1st Optimal vs RxSpan MD
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 programRxSpan MD
Best for shoppers wanting physician-led, pharmacy-transparent compounded GLP-1 with brand-name optionsStarting at $249/mo
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 1st Optimal | RxSpan MD |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.7/10 | ✓7.4/10 |
| Starting Price | — | $249/mo |
| Editorial Rating | 3.4 ★ /5 | ✓3.7 ★ /5 |
| Features | ✓8 features | 7 features |
| States Available | 0 | ✓50 |
| Compounded | — | ✓ Yes |
| Brand Name | — | ✓ Yes |
| FSA/HSA Accepted | — | — |
| FDA Warnings | None | None |
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
RxSpan MD
What we like
- Physician-led — founded by Dr. John Diaz, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 20+ years' experience
- Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide from $249/mo (injection or oral capsules), plus brand-name Wegovy, Zepbound and Ozempic
- Names its 503A pharmacy partners (Belmar, Strive, Epiq Scripts, Casa Pharma) and medical group
- LegitScript-certified (#50405601); free expedited shipping and unlimited 24/7 support included
- Available in all 50 states via a 2-minute assessment
Watch-outs
- Compounded pricing ($249 semaglutide / $329 tirzepatide) sits mid-to-high versus the cheapest telehealth options
- Brand-name GLP-1 is priced steeply (Wegovy $1,349, Ozempic $1,299, Zepbound $1,069)
- Multi-vertical practice (also hair, sexual health, longevity), not weight-loss-only
- Legal entity name isn't published on the site
Our Verdict
RxSpan MD edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.4/10 and is particularly strong for shoppers wanting physician-led, pharmacy-transparent compounded GLP-1 with brand-name options. 1st Optimal remains a solid alternative, especially if you're looking for Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
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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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.