Some do, and the difference shows up on your second bill. Many online GLP-1 programs charge a monthly membership or care fee on top of the medication. Forva's compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide plans have no membership fee: one price every 4 weeks covers provider review, medication if prescribed, supplies, shipping and ongoing support, and it's the same at every dose. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
What is a GLP-1 membership fee?
A membership fee is a recurring charge for access to a program: provider visits, messaging, coaching or app features. It's billed in addition to the medication. In some programs it's required before you can buy the medication at the listed price, and in some it keeps billing in a month you don't get a refill.
A membership isn't a bad thing on its own. What matters is knowing the full amount you'll pay every month, not just the medication price in the ad.
How do you spot a membership fee before you sign up?
- Look for "membership", "care fee", "program fee", "platform fee" or "consultation fee" near the price.
- Check whether the price says "plus medication" or "medication billed separately".
- Compare what you're charged today with what renews in 4 weeks.
- Ask whether the fee keeps billing if your medication is paused.
- Ask whether the price changes when your dose goes up. Our guide to pricing by dose shows why that matters.
What's included in Forva's price?
| What you get | Forva compounded plans |
|---|---|
| Membership fee | None |
| Licensed provider review | Included |
| Medication, if prescribed | Included |
| Supplies | Included |
| Shipping | Included |
| Ongoing support and provider messages in your portal | Included |
| Price at higher doses | The same at every dose |
| If you're not prescribed | Full refund |
There's no introductory rate that jumps later: plans renew at the same rate every 4 weeks while your subscription stays active. Our guide to introductory prices covers what to check elsewhere. Current prices for each plan length are on the compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide pages.
Month to month or prepaid: which has fewer fees?
Neither has a membership fee. Month-to-month plans renew every 4 weeks and you can cancel by email at any time. Prepaid 12-, 24- and 48-week plans cost less per 4 weeks and are charged upfront. After the prepaid term, the plan renews every 4 weeks at that plan's lower rate until you cancel.
When does Forva charge a membership?
Only on the brand-name path. If you choose a brand-name medication through Forva, you pay a $99 a month membership for provider care and buy the medication separately at the manufacturer's self-pay price. Compounded plans don't have a membership fee.
What happens if you're not prescribed, and how do you cancel?
You pay at checkout, before your provider review. If a licensed provider decides treatment isn't appropriate, no medication is sent and the full amount you paid for a compounded plan is refunded. More in our guide to refunds and cancelling.
To cancel, email support@forvahealth.com before your renewal date to avoid the next charge. If a renewal has already been charged, cancel at least 72 hours before that refill is dispensed to stop the shipment. We confirm by email within 24 hours. Our refund policy explains what's refundable after you cancel.
Already on a GLP-1 somewhere else? Here's how switching works without restarting your dose.
GLP-1 medications can cause side effects, most commonly nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, and carry serious risks. Labeling for FDA-approved semaglutide and tirzepatide products includes a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors. Your provider reviews these risks before prescribing. The FDA's information on unapproved GLP-1 drugs is worth reading before you choose any provider.
Wegovy is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. Zepbound is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Forva Health is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Eligibility and treatment decisions are made by a licensed provider.