Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
ShedRx (Shed) vs MDLive
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.
ShedRx (Shed)
People who want a needle-free route or a brand-name option, and who will commit to twelve months to reach the lowest price.
Visit ShedRx (Shed)MDLive
Cost-first shoppers who want insured or employer-covered patients wanting GLP-1s within full primary care.
Visit MDLiveThe verdict
ShedRx (Shed) takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 87 to 50. The widest set of formats on the board — injection, drops, lozenges and a daily oral pill, plus a real brand Zepbound route — though its cheapest advertised rates need a year-long commitment. MDLive still earns a C — Cost-first shoppers who want insured or employer-covered patients wanting GLP-1s within full primary care.
Worth knowing either way: our overall #1 pick is CoreAge Rx (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100 — the top of the board). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs ShedRx (Shed).
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 | ShedRx (Shed) | MDLive |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 87/100 | 50/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $199/mo ($159 on a 12-month plan) | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $299/mo ($239 on a 12-month plan) | Not disclosed |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $2,388 | — |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $3,588 | — |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | Yes | No |
| Brand-name access | Yes | Yes |
| Rank on the board | #3 | #376 |
ShedRx (Shed)
87/100Where the value is
- Four routes to a GLP-1 — injection, liquid drops, lozenges and a daily oral pill
- Brand Zepbound and Wegovy available alongside the compounded line
- Available in all 50 states, with health coaching included and a published 120-day weight-loss guarantee
The tradeoffs
- The advertised "as low as" prices ($159 semaglutide, $239 tirzepatide) require a TWELVE-MONTH commitment — month-to-month is $199 and $299
- Compounded medication is not FDA-approved the way brand Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound are
MDLive
50/100Where the value is
- Prescribes FDA-approved branded GLP-1s including Wegovy and Zepbound
- Covered through insurance and employer benefits for 50M-plus people
- Board-certified physicians averaging about 15 years of experience
The tradeoffs
- GLP-1s only at clinician discretion in a Primary Care routine visit
- Anti-obesity meds not available in FL, LA, MS or NJ
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.