My Personal Experience Starting GLP-1s

Apr 20 / Team GLPology

When I first decided to start a GLP-1 medication, I was overwhelmed by how many options there were — PCPs, telehealth companies, medspas, and compounding pharmacies. I didn’t know where to begin or who to trust. So, like many of you, I tried a little bit of everything. Here’s what I learned:

1. I Started with My Primary Care Provider (PCP)

I figured my regular doctor would be the best place to start. They knew my history and had my labs. But when I brought up GLP-1s, I was met with hesitation. My provider offered other suggestions, but wasn’t comfortable prescribing something like Zepbound or Mounjaro — even though I had qualifying conditions. It wasn’t a hard no, but it was clear I needed to look elsewhere.

2. I Tried a Specialized Telehealth Service

Next, I connected with Midi Health, a telehealth company focused on women's health. They didn’t just understand the medication — they offered to submit the prior authorization for me. That was a huge relief. With their support, I was able to get Zepbound approved through insurance.

3. I Signed Up for CallonDoc, Too

While waiting for the insurance process, I looked into other options and found CallonDoc, which had great reviews. They were offering a Compassionate Care program to help people access GLP-1 medications affordably. They were proactive about submitting authorizations and worked with both branded and compounded options. This gave me a backup plan and peace of mind.

4. I Explored Compounding Through Online Telehealth

After exploring insurance-based options, I looked into telehealth companies offering compounded tirzepatide — which is often used when the branded medications like Zepbound or Mounjaro are inaccessible or unaffordable.

These are out-of-pocket, cash-pay options, but I was surprised by how fast the process was. Within a few days, I completed an intake form, got matched with a provider, and had my first shipment on the way — no pharmacy calls, no waiting on hold with insurance.

There are a number of popular providers in this space, including names like Fifty410, Brello, Lavender Sky Health, and TakeTrava. These clinics generally partner with compounding pharmacies that can prepare GLP-1 medications under Section 503A of the FDA's guidelines. That said, the quality and service can vary greatly, so it’s important to do your homework.

⚠️ Important Note: While many patients have had good experiences, there have also been community reports of issues with delays and billing — particularly with Mochi Health in early 2025. Always read current reviews and Reddit threads before choosing a provider.

💡 Regulation Update – April 2025

As of April 2025, the FDA officially declared the GLP-1 drug shortage to be over, including Zepbound and Mounjaro. This is a big deal: when these medications are no longer on the FDA’s shortage list, 503A compounding pharmacies are no longer legally permitted to produce generic versions of them under emergency allowances.

This has major implications for telehealth companies that relied on compounded tirzepatide — some are pivoting to other medications, others may be winding down those services. Always confirm the source of medication, the pharmacy license, and whether it's a legally compounded product before proceeding.

💬 Where I Learned the Most

Honestly, one of the most helpful places I found was Reddit — especially the community at r/tirzepatidecompound where people regularly share real-time experiences, pharmacy updates, and provider reviews.

Another resource that aggregates many current telehealth options is glpwinner.com/providers, which breaks down cost, timeline, and insurance options across a wide range of platforms.


What I Learned

  • Not every provider is GLP-1-friendly — some are still catching up.

  • Insurance-based options take time but can save money in the long run.

  • Compounded options are faster but come with quality concerns — so vet your pharmacy.

  • Having a backup plan (insurance and compound) gave me confidence to keep going.


This experience taught me that there’s no one-size-fits-all. What matters most is finding a provider who listens and supports your goals — and staying informed so you can advocate for yourself every step of the way.

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