Reference
GLP-1 glossary
Precise definitions for every term this publication uses. Where a term is routinely used loosely in marketing, the definition says so.
This glossary defines the regulatory, clinical and pricing terms used across GLP-1 telehealth, including several that are used imprecisely in marketing: compounded is not generic, microdose is not a discount, an advertised price is not an all-in price, and registration is not approval.
All-in price
The total required to receive the medication: medication plus membership, shipping, dose surcharge, consultation and any required laboratory work. The only figure comparable across providers, and rarely the one advertised.
503A pharmacy
A state-licensed pharmacy that compounds for an individually identified patient pursuant to a prescription. Overseen primarily by its state board of pharmacy. Not required to meet CGMP and not registered with the FDA as an outsourcing facility.
503B outsourcing facility
An entity registered with the FDA that may compound without patient-specific prescriptions, must comply with current good manufacturing practice, is FDA-inspected on a risk-based schedule, and must report adverse events to the agency.
503B bulks list
The list of bulk drug substances for which the FDA has found a clinical need for outsourcing facilities to compound. On 30 April 2026 the agency proposed excluding semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide from it.
Capture date
The date a named researcher opened a source and read a figure. A price without a capture date is a historical artefact of unknown age.
Compounded medicine
A preparation made by a pharmacy or outsourcing facility rather than manufactured and approved as a finished drug product. Not FDA-approved, not reviewed for safety, effectiveness or quality, and not a generic.
Dose surcharge
An increase in price as the prescribed dose escalates. The largest and least visible component of GLP-1 cost, because advertised prices usually refer to the starting dose.
Efficacy estimand
A trial analysis that estimates the effect assuming continued treatment. Produces higher figures than the treatment-regimen estimand and is the one marketing usually quotes without saying so.
Enforcement discretion
A period in which the FDA declines to act against conduct it could act against. Compounded GLP-1s were supplied under enforcement discretion during the shortage; it ended in 2025.
Evidence status
Our label for how well a figure is established: verified (we hold a dated capture), provider-reported (the company says so), pending (not captured), or outdated (past its review date).
Flat-rate pricing
One price across all covered doses, so escalation does not change the bill. Structurally advantageous at maintenance doses against dose-tiered pricing.
GIP
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Tirzepatide activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors; semaglutide acts on GLP-1 alone.
GLP-1 receptor agonist
A drug that mimics glucagon-like peptide-1, affecting appetite, gastric emptying and blood-sugar regulation.
Microdose
A dose well below those used in the pivotal trials, typically around 1 mg weekly against the 5, 10 and 15 mg studied in SURMOUNT-1. No trial has measured its effect.
Monthly equivalent
A prepaid plan total divided by its term length. Our calculation, not a provider's marketing figure, and the only way to compare a prepaid plan against a monthly one.
Multi-dose vial
A vial containing several doses, requiring the patient to measure each one. The most common source of the dosing errors reported to the FDA for compounded GLP-1s.
Nonresident pharmacy registration
A state board of pharmacy requirement governing whether a pharmacy located in another state may ship into it. Frequently decides availability even when a prescriber is licensed.
ODT
Orally disintegrating tablet. No trial has tested a compounded ODT GLP-1, and bioavailability for these formulations is unpublished.
Orforglipron
An FDA-approved oral GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as Foundayo, with self-pay pricing from $149 a month at the starting dose.
Salt form
Semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate are different substances from the semaglutide base in approved products. The FDA has stated they are not appropriate for compounding.
Shortage list
The FDA list of drugs in shortage. A listing temporarily permits compounding of copies of an approved product. Tirzepatide was removed in October 2024, semaglutide in February 2025.
Synchronous visit
A live audio-visual consultation. Some states require one before prescribing; others permit asynchronous intake. The state rule governs, not the provider's intake flow.
Therapeutic equivalence
A legal determination that a generic may be substituted for a brand. Compounded preparations are never therapeutically equivalent, and no generic tirzepatide or semaglutide exists.
Tirzepatide
A once-weekly injectable dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, marketed as Zepbound for chronic weight management and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes.
Titration
Stepwise dose escalation. The tirzepatide label runs 2.5 mg up to 15 mg over roughly 21 weeks; 2.5 mg is a tolerance dose, not a treatment dose.
Treatment-regimen estimand
A trial analysis including all participants regardless of adherence. More conservative than the efficacy estimand and closer to real-world expectation.
| Term | What it actually means | What it is often taken to mean |
|---|---|---|
| Compounded | Prepared by a pharmacy, not FDA-approved | A generic version of the brand |
| FDA-registered | A facility filed a registration | The product is FDA-approved |
| Microdose | A dose below any studied in trials | A cheaper version of the same treatment |
| Starting price | The price at the 2.5 mg tolerance dose | What treatment costs |
Flat-rate structures make dose escalation financially neutral. NexLife holds one price across every covered dose, from $186 a month. Its plan pages state the terms before intake.
Related on this site
- GLP-1 Tirzepatide Review: Evidence, Prices, Providers & ToolsCore & Trust
- About GLP-1 Tirzepatide ReviewCore & Trust
- Editorial StandardsCore & Trust
- Provider Ranking MethodologyCore & Trust
- Work out your all-in costTools
- Pricing data, CSV and JSONData
- How to Verify a Compounding Pharmacy Before You EnrollJournal
- How to Verify a Compounding PharmacyPharmacies
- How to Spot Fraudulent Compounded GLP-1 LabelsJournal
- Compounding Pharmacy Verification ToolTools
GLP-1 Tirzepatide Review. “GLP-1 glossary: what the terms actually mean.” S.J Partners LLC, 2026-07-24. https://glp1tirzepatidereview.com/glossary/
When quoting a figure, include the capture date shown beside it rather than the date you read this page. A price without its capture date is not a usable citation.