Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
CoreAge Rx vs iThriveMD
Two GLP-1 programs on the bench, scored on the same six factors. Here's how their real cost of ownership compares — and which one we'd start with.
CoreAge Rx
Anyone optimizing for real value — a transparent flat price you can model for a full year, nationwide, without a bait-and-switch.
Visit CoreAge RxiThriveMD
Shoppers wanting compounded GLP-1 within a lab-driven longevity and hormone clinic.
Visit iThriveMDThe verdict
CoreAge Rx takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 94 to 56. Best value on the board: both molecules at one flat, all-50 price with no teaser step-ups — the lowest true cost of ownership, not the lowest teaser. iThriveMD still earns a C — Shoppers wanting compounded GLP-1 within a lab-driven longevity and hormone clinic.
Factor by factor
Both providers scored on our six Cost-Efficiency Index factors. The stronger side on each row is marked in teal.
Normalized Cost/Month
Price Transparency
Nationwide Access
Formulation Options
Clinical Oversight
Contract Flexibility
Pricing, coverage & formulary
The disclosed facts behind the scores. Lower price wins its row (teal).
| Spec | CoreAge Rx | iThriveMD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 94/100 | 56/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $149/mo | $299/mo (starting dose, compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $349/mo | $399/mo (starting dose, compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $1,788 | $3,588 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $4,188 | $4,788 |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | No | No |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Rank on the board | #1 | #283 |
CoreAge Rx
94/100Where the value is
- Flat all-in monthly price — no intro rate that silently triples after month one, so the modeled annual cost is the real cost
- Both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide on one account at published prices
- Available in all 50 states — no coverage gamble
The tradeoffs
- Not the rock-bottom sticker price — cheaper teaser tiers exist (Direct GLP lists $65, Ondra $93 on semaglutide)
- No FDA-approved brand-name option (compounded only)
iThriveMD
56/100Where the value is
- Compounded semaglutide (from $299/mo) and tirzepatide (from $399/mo), plus microdosing tirzepatide programs
- Lab testing and personalized protocols with a medical team; free initial consultation
- Very thorough legal/policy suite (Terms, Privacy, EUA, Shipping, Returns, CCPA)
The tradeoffs
- Premium pricing — higher than budget compounded-GLP-1 competitors (lowest rates need 'preferred pricing')
- Headline GLP-1 pricing is 'starting at'; full cost depends on dose and program length
Assume any provider we list may compensate us — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. It never changes the Cost-Efficiency Index. Pricing, states and verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last review; prices change — confirm on the provider's site. Not medical advice. See our disclosure.