Brand Name GLP-1 vs Compounded | ZYP Medical Gretna NE

🎉 New Options: Brand Name GLP-1 Medications Now Available!

Dear ZYP Medical Family,

We're excited to announce that we're now offering FDA-approved brand name GLP-1 medications alongside our compounded options. This gives you more choice and flexibility in your weight loss journey!

⚠️ IMPORTANT: FDA Approval & Compounded Medications Info ▼

About Compounded vs FDA-Approved Medications

Compounded medications are NOT FDA-approved. The FDA does not verify the safety, efficacy, or quality of compounded drugs. These are patient-specific prescriptions prepared by FDA-registered 503A compounding pharmacies following strict federal guidelines and rigorous testing protocols.

Brand name Zepbound® and Wegovy® ARE FDA-approved medications that have undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy for weight management.

All GLP-1 medications (both brand name and compounded) carry risks and potential side effects. These medications are prescription-only and must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider after appropriate evaluation.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Safety Information & Side Effects ▼

Important Safety Information - All GLP-1 Medications

Both brand name and compounded GLP-1 medications can cause serious side effects, including:

Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain
Pancreatitis: Severe stomach pain that may radiate to your back
Gallbladder problems: Including gallstones
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, especially when used with other diabetes medications
Kidney problems: Including kidney failure in people with existing kidney disease
Thyroid tumors: Including cancer, seen in animal studies
Allergic reactions: Including severe reactions
Changes in vision: In patients with type 2 diabetes
Increased heart rate
Depression or thoughts of suicide

Do not use if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Tell your healthcare provider about all medical conditions and medications you take. Stop use and contact your provider immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, vision changes, or signs of pancreatitis.

Two FDA-Approved Brand Name Options:

Option 1: Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) via Eli Lilly Direct

FDA-approved for chronic weight management. We've partnered with Eli Lilly Direct to provide discounted pricing on authentic Zepbound - a dual-action GLP-1/GIP medication.

FDA-approved and clinically tested
Direct-to-home delivery from the manufacturer
Variable pricing based on dosage strength

Option 2: Wegovy® (semaglutide) via NovoCare® Pharmacy

FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Access authentic Wegovy through Novo Nordisk's NovoCare® Pharmacy with guaranteed authenticity and direct-to-patient delivery.

FDA-approved with proven clinical efficacy
Flat-rate pricing across all dosage strengths
Fulfilled by reputable pharmacies like CenterWell Pharmacy

Why choose FDA-approved brand name? Some patients prefer FDA-approved medications that have undergone rigorous clinical trials for safety and efficacy, with consistent quality control from major pharmaceutical manufacturers.

💰 Cost Comparison: Brand Name vs Compounded

See the pricing difference between FDA-approved brand name and compounded GLP-1 medications

Dose/Phase	ZYP Compounded*	Brand Name (FDA-Approved)	Price Difference
SEMAGLUTIDE (Wegovy®)
Initial 3 Months	$440	$1,722 (3 × $574/mo)	$1,282 difference
1.0 mg weekly	$150/mo	$574/mo	$424/mo difference
1.25 mg weekly	$188/mo	$574/mo	$386/mo difference
1.5 mg weekly	$225/mo	$574/mo	$349/mo difference
1.75 mg weekly	$250/mo	$574/mo	$324/mo difference
2.0 mg weekly	$250/mo	$574/mo	$324/mo difference
2.5 mg weekly (max)	$250/mo	$574/mo	$324/mo difference
TIRZEPATIDE (Zepbound™)
Initial 3 Months	$699	$1,422-$1,722 ($424-$574/mo)	$723-$1,023 difference
5 mg weekly	$183/mo	$574/mo	$391/mo difference
7.5 mg weekly	$271/mo	$574/mo	$303/mo difference
10 mg weekly	$367/mo	$574/mo	$207/mo difference
12.5 mg weekly	$462/mo	$574/mo	$112/mo difference
15 mg weekly (max)	$550/mo	$574/mo	$24/mo difference

💚 Compounded options typically cost $200-$400 less per month

*Compounded prices are medication-only and do not include management fee. Brand name prices include medication + $75 management fee. Compounded medications are NOT FDA-approved.

💰 Brand Name Pricing Structure (FDA-Approved)

Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) - FDA-Approved via Eli Lilly Direct

Starting Dose (2.5 mg vials): $349/month

Higher Doses (5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg): $499/month

ZYP Management Fee: + $75/month

Total - Starting Dose: $424/month

Total - Maintenance Doses: $574/month

Wegovy® (semaglutide) - FDA-Approved via NovoCare® Pharmacy

All Doses (0.25 mg through 2.4 mg): $499/month

ZYP Management Fee: + $75/month

Total Monthly Cost: $574/month

Note: Wegovy pricing is the same across all dosage strengths, making budgeting simple and predictable throughout your treatment.

⚠️ Important Payment Information:

Management fees ($75/month) are automatically billed monthly to your card on file with Vagaro (secure payment processing)
Prescriptions are ordered one month at a time - we cannot send multiple months at once
Refills are sent during your 3rd week of medication
If payment fails, prescriptions will not be refilled - please keep your payment method current

✅ Compounded GLP-1: Affordable Alternative Option

About Our Compounded Medication Option

Important: Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are NOT FDA-approved. They use the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) as FDA-approved medications, but are patient-specific formulations from FDA-registered 503A compounding pharmacies.

We continue to offer compounded GLP-1 prescriptions as a more affordable option for patients. These are patient-specific prescriptions, not mass-produced medications.

Quality measures for our compounded medications:

503A Certified Pharmacies: We only work with FDA-registered 503A compounding pharmacies that follow strict federal guidelines under 21 U.S.C. §§ 353a
Third-Party Testing: Each batch undergoes testing for:
- Safety (contaminant screening)
- Sterility (bacteria-free verification)
- Potency (active ingredient concentration)
- Purity (quality verification)
Patient-Specific Prescriptions: These are individualized prescriptions written by a licensed healthcare provider for specific patients
Same Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient: Contains semaglutide or tirzepatide API, though the formulation and delivery method may differ from brand name products

Important to understand: While we implement rigorous quality controls, compounded medications have not undergone the same FDA approval process as brand name drugs. The choice between compounded and FDA-approved brand name medications should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider based on your individual circumstances, preferences, and budget.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the main difference between brand name and compounded GLP-1?

A: Brand name medications (Zepbound® and Wegovy®) are FDA-approved drugs that have undergone extensive clinical trials for safety and efficacy. Compounded versions use the same active pharmaceutical ingredient but are NOT FDA-approved - they are patient-specific formulations made by specialized 503A compounding pharmacies. The FDA does not verify the safety, efficacy, or quality of compounded drugs.

Q: Can I switch from compounded to brand name GLP-1?

A: Yes! We can transition you from compounded to FDA-approved brand name (either Zepbound or Wegovy) if you'd like to make the switch. Your provider will guide you through the process and ensure proper dosing continuity.

Q: Can I switch back to compounded GLP-1 later if needed?

A: Yes. You have flexibility to switch between compounded and brand name options based on your preferences and budget, subject to medical appropriateness as determined by your provider.

Q: What's the difference between Zepbound and Wegovy?

A: Zepbound contains tirzepatide (a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist) while Wegovy contains semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist only). Both are FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Zepbound has variable pricing based on dose, while Wegovy has flat-rate pricing. Your provider can help determine which medication is most appropriate for your specific goals and medical history.

Q: Are compounded medications safe?

A: Compounded medications are NOT FDA-approved, and the FDA does not verify their safety, efficacy, or quality. We only work with FDA-registered 503A compounding pharmacies that follow strict federal guidelines and implement third-party testing. However, these medications have not undergone the rigorous clinical trials required for FDA approval. All GLP-1 medications (both compounded and brand name) carry risks and should only be used under medical supervision.

Q: How are management fees billed?

A: Management fees ($75/month for brand name options) are automatically charged monthly to the credit/debit card you have on file with Vagaro. This ensures uninterrupted care and timely prescription refills.

Q: What happens if my payment method fails?

A: If your monthly management fee payment fails, we will not be able to refill your prescription until payment is updated. Please ensure your card information stays current to avoid interruptions in your treatment.

Q: When will I receive my refill?

A: Refills are sent during your 3rd week of medication to ensure you never run out. You'll receive tracking information once your prescription ships from the pharmacy (Eli Lilly Direct, NovoCare Pharmacy, or our compounding pharmacy partner).

Q: Does the management fee cover everything?

A: Yes! Your $75/month management fee (for brand name options) includes: ongoing provider access via text/call, monthly prescription management, dosage adjustments, side effect support, nutritional guidance, and regular check-ins with Joshua Peterson, FNP-C.

Q: Do I need to come into the office?

A: No office visits are required! All consultations, check-ins, and prescription management can be done virtually via telehealth, phone, or secure messaging. You have the flexibility to schedule in-person visits if you prefer. Initial consultation required before prescribing.

Q: Can I use my insurance for brand name medications?

A: The pricing listed is for cash-pay patients. If you have commercial insurance, your insurance may cover Zepbound or Wegovy depending on your specific plan. However, most insurance companies do not cover weight-loss medications. The discounted cash-pay pricing through Eli Lilly Direct and NovoCare Pharmacy is available for patients who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn't cover these medications.

Q: Who should NOT take GLP-1 medications?

A: Do not use GLP-1 medications if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider about all medical conditions, especially if you have a history of pancreatitis, kidney problems, diabetic retinopathy, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. A thorough medical evaluation is required before starting any GLP-1 medication.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule a consultation to discuss which option is right for your goals, medical history, and budget.

New Patients: Schedule Consultation Existing Patients: Schedule Follow-Up

Or call/text: (402) 407-2847

We're here to support you on your weight loss journey. Whether you choose FDA-approved brand name Zepbound, FDA-approved brand name Wegovy, or compounded GLP-1, you'll receive personalized care from our licensed provider.

Your health, your choice, your success.

Joshua Peterson, FNP-C
ZYP Medical
Gretna, Nebraska

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