Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
iThriveMD vs LillyDirect Foundayo
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.
iThriveMD
People in the CA/AZ service area who want the option of in-person visits alongside telehealth.
Visit iThriveMDLillyDirect Foundayo
Patients who want an FDA-approved, manufacturer-direct oral GLP-1 rather than a compounded injectable.
Visit LillyDirect FoundayoThe verdict
iThriveMD and LillyDirect Foundayo tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 63/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers. For most shoppers we'd start with iThriveMD (ranked #194, a hair above #196) — People in the CA/AZ service area who want the option of in-person visits alongside telehealth. But LillyDirect Foundayo 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 iThriveMD.
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 | iThriveMD | LillyDirect Foundayo |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 63/100 | 63/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $199/mo (all doses, promotional rate, compounded) | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $399/mo (microdose tier, starting dose, compounded) | Not disclosed |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $2,388 | — |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $4,788 | — |
| Coverage | Coverage not published | All 50 states |
| Oral / sublingual | No | Yes |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Yes |
| Rank here | #194 | #196 |
iThriveMD
63/100Where the value is
- LegitScript-certified pharmacy claim, not just a generic compliance statement
- Real physical locations for patients who want in-person care
- Flat 'same price at all doses' structure for semaglutide simplifies comparison shopping
The tradeoffs
- $199 headline price is explicitly a teaser that reverts to $299/mo
- No individually named medical director
LillyDirect Foundayo
63/100Where the value is
- First-party Eli Lilly program -- highest possible manufacturer authenticity
- FDA-approved branded drug (orforglipron), not an unapproved compounded formulation
- Published self-pay starting price ($149) via savings card
The tradeoffs
- Not semaglutide or tirzepatide -- a different molecule (orforglipron), so not directly comparable on this list
- The $149 price is tied to a specific Savings Card program with its own terms, not an unconditional list price
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.