Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
Metabolyz vs Open Water Rx
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.
Metabolyz
Patients comfortable committing to a consultation before knowing any price.
Visit MetabolyzOpen Water Rx
Cost-first shoppers who want all-inclusive compounded GLP-1 pricing from four named 503A pharmacies, if you qualify for the promo codes.
Visit Open Water RxThe verdict
Metabolyz and Open Water Rx tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 53/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers. For most shoppers we'd start with Metabolyz (ranked #375, a hair above #379) — Patients comfortable committing to a consultation before knowing any price. But Open Water Rx 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 Metabolyz.
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 | Metabolyz | Open Water Rx |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 53/100 | 53/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | Not disclosed | $199/mo (promotional rate, plus a separate fee, compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | Not disclosed | $339/mo (compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | — | $2,388 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | — | $4,068 |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | No | Yes |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #375 | #379 |
Metabolyz
53/100Where the value is
- Offers all three common GLP-1 tiers: semaglutide, tirzepatide, and a microdose option
- Nationwide coverage across all 50 states
- Includes coaching (nutrition, movement, lifestyle) bundled with the medical program
The tradeoffs
- Zero public pricing -- the site explicitly refuses to publish rates, a transparency red flag
- No named medical director or compounding pharmacy partner
Open Water Rx
53/100Where the value is
- Names four specific 503A compounding pharmacies (RedRock, HealthWarehouse, Precision Compounding, Triad Rx) — most competitors disclose zero
- Pricing is genuinely all-inclusive — clinician review, medication, and shipping bundled with no separate visit fee
- LegitScript certification seals displayed
The tradeoffs
- The lower, more prominent $159/$219 figures depend on promo codes (SEMASUMMER, FOUNDER) stacked on top of stated $199/$339 standing prices — unclear whether these codes are permanent
- A '12-Week Plan' at $169/month strongly implies a multi-month prepay requirement, but the page never states the actual upfront total
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.