Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
Strut Health vs Transparent 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.
Strut Health
Anyone optimising total monthly outlay who will keep an auto-refill running, and anyone whose real objection is the needle.
Visit Strut HealthTransparent Meds
People who want transparent, upfront monthly pricing on compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide injections.
Visit Transparent MedsThe verdict
Strut Health takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 87 to 58. The lowest true entry cost on this board — $99/month sublingual semaglutide — and the only place selling the same molecule as a lozenge or an injection at one price. Transparent Meds still earns a C — People who want transparent, upfront monthly pricing on compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide injections.
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 Strut Health.
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 | Strut Health | Transparent Meds |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 87/100 | 58/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | From $99/mo sublingual, $149/mo injectable | $229/mo (promotional rate, compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | From $199/mo either route | $349/mo (compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $1,188 | $2,748 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $2,388 | $4,188 |
| Coverage | 49 states (not Arkansas) | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | Yes | No |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Yes |
| Rank on the board | #4 | #266 |
Strut Health
87/100Where the value is
- Cheapest disclosed monthly cost here at $99/mo for sublingual semaglutide; tirzepatide $199 either route
- Sublingual lozenges for both molecules at the same price as the injection
- Free physician visit, free shipping and free follow-up care included rather than billed separately
The tradeoffs
- The $99 and $149 headline figures require auto-refill — a one-off order costs more, so the true cost depends on staying subscribed
- Asynchronous by design: their FAQ notes some states need no phone consultation, so you may never speak to the prescriber
Transparent Meds
58/100Where the value is
- Transparent, upfront monthly pricing — intro $149/mo for compounded semaglutide and $249/mo for tirzepatide (regular $229 / $349)
- Clean, modern telehealth experience with a quick eligibility quiz and clinician review before any prescription
- HIPAA-compliant and displays a LegitScript-style verification seal
The tradeoffs
- Headline prices are intro first-month fees — the regular monthly cost is higher ($229 semaglutide, $349 tirzepatide)
- Connector model that pairs you with licensed providers; it doesn't name its compounding pharmacy
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.