How Much Does Peptide Therapy Cost?
Peptide therapy can cost anywhere from $20 a month for a collagen supplement to $1,850 a month for brand-name Wegovy without insurance. The price depends on the peptide, the source, whether your insurance covers it, and the format — brand-name drug, compounded preparation, or research chemical.
Peptide therapy can cost anywhere from $20 a month for a collagen supplement to $1,850 a month for brand-name Wegovy without insurance. The price depends on the peptide, the source, whether your insurance covers it, and the format — brand-name drug, compounded preparation, or research chemical.
This guide breaks down real costs across every category, explains what drives the pricing, and identifies ways to reduce what you pay.
Table of Contents
- Cost Overview by Category
- GLP-1 Agonists: The Most Expensive Category
- Growth Hormone Peptides
- Healing Peptides
- Skincare Peptides
- Clinic and Consultation Costs
- Insurance Coverage: What's Covered and What's Not
- Ways to Reduce Peptide Costs
- Hidden Costs to Factor In
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Bottom Line
- References
Cost Overview by Category
| Category | Monthly Cost Range | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Brand-name GLP-1 drugs (no insurance) | $800-$1,850 | Sometimes (diabetes > obesity) |
| Brand-name GLP-1 drugs (with insurance) | $25-$500 | Dependent on plan |
| Compounded GLP-1 (where available) | $149-$399 | Rarely |
| Growth hormone peptides (compounded) | $150-$400 | Rarely |
| Growth hormone peptides (research) | $50-$200 | Never |
| Healing peptides (BPC-157, TB-500) | $50-$150 | Never |
| Skincare peptide products | $20-$150 | Never |
| Collagen supplements | $15-$50 | Never |
GLP-1 Agonists: The Most Expensive Category
GLP-1 receptor agonists are the most widely prescribed and most expensive peptide therapy available.
Brand-Name Pricing (Without Insurance)
- Ozempic (for diabetes): approximately $935-$1,351 per monthly supply
- Wegovy (for weight loss): approximately $1,349-$1,850 per monthly supply
- Rybelsus (oral, for diabetes): approximately $936-$998 per month
- Mounjaro (for diabetes): approximately $1,023-$1,300 per monthly supply
- Zepbound (for weight loss): approximately $1,059-$1,300 per monthly supply
Other GLP-1 drugs:
- Saxenda (liraglutide for weight loss): approximately $1,300-$1,500 per month
- Trulicity (dulaglutide for diabetes): approximately $886-$1,000 per month
At full list price, a year of brand-name GLP-1 therapy costs $10,000-$22,000. These prices reflect the enormous R&D investment behind these drugs and the current market dynamics. For a full comparison, see branded GLP-1 drugs: market comparison.
Brand-Name Pricing (With Savings Programs)
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly offer manufacturer savings programs:
- Ozempic: $349/month (0.25-1mg) or $499/month (2mg) for eligible cash-pay patients
- Wegovy: $199/month for the first 2 months at lowest doses, then $299/month for higher doses
- Insured patients with eligible coverage may pay as low as $25/month through manufacturer copay cards
Compounded Semaglutide (Where Still Available)
Before the FDA declared the semaglutide shortage over in February 2026, compounded semaglutide was widely available at $149-$299 per month — a fraction of the brand-name cost. Since the shortage resolution, compounding pharmacies face restrictions and can only prepare semaglutide for patients with specific documented medical needs.
Where still available, compounded semaglutide pricing has increased to approximately $199-$399 per month, reflecting reduced supply and increased compliance costs.
For background on this issue, see the compounded semaglutide controversy explained.
Online GLP-1 Programs
All-inclusive online weight loss programs that include telehealth consultation, prescription, and medication typically cost:
- Program/membership fee: $50-$150/month
- Medication: $150-$400/month (compounded) or brand-name pricing
- Total all-in cost: $250-$500/month for compounded options
These programs bundle the medical evaluation, prescription, ongoing monitoring, and medication into a single monthly payment. They're a convenient option but require careful evaluation — some programs cut corners on medical oversight to reduce costs.
Growth Hormone Peptides
Compounded (Through a Physician and 503A/503B Pharmacy)
- Sermorelin: $150-$300/month
- CJC-1295 + ipamorelin combination: $200-$400/month
- Tesamorelin (FDA-approved): $800-$1,200/month (brand-name Egrifta)
Research Grade
Research peptides purchased from online suppliers are considerably cheaper:
- CJC-1295 (with or without DAC): $30-$80 per vial (typically a 1-month supply)
- Ipamorelin: $30-$70 per vial
- GHRP-2 or GHRP-6: $20-$50 per vial
- MK-677 (oral capsules): $40-$80 per month
The price difference between compounded and research-grade reflects the cost of medical oversight, pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. Lower price doesn't mean better value when purity and potency are uncertain.
Healing Peptides
BPC-157
- Research-grade vials: $40-$80 per vial (typically 2-4 weeks of use depending on dose)
- Compounded (where available): $100-$250 per month
- Oral capsules: $50-$120 per month
TB-500
- Research-grade vials: $40-$90 per vial
- Compounded: $100-$200 per month
Typical Healing Protocol Cost
A standard 8-week BPC-157 protocol using research-grade product runs approximately $80-$200 total. Through a compounding pharmacy with medical oversight, the same protocol costs $200-$500 total.
For information on how to use these peptides, see how to use BPC-157 and how to use TB-500.
Skincare Peptides
Topical peptide products are the most affordable category:
- Budget peptide serums: $15-$40 (The Ordinary, The Inkey List, CeraVe)
- Mid-range peptide products: $40-$100 (Paula's Choice, Drunk Elephant, Peter Thomas Roth)
- Premium peptide skincare: $100-$300+ (SkinMedica, Revision Skincare, iS Clinical)
The price difference between budget and premium peptide skincare products doesn't always reflect peptide concentration or efficacy. Some affordable options contain clinically relevant concentrations of Matrixyl or Argireline, while some expensive products use peptides at concentrations too low to produce meaningful effects.
For tips on choosing products, see how to read peptide skincare labels.
Clinic and Consultation Costs
Beyond the peptide itself, medical oversight adds cost:
Initial consultation: $150-$500
- Includes medical history review, physical examination, and treatment plan
- Some clinics include initial bloodwork in the consultation fee
Bloodwork:
- Baseline panel: $100-$400 (or covered by insurance with appropriate diagnosis codes)
- Follow-up labs: $50-$200 per panel
- Recommended frequency: baseline, 4-8 weeks, then every 3-6 months
Follow-up visits: $75-$200 per visit
- Telehealth follow-ups are typically cheaper ($50-$100)
- Frequency varies: monthly during titration, quarterly once stable
Supplies:
- Syringes and needles: $10-$30/month
- Bacteriostatic water: $5-$15 per vial
- Alcohol swabs: $5-$10 per box
Total first-year medical costs (excluding the peptide): $500-$1,500 for a well-monitored program.
For guidance on choosing a provider, see how to choose a peptide therapy clinic.
Insurance Coverage: What's Covered and What's Not
Commonly Covered
- Semaglutide for diabetes (Ozempic): Covered by most commercial plans and Medicare Part D with prior authorization
- Tirzepatide for diabetes (Mounjaro): Covered by most commercial plans with prior authorization
- Insulin: Universally covered; costs vary by plan
- Other FDA-approved peptide drugs: Covered when prescribed for approved indications
Sometimes Covered
- GLP-1 drugs for weight loss (Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda): Coverage is inconsistent. Many commercial plans now cover anti-obesity medications, but significant barriers remain. Prior authorization is almost always required.
- Medicare: Cannot cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss under current federal law (though legislation to change this has been proposed). May cover for diabetes.
- Medicaid: Coverage varies by state. Pennsylvania eliminated Medicaid coverage for GLP-1s for weight loss in January 2026.
Not Covered
- Compounded peptides (sermorelin, BPC-157, etc.)
- Research peptides
- Skincare peptides
- Collagen supplements
- Most "wellness" or "anti-aging" peptide protocols
HSA/FSA Eligibility: Some peptide costs may qualify for HSA or FSA spending if prescribed by a physician for a documented medical condition. FDA-approved drugs with valid prescriptions generally qualify. Supplements and cosmetics typically don't.
For a deeper look at insurance issues, see our guide on peptide therapy insurance coverage and insurance coverage for GLP-1 drugs.
Ways to Reduce Peptide Costs
For GLP-1 Drugs
- Manufacturer savings cards: Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly offer copay assistance that can reduce costs to $25-$500/month for eligible patients.
- Get a diabetes diagnosis: GLP-1 drugs prescribed for diabetes are covered by far more insurance plans than those prescribed for weight loss. If you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, ensure your prescription reflects this indication.
- Prior authorization: Work with your doctor to complete prior authorization paperwork. Many denials can be overturned on appeal.
- Patient assistance programs: Both major manufacturers offer programs for uninsured or underinsured patients.
- Telehealth platforms: Some online programs negotiate lower medication prices through volume purchasing.
For Other Peptides
- Buy in bulk: Many compounding pharmacies and research suppliers offer discounts for multi-month purchases.
- Ask about combination pricing: If using multiple peptides (e.g., CJC-1295 + ipamorelin), ask about combination vial pricing.
- Compare pharmacies: Prices vary significantly between compounding pharmacies. Get quotes from 2-3 sources.
- Consider oral options: Where oral forms exist (BPC-157, collagen peptides), they're often cheaper than injectable preparations.
- Time-limited protocols: For healing peptides, use defined protocols (e.g., 8 weeks of BPC-157) rather than open-ended treatment.
The Real Cost of Different Treatment Goals
Understanding total cost requires matching your goal to the right peptide category and expected duration of treatment.
Weight Loss (GLP-1 Agonists)
The most expensive category when using brand-name drugs, but also the most cost-effective per outcome achieved. A 12-month course of semaglutide (Wegovy) at brand pricing costs approximately $16,200-$22,200 per year. At compounded pricing (where available), the same treatment runs $1,800-$4,800 per year.
The critical consideration: GLP-1 drugs are likely lifelong treatments. The STEP 1 trial extension showed two-thirds weight regain within one year of stopping. Budget accordingly — this isn't a one-time expense.
For a full analysis of the weight loss landscape, see do peptides work for weight loss.
Injury Recovery (Healing Peptides)
Healing peptides are among the most cost-effective peptide treatments because they're used in defined courses rather than indefinitely. A typical 8-week BPC-157 protocol costs $80-$500 total depending on the source. If it successfully heals a chronic tendon injury that was otherwise heading toward surgery ($5,000-$20,000+), the cost-benefit calculation is strongly favorable.
Anti-Aging (Growth Hormone Peptides)
GH peptide protocols typically run 3-6 months for initial results, with ongoing maintenance. At $200-$400/month through a compounding pharmacy, a 6-month initial course costs $1,200-$2,400. Whether the modest body composition improvements and quality-of-life benefits justify this cost is a personal decision.
Skincare
OTC peptide skincare represents the lowest ongoing cost. A quality Matrixyl or GHK-Cu serum costs $20-$100 and lasts 1-3 months. Annual cost: $80-$1,200 depending on the brand and the number of products in your routine. Compared to professional alternatives like Botox ($600-$1,200+ per year) or laser treatments ($1,000-$5,000+ per year), peptide skincare is a budget-friendly option.
Hidden Costs to Factor In
Supplies: Needles, syringes, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, and sharps disposal containers add $20-$50/month for injectable peptide protocols. Over a year, this is $240-$600 that rarely appears in advertised pricing.
Storage: Some peptides require refrigeration after reconstitution. If you travel frequently, cold chain storage (insulated bags, ice packs) adds a minor cost. Improper storage leading to degraded product is a hidden cost in wasted medication. See how to store peptides properly and how to travel with peptides.
Monitoring: Regular bloodwork is recommended for most therapeutic peptides. If not covered by insurance, this can add $100-$400 per panel. For GH peptides, monitoring IGF-1 levels is particularly important. For GLP-1 drugs, A1C, metabolic panels, and kidney function should be tracked.
Time: Factor in the time cost of medical appointments, pharmacy visits, and self-administration. For injections, the daily or weekly ritual takes 5-10 minutes. For monthly doctor visits during titration, plan for 1-2 hours including travel.
Opportunity cost of side effects: GLP-1 side effects (nausea, GI issues) during the titration phase may affect productivity and quality of life temporarily. Some patients report missing workdays during the adjustment period.
Wasted product: Reconstituted peptides have limited stability (typically 2-4 weeks when refrigerated). If you miss doses or discontinue mid-vial, the remaining product is wasted.
Cost Comparison: Peptide Therapy vs. Alternatives
Putting peptide costs in context helps evaluate whether they represent good value:
For weight loss:
| Option | Monthly Cost | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 drugs (brand) | $800-$1,850 | 15-20% weight loss over 12-18 months |
| GLP-1 drugs (compounded) | $149-$399 | Similar to brand (if quality matches) |
| Medical weight management program | $200-$500 | 5-10% weight loss with intensive support |
| Commercial diet program | $20-$60 | 3-5% weight loss (highly variable) |
| Bariatric surgery | ~$1,200-$2,500/mo amortized over 5 years | 25-35% weight loss (one-time procedure) |
For anti-aging skincare:
| Option | Annual Cost | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Peptide serums (OTC) | $100-$600 | Gradual wrinkle reduction, improved texture |
| Botox injections | $600-$2,400 | Significant expression line reduction (3-4mo per session) |
| Professional chemical peels | $400-$2,000 | Improved texture and pigmentation |
| Laser resurfacing | $1,000-$5,000+ | Significant wrinkle reduction and skin tightening |
For injury recovery:
| Option | Total Cost | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 protocol (8 weeks) | $80-$500 | 4-8 weeks for improvement |
| Physical therapy (12 weeks) | $600-$3,600 | 6-12 weeks for improvement |
| PRP injection | $500-$2,500 per injection | 4-6 weeks per treatment |
| Surgical repair | $5,000-$30,000+ | Months of recovery |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do GLP-1 drugs cost so much?
The list price reflects billions of dollars in R&D (the semaglutide program took over a decade), clinical trial costs (tens of thousands of participants across multiple trials), manufacturing complexity (biologic drugs are expensive to produce), and patent protection. The high demand for these drugs also reduces pressure to lower prices. For a broader analysis, see GLP-1 drug pricing: global comparison.
Is cheaper always worse for peptides?
Not always, but often. Research-grade peptides are cheaper because they skip pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing, quality testing, and medical oversight. Some research suppliers provide genuinely high-quality product at lower prices — but others sell degraded or contaminated material. The price difference between research and pharmaceutical-grade reflects the cost of certainty about what's in the vial.
Can I make peptide therapy tax-deductible?
Prescription peptide therapy may qualify as a medical expense for tax purposes if it's prescribed by a physician for a documented condition. In the U.S., medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of adjusted gross income can be deducted. Consult a tax professional for specifics.
How does the cost of peptide therapy compare to alternatives?
For weight loss: GLP-1 drugs ($300-$1,850/month) compare to bariatric surgery ($15,000-$30,000 one-time), medical weight management programs ($200-$500/month), or commercial diet programs ($20-$60/month). For anti-aging: peptide skincare ($20-$150/month) compares to Botox ($200-$600 per session every 3-4 months), laser treatments ($200-$1,000+ per session), or surgical options ($5,000-$15,000+).
Will peptide costs come down?
Likely, for some categories. Patent expirations on branded GLP-1 drugs will eventually enable generic/biosimilar competition, though this is still years away for semaglutide and tirzepatide. Manufacturing innovations in peptide synthesis are gradually reducing production costs. Competition from new entrants (oral GLP-1 drugs, next-generation agonists) may also pressure pricing downward. See our coverage of generic peptide drugs and the biosimilar pipeline.
The Bottom Line
Peptide therapy costs range from trivial (a $20 collagen powder) to substantial ($1,850/month for brand-name Wegovy without insurance). The cost equation involves the peptide itself, the source (brand vs. compounded vs. research), medical oversight, supplies, and monitoring.
The most important cost consideration isn't the monthly price — it's the value per dollar. An $1,850/month FDA-approved drug with proven efficacy and known safety may be a better investment than a $50/month research peptide with uncertain purity and unproven effects. And a well-monitored peptide protocol that produces lasting results costs less per meaningful outcome than a cheaper approach that doesn't work.
Explore all available options — insurance coverage, manufacturer programs, telehealth platforms, and compounded alternatives — before assuming peptide therapy is out of reach.
References
- Drugs.com. Semaglutide Prices, Coupons & Savings Tips. Updated 2026. Drugs.com
- ICER. Obesity Evidence Report: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. October 2025. ICER
- Penn LDI. Patients Face New Barriers for GLP-1 Drugs. 2025. Penn LDI
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA Drug Shortage Database. Updated 2026.