join Calibrate doesn't offer compound Semaglutide, but rather only offers the name brand version along with an extensive weight loss program. Reflex MD does offer compound Semaglutide.
Reflex MD is ranked #46 out of over 50 providers. At $497 for month two and beyond, this means there are over 45 other providers who are more cost effective when looking at month two and beyond.
Be sure to see the Compare Semaglutide Complete Comparison Chart to view the Preferred Providers list along with the full list of over 50 online Semaglutude providers.
