Fig Health vs. Henry Meds: Navigating Compounded GLP-1 Options

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or treatment. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

Introduction: The Rise of GLP-1 Medications for Weight Management

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have revolutionized the approach to chronic weight management, offering significant benefits for individuals struggling with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions. These medications work by mimicking a natural hormone that targets multiple pathways involved in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism, leading to reduced food intake and improved satiety [1].

As demand for these effective treatments grows, so does the need for accessible and affordable options. Online telehealth platforms like Fig Health and Henry Meds have emerged to bridge this gap, offering compounded GLP-1 medications. This article will compare these two popular platforms to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Compounded GLP-1 Medications

Compounded medications are custom-prepared by licensed pharmacies to meet the specific needs of individual patients. This can be particularly beneficial when commercially available medications are in short supply or when a patient requires a specific dosage or formulation not readily available. It's important to note that compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared in state-licensed 503A or 503B compounding pharmacies, adhering to strict quality and sterility standards [2].

Fig Health: Transparent and Affordable GLP-1 Care

Fig Health positions itself as a transparent and affordable online platform for GLP-1 weight management. They offer a fully online process, connecting eligible adults with licensed medical providers for treatment evaluation. A key aspect of Fig's value proposition is its straightforward pricing model:

No membership fees: Unlike some other platforms, Fig Health does not charge a separate monthly membership or platform fee.
Transparent pricing: The price shown is the price paid, with no hidden fees.
Flexible plans: Month-to-month plans are available, with options to cancel anytime.

Fig Health Pricing Overview:

Plan Compounded Semaglutide (per month) Compounded Tirzepatide (per month) Monthly $175 $279 Quarterly (3-month) $165 $265 6-month $145 $258

Note: Prices are based on multi-month plan selections for the lowest per-month rate. Financing options may be available. [3]

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Henry Meds: Personalized Weight Management Programs

Henry Meds also offers personalized weight management programs, including compounded GLP-1 medications, through a telehealth model. Their approach emphasizes connecting patients with licensed providers and providing ongoing support.

Henry Meds Pricing Overview:

Henry Meds states that the price of GLP-1 medication varies by treatment plan and dosing, but generally starts at $179 per month. This cost typically includes provider visits, medication, supplies, and ongoing support [4].

Comparing Fig Health and Henry Meds

Both platforms offer convenient access to compounded GLP-1 medications via telehealth. Here's a comparison of key features:

Feature Fig Health Henry Meds Membership Fee $0 Included in monthly price (no separate fee advertised) Semaglutide Price $145-$175/month (depending on plan) Starting at $179/month Tirzepatide Price $233-$279/month (depending on plan) Not explicitly detailed, but included in general GLP-1 pricing Process 100% online, asynchronous health assessment Online consultation with licensed provider Cancellation Cancel anytime, no long-term commitment Flexible, but specific cancellation policy details vary Shipping Free, discreet shipping Included in monthly price FDA Approval Compounded medications are not FDA-approved Compounded medications are not FDA-approved

Efficacy and Safety of GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 receptor agonists have demonstrated significant efficacy in clinical trials for weight loss. For example, studies on semaglutide have shown an average weight loss of 14.9% to 17.4% over 68 weeks in participants without diabetes [5]. A significant proportion of participants achieved at least a 10% or even 20% reduction in body weight [6, 7].

Tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown even greater weight reductions. Clinical trials reported average weight reductions of 19.5% and 20.9% with 10-mg and 15-mg doses, respectively [8]. Some studies have shown an overall mean weight reduction of 25.3% over 88 weeks [9].

Common side effects of GLP-1 medications are typically mild and temporary, including nausea, reduced appetite, or fatigue, especially during the initial weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. Providers typically start patients at a low dose and gradually titrate to minimize discomfort. Serious side effects are rare but can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, and thyroid C-cell tumors (observed in rodents, but unknown if it causes such tumors in humans) [10, 11].

Conclusion

Both Fig Health and Henry Meds offer convenient pathways to access compounded GLP-1 medications for weight management. Fig Health stands out with its explicit transparent pricing structure and no separate membership fees, offering competitive rates for both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. Henry Meds provides a comprehensive program that includes provider visits and ongoing support within its monthly fee.

When choosing a platform, consider your budget, preferred communication style with providers, and the specific GLP-1 medication you are seeking. Always prioritize a platform that emphasizes medical oversight, patient safety, and transparent practices.

Take the first step towards a healthier you.

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References

Wilding, J. P. H., et al. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989-1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
Fig Health. (n.d.). What is compounded medication? Retrieved from https://startfig.com/
Fig Health. (n.d.). Transparent GLP-1 Pricing. Retrieved from https://startfig.com/pricing
Henry Meds. (n.d.). GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatment. Retrieved from https://henrymeds.com/treatments/weight-management/glp-1-weight-management
Rubino, D. M., et al. (2021). Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 325(14), 1414-1425. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2777886
Novo Nordisk. (n.d.). Chronic Weight Management Trial Results | Wegovy® (semaglutide). Retrieved from https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy/efficacy-safety/chronic-weight-management.html
O'Neil, P. M., et al. (2023). Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nature Medicine, 29(1), 149-158. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02026-4
Jastreboff, A. M., et al. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205-216. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
Aronne, L. J., et al. (2024). Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity: The SURMOUNT-4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 331(1), 38-48. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2812936
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). OZEMPIC (semaglutide) injection prescribing information. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/209637s020s021lbl.pdf
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Mounjaro (tirzepatide) prescribing information. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/216247s000lbl.pdf