Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
GoodRx vs Lumen Meds
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.
GoodRx
Cost-first shoppers who want self-pay access to brand-name Zepbound without a compounded product.
Visit GoodRxLumen Meds
Shoppers who want a domain-matched LegitScript certificate and a flat tirzepatide price, not a semaglutide quote.
Visit Lumen MedsThe verdict
GoodRx and Lumen Meds tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 56/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers. For most shoppers we'd start with GoodRx (ranked #323, a hair above #328) — Cost-first shoppers who want self-pay access to brand-name Zepbound without a compounded product. But Lumen Meds is a genuine coin-flip alternative here.
Worth knowing either way: our overall #1 pick is CoreAge Rx (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100 — the top of the ranking). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs GoodRx.
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 | GoodRx | Lumen Meds |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 56/100 | 56/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $299/mo (brand Zepbound, contract term) | $196/mo (all doses, plus a separate fee, compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | — | — |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $3,588 | $2,352 |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | No | No |
| Brand-name access | Yes | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #323 | #328 |
GoodRx
56/100Where the value is
- Real FDA-approved brand medication, not compounded
- 70,000+ pharmacy redemption network under the Lilly self-pay partnership
- No membership fee — bring a prescription and use the card/program at the pharmacy counter
The tradeoffs
- Direct verification of goodrx.com was blocked in this research session (403 on every fetch) — the figure above is corroborated via indexed snippets and GoodRx's own press release, not a page personally read live; a follow-up direct check is advisable
- GoodRx is a discount/self-pay card, not a prescriber — a clinician visit is still required separately
Lumen Meds
56/100Where the value is
- Named legal entity with a real street address (Lumen Meds LLC, 128 Sunset Blvd #1214, New Castle, DE)
- LegitScript verification seal specifically matches the lumenmeds.com domain, with a checkable certificate number (47534109) — unlike some peers whose badge verifies a different domain
- Tirzepatide priced clearly and flatly at $195.82/month, same price at every dose, with no membership fee
The tradeoffs
- Semaglutide's price is displayed on the site as literally '$0.00/month' with no explanation and no standard ongoing rate published anywhere checked — a real semaglutide price cannot be confirmed
- States served are not published anywhere on the site
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.