1st Optimal vs InstaRX
An in-depth comparison of two leading GLP-1 Providers
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1st Optimal
Best for: Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program
Visit 1st Optimal →
InstaRX
Best for: compounded GLP-1 plus peptides and sexual health on one account
Visit InstaRX →1st Optimal and InstaRX are both GLP-1 Providers competing for the same patients, but they make different trade-offs on price, coverage, and what's included. In our scoring, InstaRX starts at $199/mo, and InstaRX edges ahead overall (6.8 vs 6.7 out of 10). Below we break down pricing, what each plan covers, the six-dimension score, pros and cons, and exactly who should pick which.
Pricing
1st Optimal
Pricing not publicly listed.
InstaRX
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What’s included
1st Optimal
Inclusions not disclosed.
InstaRX
What the monthly price covers
Medication
Included
Provider visits
Included
Shipping
Included
Lab work
Not disclosed
Coaching
Not disclosed
Score breakdown
Both providers are scored on the same six-dimension framework. The gradient bar marks the stronger side on each dimension.
1st Optimal
6.7/10
InstaRX
6.8/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | InstaRX |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | $199/mo |
| Features | 8 features | 8 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | 51 |
| Compounded | — | ✓ Yes |
| Brand Name | — | — |
| FSA/HSA Accepted | — | — |
| FDA Warnings | None | None |
About 1st Optimal
1st Optimal is a Michigan-based telehealth and functional-medicine platform offering GLP-1 weight loss medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, as once-weekly injections or daily oral tablets. Its model pairs prescription GLP-1 therapy with at-home lab testing, blood-work interpretation, unlimited coaching, and personalized protocols framed around long-term weight loss and longevity. Care is delivered virtually by credentialed providers, and treatments ship to the home with no long-term contracts. The site does not publish monthly pricing or a state list.
Read our full 1st Optimal review →About InstaRX
InstaRX is a multi-product compounded-medication telehealth platform offering GLP-1 injections (semaglutide and tirzepatide) alongside anti-aging peptides (NAD+, Sermorelin, B12/MIC) and sexual-health treatments on one account. Clinical care runs through an independent provider group, Dr Telx, with physicians licensed in all 50 states and DC. Public pricing is limited to a $199 “Get Started” intake offer.
Read our full InstaRX review →Pros & Cons
1st Optimal
What we like
- Offers both semaglutide and tirzepatide with injectable and oral formats
- Functional-medicine approach with at-home labs and blood-work interpretation
- Unlimited coaching and ongoing support included
- No long-term contracts
- Board-certified doctors and nurse practitioners referenced
Watch-outs
- No public monthly pricing disclosed
- No published state availability list
- Compounded vs branded sourcing not clarified on site
- Pricing only revealed after quiz or consultation
InstaRX
What we like
- Available in all 50 states plus DC
- Manage GLP-1, anti-aging peptides, and sexual-health medications on one account
- Offers both compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide
- Independent provider group (Dr Telx) named in the Terms of Service
Watch-outs
- No per-dose or monthly pricing published — only a "$199 to get started" hook; you can't compare costs before intake
- No LegitScript, HIPAA, or NABP accreditation shown on public pages
- Compounding pharmacy not named — only "U.S. pharmacies"
- Terms of Service reads like generic boilerplate, including copy-paste language about women's health issues — suggests low template hygiene
- Delaware governing law for disputes despite a California corporate address
- Corporate address is a strip-mall suite — suggests a pure-virtual operation
Our Verdict
InstaRX edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 6.8/10 and is particularly strong for compounded GLP-1 plus peptides and sexual health on one account. 1st Optimal remains a solid alternative, especially if you're looking for Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
Choose 1st Optimal if…
You want Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
Choose InstaRX if…
You want compounded GLP-1 plus peptides and sexual health on one account and a starting price around $199/mo.
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SkinnyRx
Mainstream telehealth GLP-1 access
From $149.25/mo
Get started →Sunlight
Compounded GLP-1 with unlimited telehealth visits and free shipping
From $159/mo
Get started →MadeMed
Compounded GLP-1 in both injection and oral forms
From $219/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs InstaRX: FAQ
Key terms, explained
New to GLP-1s? Tap any term for a quick, plain-English definition.
- Semaglutide · Drugs and brands
- Tirzepatide · Drugs and brands
- Compounded GLP-1 · Pharmacy and drug forms
- 503A pharmacy · Pharmacy and drug forms
- PCAB accreditation · Pharmacy and drug forms
- Prior authorization (PA) · Insurance and regulatory
- Off-label use · Insurance and regulatory
- FDA Drug Shortage List · Insurance and regulatory
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