altRx vs DirectMeds
altRx and DirectMeds are both telehealth GLP-1 programs, but they differ on price, medications, shipping and how you pay. Here's the side-by-side, with the numbers, so you can pick the right one.
Last reviewed 2026-09-01 · Pricing is provider-reported and changes often — confirm current rates on each provider's site. We may earn a commission.
Educational, not medical advice. This page explains GLP-1 medications in general terms. Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide what's right for you.
altRx is our pick in this matchup — lowest compounded entry price and brand-name options under one roof. Consider DirectMeds instead if its strength — fast shipping and a low entry price, no insurance needed — matters more to you.
View Plan: altRxChoose altRx if…
you want altRx's edge — lowest compounded entry price and brand-name options under one roof.
Choose DirectMeds if…
you want DirectMeds's edge — fast shipping and a low entry price, no insurance needed.
Cost breakdown
The numbers that actually decide it, side by side.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $89/mo (compounded semaglutide) | From $147/mo |
| Semaglutide | $89/mo (compounded) | Compounded (from ~$147/mo) |
| Tirzepatide | From $149/mo (compounded GLP-1 + GIP) | Compounded (plan-dependent) |
| Offering | Both | Compounded |
| Shipping | Included | Free 1–2 day |
| Insurance | Cash; Buy Now, Pay Later available | Cash |
On price, altRx lists $89/mo (compounded) for compounded semaglutide and From $149/mo (compounded GLP-1 + GIP) for tirzepatide, while DirectMeds lists Compounded (from ~$147/mo) and Compounded (plan-dependent). Where prices are published, altRx is the lower-cost option.
Both are cash-pay compounded programs, so the real decision comes down to price, shipping, pharmacy credentials and support rather than the drug itself.
Full specs, side by side
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $89/mo (compounded semaglutide) | From $147/mo |
| Compounded semaglutide | $89/mo (compounded) | Compounded (from ~$147/mo) |
| Tirzepatide | From $149/mo (compounded GLP-1 + GIP) | Compounded (plan-dependent) |
| GLP-1 + GIP option | Yes — compounded tirzepatide (GLP-1 + GIP) from $149/mo | Yes — compounded tirzepatide (GLP-1/GIP) |
| Offering type | Both | Compounded |
| New-patient offer | Buy Now, Pay Later financing available | Varies |
| Billing model | Monthly plans; multi-month options | Monthly plans |
| What's included | Online medical evaluation, Medication, Shipping, Dose adjustments | Online medical visit, Medication, Free shipping |
| Lab work | Online intake; labs may be requested for some patients | Online intake |
| Shipping | Included | Free 1–2 day |
| Refills | Monthly refills | Monthly refills |
| States | Most US states | Most US states |
| Pharmacy | US compounding pharmacies (503A); brand via licensed pharmacies | US compounding pharmacies |
| Clinicians | US-licensed prescribers | US-licensed prescribers |
| Insurance | Cash; Buy Now, Pay Later available | Cash |
| Consultation | Asynchronous online medical intake | Online medical visit |
| Our rating | 9.6 · Excellent | 8.0 · Good |
Medications & formulations
- altRx: both GLP-1. Yes — compounded tirzepatide (GLP-1 + GIP) from $149/mo
- DirectMeds: compounded GLP-1. Yes — compounded tirzepatide (GLP-1/GIP)
New to the drugs themselves? Read our plain-language guides to semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Lowest published compounded entry price in our list
- Rare option to choose compounded OR brand-name in one place
- Buy Now, Pay Later spreads the cost
- No insurance needed to start
Cons
- Compounded products aren't FDA-approved finished drugs
- Brand-name pricing depends on insurance/eligibility
Pros
- Fast 1–2 day shipping
- No insurance required
- Low entry price
Cons
- Smaller, less-established brand
- Compounded only
Where each one has the edge
We don't tally a winner — that hides the trade-offs. Here's who leads on each dimension and why.
altRx: $89/mo (compounded). DirectMeds: Compounded (from ~$147/mo).
altRx offers both; DirectMeds offers compounded.
altRx: Included. DirectMeds: Free 1–2 day.
Comparable pharmacy disclosures.
Both are primarily cash-pay for compounded GLP-1.
Match by your priority
The fastest way to decide: find your top priority, see which program we'd point you to.
If your priority is the lowest published price
If your priority is the best shipping
If your priority is our overall pick
altRx vs DirectMeds: common questions
The bottom line
altRx is our pick in this matchup — lowest compounded entry price and brand-name options under one roof. Choose DirectMeds only if its strength (fast shipping and a low entry price, no insurance needed) matters more to you than price and our overall rating.
How we compare — and how to read this
We compare programs on the factors that actually affect a patient: real price (including whether it's compounded or branded), medications and formulations offered, shipping, pharmacy accreditation and clinician model, insurance stance, and commitment. We name a top pick for most people, but we show the trade-offs in full so you can override it when your priorities or insurance point the other way. Pricing is provider-reported and changes frequently — and compounded-drug availability shifts with FDA shortage status — so always confirm the current details on the provider's own site before enrolling. Affiliate relationships do not change a program's placement. This page is educational and not medical advice; see our disclaimer.