White prescription GLP-1 carton and matching injection pen, both marked Rx only, against a cascading teal water form. FDA-approved

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Brand-Name GLP‑1s

FDA-approvedPrescription required

FDA-approved GLP-1s. Pill or pen.

  • Wegovy®, Zepbound® + more
  • Priced by dose, plus a $49/mo care fee

FDA-approved pills and pens

FDA-approved GLP-1 medications from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, including a daily pill and weekly pens. You pay one monthly price that includes the medication and your provider care.

Form
Daily pill or weekly pen
Options
Wegovy®, Zepbound®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®
Pricing
By dose, plus a $49/mo care fee
Made by
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly

Choose your plan

No charge unless a provider approves · Start assessment

A monthly price set by the dose your provider prescribes, plus a $49/mo care fee. Plan discounts don't apply to brand-name medications · Licensed providers · Pharmacy named on every label · 12-month price lock

Quick answer

Brand-Name GLP-1s at a glance

FDA-approved GLP-1 medications from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, including a daily pill and weekly pens.

How it’s taken: daily pill or weekly pen.

It starts at $235/mo at Surna, all in, and the price follows your dose.

A prescription from a licensed provider is required. It’s FDA-approved.

Compare: Compounded vs. brand-name

Updated

How Brand-Name GLP‑1s works

Wegovy® and Ozempic® contain semaglutide. Zepbound® and Mounjaro® contain tirzepatide, which acts on both GLP-1 and GIP.

Wegovy® pills and pens and Zepbound® pens are FDA-approved for weight management. Ozempic® and Mounjaro® are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, and your provider prescribes them only when appropriate.

What to expect

Everyone responds differently. Your provider checks in and adjusts your plan along the way.

Weeks 1–4

Starting dose. Many people notice less interest in food. Mild nausea is common while your body adjusts.

Months 2–3

Your dose increases as tolerated, and appetite changes usually become more noticeable.

Months 4+

Your provider adjusts toward a maintenance dose based on your progress and side effects.

Is it right for you?

Your provider makes the final call after reviewing your health history.

Often a good fit

  • Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition
  • People who want an FDA-approved medication
  • People who'd like a pill option instead of injections

Usually not a fit

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2
  • Pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
  • History of pancreatitis
  • Type 1 diabetes

Not a complete list. Tell your provider about all health conditions and medications.

Possible side effects

Most side effects are mild. Your care team is a message away if something doesn't feel right.

More common

NauseaConstipationDiarrheaVomitingStomach painTiredness

Get medical help right away for

  • Severe stomach pain that won't go away, with or without vomiting
  • A lump or swelling in your neck, trouble swallowing, or hoarseness
  • Pain in your upper right belly, fever, or yellowing skin or eyes
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like swelling of your face or trouble breathing

For a medical emergency, call 911.

How to take it

Always follow the directions on your label and from your provider.

Pills: follow the label

Take Wegovy® pills on an empty stomach with a small sip of water, and wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.

Pens: once a week

Inject on the same day each week under the skin of your belly, thigh, or upper arm.

Store it properly

Keep pens refrigerated and follow the storage directions in the package.

Brand-Name GLP‑1s questions

Why do brand-name medications cost more?

You pay one monthly price that includes the medication and your provider care. Brand-name GLP-1s cost more than compounded options, and plan discounts do not apply to them.

Will my insurance cover it?

It depends on your plan. Some plans cover weight management medications and others don't. We'll help you check coverage and manufacturer savings programs.

Pill or pen: which is better?

Both can work. Pills avoid needles, and pens are taken once a week. Your provider considers your health history, preferences, and any past GLP-1 experience.

Related treatments

See all Weight Loss treatments

See if Brand-Name GLP‑1s is right for you.

Answer a few questions and a licensed provider will review your options.

FDA-approved

Important safety information

Last updated

GLP-1 medications may cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, based on studies in rodents; it is unknown whether this happens in people. Do not use if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma or if you have MEN 2. Other serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar when used with other diabetes medicines, kidney problems from dehydration, serious allergic reactions, increased heart rate, and changes in vision for people with diabetic retinopathy. Watch for changes in mood or thoughts of self-harm and tell your provider right away. Wegovy® and Ozempic® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk. Zepbound® and Mounjaro® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. Surna Health is not affiliated with these companies.

This is not a complete list of risks. Talk with your provider and read the full prescribing information or medication guide.