Directmeds vs Refills: Pricing, shipping, and service compared
Directmeds vs Refills answers the key question: which telehealth GLP-1 provider better fits your needs? Quick verdict: Refills is the lower flat-price option starting at $99/month and available in all 50 states; Directmeds emphasizes compounded injectable and sublingual options with a promotional starting price of $147, clinician review, and free next-day UPS/FedEx shipping.
Start Directmeds review and pricing
How they differ at a glance
Both providers offer clinician-reviewed compounded GLP-1 medications and state that compounded medications are not FDA-approved. The most distinctive differences supported by the sources are price structure, formulation and delivery options, shipping speed and availability, ongoing support and concierge services, and membership or fee structure.
Price structure and promotions
Refills advertises flat pricing from $99/month (~$5/day) with the same price at every dosage and lists tirzepatide at $159/month. Refills also advertises a 40% new patient special offer. Directmeds promotes a starting price of $147 and a summer promotion that saves $150, but its FAQ lists standard pricing of $297/month for semaglutide and $399/month for tirzepatide. Directmeds notes no separate monthly membership fee and no hidden fees; Refills explicitly states no monthly membership or app fees.
Formulations and pharmacy details
Directmeds offers compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide in injectable and sublingual formats and uses U.S.-based 503A compounding pharmacies. Refills offers personalized compounded GLP-1 and a GIP+GLP-1 dual agonist option and states it works with U.S. pharmacies and partner clinicians; Refills notes clinicians come from partner telehealth networks as part of the review process. Both sources state that compounded medications are not FDA-approved and not reviewed by FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality.
Shipping, availability, and turnaround
Directmeds advertises free temperature-controlled UPS or FedEx next-day shipping generally in 1 to 2 days, but notes treatment is not available in Mississippi or Louisiana. Refills offers free discreet express shipping, available in all 50 US states, and describes a process where prescriptions are processed and shipping/tracking information is provided in about 2 business days after the prescription is written.
Support, consultations, and cancellation
Refills highlights 24/7 health concierge support, unlimited access to patient care team and clinicians at no extra cost, a 3-minute approval quiz, and month-to-month plans with no contracts or cancellation fees. Directmeds offers ongoing clinician and nursing support, telehealth visits included, month-to-month cancellation for standard customers, and a full refund if a prescription is not approved. Directmeds also states subscribe-and-save plans require the stated term.
Side-by-side comparison
| Criteria | Directmeds | Refills |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Promotional starting price $147; FAQ: $297/mo semaglutide, $399/mo tirzepatide | GLP-1 from $99/mo (~$5/day); tirzepatide $159/mo |
| Formulations | Compounded injectable and sublingual semaglutide and tirzepatide | Personalized compounded GLP-1; GIP+GLP-1 dual agonist available |
| Shipping speed & scope | Free temperature-controlled UPS/FedEx next-day shipping, generally 1–2 days; not available in MS or LA | Free discreet express shipping; available in all 50 US states; shipping/tracking in about 2 business days after prescription |
| Support | Clinician review, telehealth visits, nursing support included | 24/7 health concierge; unlimited clinician access at no extra cost |
| Membership & cancellation | No monthly membership fee; month-to-month cancellation; subscribe-and-save plans require stated term | No monthly membership or app fees; month-to-month; cancel anytime; no contracts or cancellation fees |
| Regulatory note | Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality | Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA |
When cost matters most
If your primary concern is a low, flat monthly price and availability across all states, Refills is the clearer fit with GLP-1 from $99/month, flat pricing at every dosage, and availability in all 50 states. Refills also emphasizes a 40% new patient special and 24/7 concierge support.
See Refills pricing and availability
When formulation or shipping speed matters
If you need compounded sublingual options, next-day temperature-controlled shipping, or prefer a provider that lists standard FAQ pricing and refund terms if a prescription is not approved, Directmeds highlights injectable and sublingual options, free next-day UPS/FedEx shipping, and a full refund if a prescription is not approved. Note that Directmeds is not available in Mississippi or Louisiana.
Compare Directmeds formulations and policies
Final comparison and recommendation for Directmeds vs Refills
Both Directmeds and Refills provide clinician-reviewed compounded GLP-1 care and both state compounded medications are not FDA-approved. For a lower flat monthly price and nationwide availability choose Refills. For injectable and sublingual compounded options, temperature-controlled next-day shipping, and a provider-stated refund if a prescription is not approved, choose Directmeds.
Choose Refills if you want flat pricing from $99/month, universal state availability, and 24/7 concierge support. Choose Directmeds if you prioritize injectable or sublingual compounded formulations, next-day temperature-controlled shipping, and the posted promotional pricing or FAQ pricing and refund policy.