Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
OrderlyMeds vs Cielo
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.
OrderlyMeds
Cost-first shoppers who want a first GLP-1 course at a published starter rate, with the standing rate published beside it.
Visit OrderlyMedsCielo
Shoppers comfortable committing to an undisclosed-structure 6-month plan for a flat, dose-independent price.
Visit CieloThe verdict
OrderlyMeds and Cielo tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 68/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers. For most shoppers we'd start with OrderlyMeds (ranked #112, a hair above #115) — Cost-first shoppers who want a first GLP-1 course at a published starter rate, with the standing rate published beside it. But Cielo 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 OrderlyMeds.
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 | OrderlyMeds | Cielo |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 68/100 | 68/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $74/mo (starting dose, 2-mo starter plan, new patients only, compounded) | $89/mo (all doses, 6-month plan, compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $299/mo (compounded) | $129/mo (all doses, 6-month plan, compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $888 | $1,068 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $3,588 | $1,548 |
| Coverage | Coverage not published | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | No | No |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Yes |
| Rank here | #112 | #115 |
OrderlyMeds
68/100Where the value is
- The starter rate and the standing rate are both published, so the step-up is visible before signing up
- No membership fees and no hidden costs, stated as such
- The dose ladder is published: four weeks at 0.25 mg then four weeks at 0.5 mg
The tradeoffs
- The $74 rate is a two-month starter plan billed as $149 up front, and it is open only to patients new to GLP-1 medication; the standing monthly rate is $149
- Tirzepatide has no equivalent standing discount — $299/mo is the ongoing rate
Regulatory note: the FDA issued a warning letter to OrderlyMeds LLC dba OrderlyMeds in June 2026. We still list and link to OrderlyMeds; you should know the letter is on the public record before you decide.
Cielo
68/100Where the value is
- Flat pricing regardless of dose for both semaglutide and tirzepatide, avoiding per-mg price escalation during titration
- Free physician consult and free shipping stated as included
- Claims 'Every batch tested', at least asserting quality-control testing exists
The tradeoffs
- The '6-month plan' mechanics are never explained — whether it's a one-time prepayment or a 6-month billing lock is unknown, which is exactly the kind of commitment term that should be disclosed before signup
- No pharmacy, medical director, or prescriber is named anywhere on the accessible 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.