How to Get a Retatrutide Prescription Through Telehealth (2026 Guide)
Retatrutide is not FDA approved — but select telehealth platforms now offer it via physician oversight and compounding pharmacy fulfillment. Here's what to expect.
Retatrutide has no FDA approval. Telehealth access via compounding operates under physician oversight and is distinct from standard prescription access available with FDA-approved drugs like Ozempic or Zepbound.
Am I Eligible? Checklist
Step-by-Step: How Telehealth Access Works
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | $50–150 | One-time; some platforms include in first month |
| Monthly follow-up visits | $0–50 | Often included in subscription |
| Compounded retatrutide | $150–300/mo | Dose-dependent; higher doses cost more |
| Insulin syringes (31G, 1cc) | $15–30 | Box of 100; reused vials need sterile technique |
| Bacteriostatic water | $5–15 | For reconstitution; 30mL vial lasts months |
| Lab work (quarterly) | $50–200 | Insurance may cover; ask your provider |
| Total (ongoing monthly) | $220–490/mo |
Compare: Ozempic 2mg ~$850–900/mo retail. Zepbound 15mg ~$550–1,100/mo with coupon (approved, may have insurance coverage).
Compare Telehealth Providers
These provider listings are updated as new platforms enter the market. Affiliate disclosures apply.
- ✓Board-certified physician consultation
- ✓Compounded retatrutide from licensed pharmacy
- ✓Regular lab monitoring included
- ✓Cancel anytime
- ✓Online consultation ($75 initial)
- ✓Compounded peptide + supplies shipped
- ✓Secure patient portal
- ✓Ongoing physician check-ins
- ✓Same-day consultation available
- ✓Expedited pharmacy fulfillment
- ✓Comprehensive metabolic labs
- ✓Dedicated patient coordinator
Red Flags: What to Avoid
- ✗No physician involvement — scripts should always involve a licensed doctor
- ✗Overseas sourcing without Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- ✗Platforms claiming retatrutide is FDA approved (it is not)
- ✗No purity testing or third-party lab verification
- ✗No baseline lab requirement before prescribing
- ✗Prices suspiciously low (<$100/month including consultation)
- ✗No ongoing monitoring or follow-up plan
Insurance Coverage Reality
Currently not covered. Because retatrutide is not FDA approved, no insurance plan covers it. All costs are out-of-pocket.
After FDA approval (projected 2027–2028), coverage will depend on your plan. Medicare Part D added obesity drug coverage via the Inflation Reduction Act — this may extend to retatrutide post-approval. Private insurers are adding coverage for GLP-1 class drugs at varying rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to get retatrutide through telehealth?
Retatrutide is not FDA approved. However, some telehealth platforms work with compounding pharmacies under physician supervision. The legality is nuanced — standard compounding rules require an FDA-approved reference product, which retatrutide doesn't have yet. Platforms operating in this space do so with physician oversight and emphasize that this is not a substitute for FDA-approved therapy. Always verify a platform's legal compliance and the physician's credentials before proceeding.
How much does retatrutide cost through telehealth?
Typical monthly costs break down as: initial virtual consultation ($50–150), compounded retatrutide ($150–300/month depending on dose), insulin syringes and supplies ($20–40/month). All-in budget: $220–490/month. This compares favorably to brand-name GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic ($800–900/month retail) or Zepbound ($500–1,100/month with coupons), though those are FDA approved and may have insurance coverage.
What labs do I need before starting retatrutide?
A responsible telehealth provider will require or recommend: complete metabolic panel (CMP), HbA1c, fasting lipid panel, thyroid panel (TSH/T4), complete blood count (CBC), and kidney function (eGFR/creatinine). These baseline labs detect contraindications and establish reference values for ongoing monitoring.
How does the compounding process work?
A licensed 503A or 503B compounding pharmacy synthesizes retatrutide to order based on your physician's prescription. The compound is shipped in multi-use vials with bacteriostatic water for reconstitution. Quality markers to look for: third-party COA (certificate of analysis), HPLC purity ≥98%, and sterility testing. Unlike Ozempic's auto-injector pen, you'll inject using a standard insulin syringe.
Can I combine retatrutide with other GLP-1 medications?
No. Never combine retatrutide with other GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) or dual agonists (tirzepatide). The pharmacological overlap would unpredictably amplify GI side effects and hypoglycemia risk. Always tell your telehealth provider about all current medications, including OTC supplements.