Yes, you can tell the clinician which medication you would prefer, and they will take it into account. The licensed clinician who reviews your assessment makes the final decision on whether to prescribe, which medication to use and what dose to start with. Your preference matters, but your health history comes first.
Who decides which medication I get?
VevaMD is a technology company, not a medical provider, so VevaMD does not choose your medication. A licensed clinician in the Beluga Health network reviews each assessment and makes the call. They may follow up by message or video if they need more information.
The clinician can prescribe compounded semaglutide, compounded tirzepatide or neither. A prescription is never guaranteed. If they do prescribe, a licensed US pharmacy prepares the medication and ships it to your home.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
The main difference is how many hormone signals each one acts on:
- Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It acts on one receptor, GLP-1, a hormone your gut releases after you eat. Brand-name versions are Ozempic and Wegovy.
- Tirzepatide acts on two receptors: GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Brand-name versions are Mounjaro and Zepbound.
GLP-1 signals help you feel full, lower appetite, slow how quickly the stomach empties and help manage blood sugar after meals. GIP is a second gut hormone involved in blood sugar control after eating. For more on the biology, read how GLP-1 medicines act in the body.
Acting on one receptor or two is a difference in mechanism. It does not tell you which medicine will suit you. That depends on you, and it is the clinician's job to weigh it. Both compounded versions are prepared by a licensed pharmacy for one patient. Neither is FDA-approved, and neither is a generic of the brand-name drugs. Our compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide FAQ covers the basics of both.
What does the clinician look at?
The assessment asks about your health history, current medications, height and weight. From that, the clinician may consider:
- Past GLP-1 use. Which medicine you took, what dose and how you tolerated it.
- Other medications. The FDA labeling for both brand-name drugs notes a higher chance of low blood sugar when taken with insulin or a sulfonylurea.
- Birth control. The FDA labeling for brand-name tirzepatide says it may reduce how well birth-control pills do their job, so it advises a non-oral method, or adding a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase.
- Pregnancy plans. The FDA labeling for brand-name semaglutide advises stopping at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Neither medicine is a fit if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.
- Health history. Things like pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.
- Your preference. What you would like and why.
How do I share my preference?
Say it in the assessment. The more context you give, the more useful it is to the clinician. Helpful details include:
- Which medication you would prefer, if you have a preference.
- Any GLP-1 you have taken before, the dose and when you last took it.
- Side effects you had in the past, and how bad they were.
- Whether another doctor has already talked with you about one of them.
If you are coming from Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound, our guide on switching from a brand-name GLP-1 explains what to include.
Can I change medications later?
You can ask. Members get a private My VevaMD page where they can message their clinician, see shipping updates, get dose reminders and log their weight. If you want to talk about moving from one medication to the other, send a message and explain why. The clinician decides whether a change makes sense and, if so, what dose to start at. Do not change medications or doses on your own.
Does my choice affect the price?
Plans start from $199/mo, and the assessment is free. It is cash-pay, VevaMD does not bill insurance, and pricing is the same in all 50 states and Washington, DC. See current pricing for plan details.
Next step
If you are ready for a licensed clinician to review your options, start the free online assessment. It takes a few minutes. Have your medication list and any past GLP-1 details handy. Questions first? Call +1 (888) 275-1703 or email info@vevamd.com.
VevaMD is a technology platform, not a medical provider. Educational content only, not medical advice. All prescriptions are written by independent licensed clinicians. Individual results vary.