1st Optimal vs RedBox Rx
An in-depth comparison of two leading GLP-1 Providers
WeightLossRankings.org is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
1st Optimal
Best for: Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program
Visit 1st Optimal →RedBox Rx
Best for: people who want flat-rate compounded glp-1 with either injection or oral dosing
Visit RedBox Rx →1st Optimal and RedBox Rx 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, RedBox Rx starts at $269/mo, and RedBox Rx edges ahead overall (7.8 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.
RedBox Rx
269/mo month-to-month, or 189/mo on a 6-month plan
daily oral dissolvable tablet
weekly injection, flat pricing
daily oral tablet
Get alerted when GLP-1 prices drop
Join the GLP-1 price-watch list — we re-verify 390+ providers' prices on their own sites and email you when tracked prices move.
What’s included
1st Optimal
Inclusions not disclosed.
RedBox Rx
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
RedBox Rx
7.8/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | RedBox Rx |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | $269/mo |
| Features | ✓8 features | 6 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| 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 RedBox Rx
RedBox Rx is a US telehealth pharmacy (parent company Hy-Vee) offering compounded GLP-1 weight management with flat, dose-independent pricing. Compounded semaglutide injection is 269 dollars per month (189 dollars on a 6-month plan) and semaglutide oral tablets are 279 dollars. Compounded tirzepatide injection is 429 dollars per month and oral tirzepatide is 397 dollars. Every plan includes medication, injection supplies, unlimited provider follow-ups by message or video, a metabolic panel and a 30-minute dietitian session. Pricing does not rise with your dose and no insurance is needed.
Read our full RedBox Rx 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
RedBox Rx
What we like
- Flat, dose-independent pricing on both semaglutide and tirzepatide
- Offers both weekly injections and daily oral tablets
- Includes unlimited provider follow-ups, a metabolic panel and a dietitian session
- Backed by grocery-pharmacy parent company Hy-Vee
Watch-outs
- Does not serve every state (for example Mississippi is excluded)
- Does not publicly name its compounding pharmacy
Our Verdict
RedBox Rx edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.8/10 and is particularly strong for people who want flat-rate compounded glp-1 with either injection or oral dosing. 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 RedBox Rx if…
You want people who want flat-rate compounded glp-1 with either injection or oral dosing and a starting price around $269/mo.
Ready to start? Vetted GLP-1 providers
Vetted telehealth providers that prescribe GLP-1 online.
No insurance needed · vetted by our editors
WeightLossRankings.org is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Sesame Care
Brand-name GLP-1s (Wegovy, Zepbound) at LillyDirect/NovoCare cash prices — no compounding
From $25/mo
Get started →Try Ageless
Lowest-tier compounded GLP-1 in injection, troche and sublingual forms
From $119/mo
Get started →Sunlight
Compounded GLP-1 with unlimited telehealth visits and free shipping
From $159/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs RedBox Rx: 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
Related comparisons
Continue exploring 1st Optimal and RedBox Rx head-to-heads in the same category.
- 1st Optimal vs Amazon One Medical
- 1st Optimal vs Vytora Health
- 1st Optimal vs CoreAge Rx
- RedBox Rx vs Found
- RedBox Rx vs NewSelf
- RedBox Rx vs Elara Health and Wellness
Or see the full category ranking.
Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus® are trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. All other product names and trademarks referenced on this page belong to their respective owners. WeightLossRankings.org is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical manufacturer. See trademark disclaimer.