How to Get GLP-1 Prescribed Online (Step-by-Step)

The Fast Answer

Yes—you can get GLP-1 medications prescribed online through legitimate telehealth services if you meet medical criteria, complete a clinical evaluation with a state-licensed provider, and fill your prescription through a licensed pharmacy.

The process is similar to an in-person visit—just online.

What "getting GLP-1 prescribed online" really means:

• A licensed clinician reviews your health history and goals
• They confirm you're an appropriate candidate (or explain why not)
• They prescribe an FDA-approved medication (or discuss alternatives)
• You fill it through a pharmacy (local pickup or mail order)
• You have follow-ups to monitor side effects and results

The Step-by-Step Process (High Level)

1. Confirm eligibility + safety (BMI, conditions, contraindications)
2. Choose your path: insurance route vs cash-pay; local pharmacy vs mail order
3. Pick a legitimate online prescriber (licensed, transparent, ongoing care)
4. Prepare: meds list, medical history, insurance info, recent labs (if you have them)
5. Complete intake + consultation (video, phone, or async messaging)
6. Labs if needed (A1C, lipids, kidney/liver, etc.)
7. Prescription sent to a pharmacy (and you verify it's legitimate)
8. Insurance prior authorization or cash pricing (often the hardest step)
9. Start safely + follow up (dose escalation, side effects, progress tracking)

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Quick "Am I a Good Candidate?" Check

Use this as a 2-minute pre-screen before you spend money on visits or memberships. It's not a diagnosis—it's a practical filter based on FDA indications and major label safety warnings.

1) What Are You Trying to Treat?

• Chronic weight management (weight loss + long-term maintenance) → FDA-approved options include Wegovy (semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), and Saxenda (liraglutide)
• Type 2 diabetes → FDA-approved options include Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Rybelsus (oral semaglutide), and others
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with obesity → Zepbound is FDA-approved to treat moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity

2) Do You Meet BMI Criteria?

For FDA-approved chronic weight management, labels generally require:

Common weight-related conditions (examples):

• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol/triglycerides)
• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Cardiovascular disease
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)

BMI quick math: BMI = (weight in pounds ÷ height in inches²) × 703

For a more precise calculation, use our GLP-1 BMI Eligibility Calculator.

3) Any "Do Not Use" Red Flags?

These are the major contraindications that commonly stop GLP-1 prescriptions or require specialist input:

If you pass this quick screen, you're likely in the group that telehealth clinics evaluate for GLP-1s.

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The 3 Paths to Getting GLP-1 Online

Most people fall into one of these paths. Pick yours now, because it changes what "step-by-step" looks like.

Path A: Insurance Route

Best if: Your plan covers weight-loss meds or you have a strong medical case.

You'll focus on:

• A provider experienced with prior authorization
• Documenting BMI + comorbidities + past attempts
• Appeals if denied

Typical timeline: 1-4 weeks (depending on prior auth process)

Path B: Cash-Pay for FDA-Approved Medication

Best if: You want FDA-approved meds and prefer to avoid insurance paperwork.

You'll focus on:

• Legitimate prescriber
• Legitimate pharmacy
• Manufacturer cash programs/savings offers when available

Typical cost: $900-1,400+/month without savings programs

Path C: Cash-Pay Compounded GLP-1

Best if: You understand the tradeoffs and are working with a clinician who can explain them.

You'll focus on:

• Pharmacy legitimacy (503A vs 503B)
• Dosing clarity (mg vs "units")
• FDA warnings and current shortage/legal context

Typical cost: $179-399/month

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GLP-1 Medications Compared

For a detailed comparison, see our guide on semaglutide vs tirzepatide.

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Step 1: Eligibility & Safety

Before any legitimate provider prescribes GLP-1 medication, they need to confirm:

Medical eligibility:

• BMI meets criteria (≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidity)
• Weight-related health condition documented (if BMI 27-29.9)
• Previous weight loss attempts (some insurers require this)

Safety screening:

• No contraindications (MTC/MEN2 history, pregnancy, serious allergies)
• Review of current medications for interactions
• Assessment of conditions requiring caution (pancreatitis history, gallbladder issues, kidney function)

What you'll need to provide:

• Current weight and height
• Medical history including current conditions
• List of all medications and supplements
• Previous weight loss attempts (for insurance purposes)
• Recent lab results if available

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Step 2: Choose an Online Prescriber

Not all online prescribers are equal. Here's what to verify:

Legitimacy Checklist

Types of Online Prescribers

1. Full-service telehealth platforms – Handle everything: evaluation, prescription, pharmacy, follow-ups
2. Telehealth consultations only – Prescribe to your choice of pharmacy
3. Traditional medical practices with telehealth option – Your existing doctor or a new practice offering virtual visits

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Step 3: Prepare for Your Visit

Having these ready will speed up your consultation:

Required:

• Current weight and height
• Complete medication list (including supplements)
• Medical history summary
• List of current health conditions
• Insurance card (if using insurance)

Helpful to have:

• Recent lab results (A1C, lipid panel, kidney/liver function)
• Blood pressure readings
• Documentation of previous weight loss attempts
• List of questions for the clinician

Be prepared to discuss:

• Your weight loss goals
• Previous diets or programs you've tried
• Family history of obesity or related conditions
• Any side effects you're concerned about
• Your preference for injection vs oral medication

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Step 4: The Online Consultation

What should happen during a legitimate online GLP-1 consultation:

Initial intake (usually asynchronous):

• Health questionnaire covering medical history
• Current medications and allergies
• Weight history and goals
• Screening for contraindications

Clinician review:

• Licensed provider reviews your information
• May request additional details or clarification
• Determines if you're an appropriate candidate

Consultation (video, phone, or messaging):

• Discussion of treatment options
• Explanation of how the medication works
• Review of potential side effects
• Dosing instructions and titration schedule
• Follow-up care plan

Prescription (if appropriate):

• Sent to licensed pharmacy
• Instructions for use provided
• Follow-up appointment scheduled

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Step 5: Labs (When They're Needed)

Labs aren't always required upfront, but they help clinicians prescribe safely and monitor your progress.

Labs commonly ordered:

When labs are typically required:

• If you have diabetes or prediabetes
• If you have kidney or liver concerns
• For insurance prior authorization
• Before starting if you have certain risk factors
• Periodically during treatment for monitoring

When labs may be waived initially:

• Healthy individuals with recent labs on file
• Cash-pay situations where clinician judgment allows
• When recent labs from primary care are available

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Step 6: Prescription & Pharmacy Verification

This is where many people encounter problems—especially with scams and counterfeits.

Legitimate Pharmacy Signs

• Requires a valid prescription
• Licensed pharmacist available for questions
• Lists U.S. address and phone number
• Displays state pharmacy licensure
• Uses secure checkout and protects patient information
• Provides proper storage and shipping instructions (especially for injectables)

Red Flags to Avoid

• "No prescription needed"
• Ships worldwide/overseas
• "Research peptides" or "not for human consumption"
• "Generic Wegovy" or "Generic Ozempic" claims without verification
• Unusually low pricing with no explanation
• Won't name the pharmacy or prescriber

Verify Any Pharmacy

• FDA BeSafeRx: fda.gov/drugs/besaferx
• NABP Safe.Pharmacy: safe.pharmacy

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Step 7: Costs & Insurance

GLP-1 medications are expensive. Here's what to expect:

FDA-Approved Medications (List Price)

*Commercial insurance copays vary widely. Eligible patients may pay as low as $25/month using manufacturer savings programs; terms apply. See Wegovy savings and Zepbound savings.

Compounded GLP-1 (Cash-Pay)

Insurance Tips

For prior authorization success:

• Document BMI with multiple readings
• List all weight-related conditions
• Show history of diet/exercise attempts
• Have clinician submit detailed justification
• Be prepared to appeal if initially denied

If insurance denies coverage:

1. Request the specific denial reason
2. Ask your clinician to submit an appeal with additional documentation
3. Check manufacturer patient assistance programs
4. Consider switching to a medication your plan prefers
5. Explore cash-pay options if affordable

For more cost-saving strategies, see our guide on cheapest GLP-1 without insurance.

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Step 8: Starting Treatment Safely

Once you have your prescription filled, here's how to start safely:

Dose Titration Schedule

GLP-1 medications are started at low doses and gradually increased to reduce side effects.

Typical semaglutide titration (Wegovy):

Important: Your clinician may adjust this schedule based on your response and side effects.

Managing Common Side Effects

Most side effects are GI-related and improve over time:

• Nausea: Eat smaller meals, avoid fatty foods, stay hydrated
• Constipation: Increase fiber and water intake
• Injection site reactions: Rotate injection sites

For detailed side effect management, see our GLP-1 SOS relief tool.

When to Contact Your Clinician

• Severe or persistent nausea/vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of pancreatitis
• Signs of allergic reaction
• Significant mood changes
• Injection site problems that don't resolve

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Compounded vs FDA-Approved: The Real Risks

If you're considering compounded GLP-1 medications, understand the tradeoffs:

Compounded GLP-1 Medications

What they are:

• Custom-prepared medications made by compounding pharmacies
• May use the same active ingredient as FDA-approved versions
• Not FDA-approved as finished drug products

Legitimate use cases:

• During FDA-recognized drug shortages
• When FDA-approved versions aren't accessible
• With full informed consent about tradeoffs

FDA concerns (documented warnings):

If you choose compounded:

• Verify the compounding pharmacy is licensed (503A or 503B)
• Understand the difference between mg and "units" dosing
• Ask about the salt form being used
• Have a prescriber who can monitor your progress
• Know that you're accepting additional uncertainty

For more on this topic, see our oral GLP-1 guide's section on compounding.

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Scam & Counterfeit Protection

The popularity of GLP-1 medications has created a massive scam market. Protect yourself:

Common Scams

Protection Checklist

• Prescription required from a licensed clinician
• Pharmacy is licensed in the U.S. (verify with NABP)
• Price is in the realistic range (not 90% off)
• Clear shipping and storage instructions provided
• Customer service is reachable
• Medication packaging looks authentic (when received)

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Side Effects: What's Common vs Urgent

Understanding side effects helps you know when to push through and when to get help.

Common Side Effects (Usually Manageable)

Urgent: Contact Clinician Immediately

For immediate side effect relief tips, use our GLP-1 SOS tool.

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Troubleshooting Common Problems

Insurance Denial

Step 1: Get the specific denial reason in writing

Step 2: Work with your clinician to address the stated reason

Step 3: Submit a formal appeal with:

• Letter of medical necessity
• Documentation of BMI and comorbidities
• History of weight loss attempts
• Peer-reviewed studies supporting use

Step 4: If appeal fails, ask about:

• Alternative medications your plan covers
• Manufacturer patient assistance programs
• Cash-pay options

Medication Shortages

During shortages:

• Check with multiple pharmacies
• Ask about different dose strengths (may need to adjust)
• Consider telehealth services that have pharmacy networks
• Discuss alternatives with your clinician

Weight Loss Plateau

If weight loss stalls:

• Confirm you're at maintenance dose
• Review dietary and activity habits
• Discuss with clinician—may need adjustments
• Ensure you're not missing doses

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How to Keep Results (And What Happens If You Stop)

GLP-1 medications work as long as you take them. Here's what to know:

While on Medication

• Continue healthy eating habits
• Maintain regular physical activity
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Report any concerning side effects

If You Stop Taking GLP-1

Research shows most people regain weight after stopping. To minimize this:

• Talk to your clinician before stopping; never adjust dosing on your own
• Have a maintenance plan in place before discontinuing
• Continue lifestyle modifications
• Discuss long-term options with your clinician

Long-Term Considerations

• GLP-1 medications are often needed long-term for weight maintenance
• Some people transition to lower maintenance doses
• Insurance may have limits on duration of coverage
• Lifestyle changes remain important regardless of medication

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FAQ

Can I get GLP-1 prescribed online without seeing a doctor in person?

Yes. Many telehealth services provide complete GLP-1 prescribing through video consultations, phone calls, or asynchronous messaging with licensed clinicians. You don't need an in-person visit if the telehealth evaluation is thorough.

How fast can I get a GLP-1 prescription online?

Many telehealth platforms evaluate patients within 24-48 hours. If approved, prescriptions are typically sent the same day. Medication delivery depends on the pharmacy—often 3-7 days for mail order, or same-day for local pickup.

Do I need to have tried diet and exercise first?

For insurance coverage, many plans require documentation of previous weight loss attempts. For cash-pay services, this requirement may be less strict, but any responsible clinician will discuss lifestyle alongside medication.

Can my primary care doctor prescribe GLP-1 online?

If your PCP offers telehealth appointments, they can absolutely prescribe GLP-1 medications through a virtual visit. This may be the simplest path if you already have an established relationship.

What if I don't qualify for GLP-1 medication?

If you don't meet eligibility criteria, a responsible clinician will explain why and discuss alternatives. These might include other weight-loss approaches, addressing underlying conditions first, or waiting until you meet criteria.

Is it legal to get GLP-1 prescribed online?

Yes. Telehealth prescribing is widely allowed, but clinicians must be licensed in the state where you're located and follow that state's rules and standard of care. Most states allow telehealth prescribing for non-controlled medications like GLP-1s.

How do I know if an online GLP-1 provider is legitimate?

Check that clinicians are licensed in your state, pricing is transparent, medical evaluation is required before prescribing, they use licensed pharmacies, and they provide ongoing care—not just one-time prescriptions.

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Glossary

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Sources & References

• FDA Wegovy Prescribing Information (PDF)
• FDA Zepbound Prescribing Information (PDF)
• FDA Guidance on Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
• FDA BeSafeRx: Safe Online Pharmacy Information
• NABP Safe.Pharmacy Verification
• Eli Lilly WAC/Pricing Disclosure (Zepbound)
• Novo Nordisk Wegovy Pricing Information

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Related Guides

• What Is GLP-1? Complete Guide
• How GLP-1 Works for Weight Loss
• Cheapest GLP-1 Without Insurance
• Oral GLP-1 Pill Guide
• Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide Comparison
• GLP-1 Side Effect Relief (SOS Tool)