How to get a GLP-1 online, legitimately

This guide walks through obtaining an FDA-approved GLP-1 through telehealth the right way. It doesn’t recommend a specific provider — it gives you the checklist to judge one yourself.

1. Check whether you’re a candidate

GLP-1s are prescription medicines with real contraindications. A legitimate provider will ask about your medical history, current medications, and any personal or family history of conditions like medullary thyroid cancer or pancreatitis. If nobody asks, that’s a problem.

2. Expect a real evaluation

A licensed clinician should evaluate you — by video or a thorough reviewed questionnaire, depending on your state. The prescription should go to a licensed pharmacy. Know whether you’re getting the FDA-approved branded product or a compounded version, which is not FDA-approved and varies in quality.

3. Understand the cost

What drives price	Why it matters
Insurance coverage	The biggest lever; coverage for weight management is inconsistent
Brand vs. compounded	Compounded is often cheaper but not FDA-approved
Membership fees	Some platforms charge a recurring platform fee on top of the drug

Read the recurring-billing terms before you pay. The FTC’s rules require clear disclosure and easy cancellation.

4. Avoid the traps

• “No evaluation needed” — walk away.
• Unclear who’s prescribing or whether they’re licensed in your state.
• Compounding hidden in the fine print.
• Cancellation that’s deliberately hard.

See Provider Watch for the full red-flag list.

5. After you start

Legitimate care includes titration guidance, side-effect check-ins, and a way to reach a clinician. If your provider disappears after the sale, you bought a product, not care.