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HealthVetted
Free tool

GLP-1 switching calculator

Switching between GLP-1 medications (for example, Ozempic to Zepbound) involves dose equivalence, re-titration, and a change in cost. This tool helps you plan the transition and compare the financial impact.

1. Where are you now (compounded)?

2. Which path to branded (Wegovy)?

Cost delta

Monthly
−$174
Annual
−$2,088
5-year
−$10,440

Switching SAVES you $2,088/year. The chosen branded path is cheaper than your current compounded option. Plus you get FDA-approved purity guarantees + insurance-backed safety net.

Transition timeline

69days end-to-end (typical)
  1. 1

    Get an in-person prescriber

    ~14 days

    Compounded telehealth → branded requires non-compounding prescriber. PCP, endocrinologist, or obesity medicine specialist. Schedule appointment with current weight + treatment history.

  2. 2

    Establish indication for insurance

    ~7 days

    BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with comorbidity) qualifies for weight-loss indication (Wegovy/Zepbound). T2D diagnosis qualifies for diabetes indication (Ozempic/Mounjaro). Confirm criteria with prescriber.

  3. 3

    Prior authorization (if insured)

    ~10 days

    Insurance PA forms: BMI documentation + 3-6 month lifestyle program records + comorbidity ICD-10 codes. Prescriber's office handles submission. Typical approval 5-10 business days.

  4. 4

    Plan washout from compounded

    ~7 days

    Don't stop compounded until branded is in hand. Order branded supply, wait until shipment arrives + ready to administer, then transition (one week of overlap acceptable).

  5. 5

    Dose-match transition

    ~30 days

    Compounded dose ≠ branded dose due to formulation differences. Match by titration stage: if you were on compounded 2.4mg semaglutide, start branded Wegovy at 1.7mg first week, escalate to 2.4mg if tolerated. Conservative.

  6. 6

    Cancel compounded subscription

    ~1 days

    Once branded supply confirmed working: cancel compounded. Check subscription terms — many require web cancellation, some still require phone. Document cancellation confirmation.

Your branded target: Wegovy

You\'re currently on compounded semaglutide. The FDA-approved equivalent for weight-loss indication is Wegovy.

If you have type 2 diabetes diagnosis, alternative is Ozempic (diabetes-indicated). Insurance approval typically easier.

All cost paths verified May 2026. Prices change quarterly — confirm specific pricing with the channel (NovoCare, LillyDirect, TrumpRx, Costco). Insurance copay assumes manufacturer savings card applied. Without savings card, expect $50-100/month copay range.

Estimates for educational purposes only — not medical advice, a quote, or a guarantee of coverage or price. Confirm costs with the pharmacy/manufacturer and clinical decisions with a licensed provider.

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