This is my honest EllieMD review, along with my Personal Experience around GLP-1 medications and pharmacies.
Is Ordering Medications through EllieMD Legit? Is it Safe?
The first time I heard someone had ordered Tirzepatide or Semaglutide online, BOY DID I JUDGE! I was NOT going to get medication I’d be injecting into my body from some sketch website! Gratefully I have since come around, and have been ordering from EllieMD for awhile now, and I can confirm in my personal experience they are totally legit, and very safe. If you’d like more details behind that answer, let’s go!
Short Personal History for Context
Brief history, I had actually lost over 100 pounds a few years before, she had been so impressed that I did it all with just eating healthy, this was before all of these medications came out, but due to genetics, age, traumatic life events (read more in depth journey here) I was almost back to where I started. She wrote me the prescription, which I originally picked up from a local compound pharmacy. It was a bit or an ordeal and not as convenient as I hoped.
- Long drives across town to pick up at compound pharmacies
- Refill delays between vials
- Too easy to miss doses when life got busy
- No shade to my former compound pharmacy, but I genuinely feel like they were not as potent as the ones I buy now.
Deciding to give EllieMD a try
Because I had a few friends who ordered through EllieMD and weren’t dying, phew, and were actually thriving, yay! I decided to give them a try, for the convenience factor alone.
I literally pulled up the website, expecting it to be a hassle, and it walked me right through the process, very orderly.
- Assigned me to a provider that is very familiar with GLP-1’s
- Put in a brief health history
- Basic forms you’d fill out at any doctor’s office
- Provider reviewed my information, wrote the prescription
- By the end of the week I had my welcome package and 3 months of medications in my fridge.
It wasn’t that the local compounding pharmacy was bad, or that my doctor was dumb, it’s just that this is literally what EllieMD specializes in, so everything felt so much smoother.
What is EllieMD & How Does It Work?
EllieMD is basically a connector point to make your experience getting weight-loss medications easier. They connect you to the two most important things, a licensed provider and a legitimate pharmacy.
When you go to order on EllieMD they will gather all of the things a provider needs to know before hand to prescribe you medication. So you’ll want to have your general info available. Have ready to input any prescriptions you are already on and dosages nearby. Also if you’ve already purchased GLP-1 medications before take a picture of the bottle, it makes the process even more expedited.
If the doctor has questions or needs additional information, they will be in touch with you. So keep an eye on your email in case they need a quick question answered, things won’t get delayed!
Is EllieMD Legit? The Trust Factors
EllieMD is still a new company. IMO, they are new, but so are these medications, so there wasn’t some established business of 50 years out there that I could purchase from, anywhere I purchased from I was going to have to take a bit of a chance. What I can say is this, I wish this would have been my first stop.
They have:
- Licensed healthcare providers
- Partner with regulated pharmacies
- HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality
- Lots of reviews
Is EllieMD an MLM?
Let me be STRAIGHT UP with you. Technically, EllieMD falls under an MLM style model. I won’t lie, that scared me, but I’m happy to report, you are under no pressure to “build a team” or “buy into a program”, and can purchase the medications like you would purchase a product from any other service. The MLM set up is there if you are interested, but NOT a requirement to buy the product.
If you were to click through my link, you will see that you are Shopping With Courtney Evans, as I’ve always disclosed, yes, I’ll get a kickback if you make a purchase through my link, but I promise I won’t bug you, to bug your friends 🙂 Unless you bug me, and you want to get set up as a seller/affiliate, then I’m happy to help you through the process, otherwise I’ll leave you alone! 🙂
My experience has been that I have not had anyone pressure me about “team building” thus far. I’m able to order it like any other subscription online and just get my stuff and go on with my life!
My First-Hand Experience with EllieMD
This EllieMD review is just my experience, but like I said, the entire process to sign up was super easy, yet thorough.
The medication was shipped with ice packs and the packaging and welcoming materials were very nice and helpful. I do have some critiques.
What’s a review without some constructive criticism?
I’m getting very picky to be able find some constructive criticism here lol. In the welcome materials there is a little journal, which is MORE HELPFUL THAN YOU MIGHT THINK. It has a space to mark which side and where you give yourself the injection each week. You wouldn’t think you’d forget but around week 3, I couldn’t remember anymore! It was helpful!
So back to the critique! In the journal there is a spot each week to document your dosing, where on your body you took the shot, your weight, and then you can track symptoms, and for some reason, it also includes a place to track your height. Which made me laugh. I’ve been 5’7″ for 20 years, I’m not expecting that to change. I use that spot to measure my waist circumference instead. Belly fat is a good indicator of health and so I like to see that number change.
I mentioned the shipping speed earlier. The website said it could take up to 10 days to get everything through the doctor, and my entire process went much quicker. I was glad I was in town, but my sister wasn’t expecting it to come quite as fast. She ordered it while out of town and it was delivered before she got back home. Luckily it’s on ice, so there is time if it does arrive too quickly!
There is a lot of information in follow-up emails. Since I had originally started taking the medication from my local pharmacy a lot of the initial stuff I was familiar with, to be honest, I don’t open all of the emails, but you’ll never feel abandoned. You can always unsubscribe to certain ones if you need to.
Scared to give yourself a shot?
I was TERRIFIED of shots and IVs for most of my life. Literal tears getting flu shots in my 20s. Yikes. I’ve gotten a little better as I’ve have a few children, but needless to say, I don’t like needles. These needles are VERY thin so they really don’t hurt. ALSO they are very short, so you don’t have to think about how far to push them in. (Gross, I hate even writing this down!)
For the first month my husband gave me the shot in my arm. Now I give it to myself (I have to lay down on my back so I don’t pass out, lol) in my stomach, this is where it seems to have the best effect for me, and where I feel it the least. I’ve tried my arm and leg, but tummy works best for me!
Side Effects
There are a lot of rumors of all of the side effects of these meds. I expected to feel super sick. I had heard Whitney Leavitt on the Weekly Trash podcast talk about just having terrible sickness “but it was worth it.” I had figured it my head it would be similar to morning sickness, and I had experienced some of the worst of that, so I was expecting awfulness.
To my surprise it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting, but I won’t pretend there are zero side effects. Early on I experienced light nausea.
I can’t believe I will put this next sentence on the internet but here we go. While my body adjusted it felt like it was either all constipation or all diarrhea. The more consistent I am with the injection schedule the better. Also, greasy foods will still give me diarrhea and make me a little sick. Theese are some of the supplements I use to help with the “regularity” issues.
Fatigue is another one that comes up. When I start feeling sluggish I make sure I’m staying on top of my water intake! I like to add electrolytes with a little caffeine in my water.
EllieMD’s information in the welcome packet was so much more helpful than the nothing I received when I just got the medication from my local compound pharmacy. It will remind you of things to avoid (greasy food) and things to focus on (protein and water intake) to stay feeling your best!
Here is some more researched information around the side effects that does way better than me trying to paraphrase. I used AI to help condense and organize this research.
- Common and Mild
GLP‑1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide frequently cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort, especially during initial dose increases Henderson Women’s Care | Dr. Tanita+15GoodRx+15Atlantic Health+15LifeMD+15Braxton Medical Clinic+15Drugs.com+15. In fact, over half of users report some digestive disturbances during dose escalation periods Health. - Management Tips
Most side effects are temporary and can be managed by eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding greasy or fatty foods, staying hydrated, and using ginger or peppermint remedies Henderson Women’s Care | Dr. Tanita+2Harvard Health+2. - Less Common, More Serious
In rare cases, users may experience gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, kidney stress, or eye problems like worsening diabetic retinopathy or even visual issues Verywell Health+1. There’s also a noted FDA boxed warning regarding the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (e.g., medullary thyroid carcinoma), meaning these medications should be avoided by anyone with that history Verywell Health+3Wikipedia+3GoodRx+3.
Safety
EllieMD uses licensed providers. Their providers are familiar with the medications they have, as well as patients like myself. My experience has been super positive. They will also encourage you to keep in touch with your primary care physician.
Important Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. This information reflects my research and personal experience — please consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any GLP-1 therapy. Do not take my experience as your own. Do your own research beyond this.
Compound vs. Brand-Name Differences
Medications through EllieMD are compounded, which means they are mixed with another ingredient which helps make the medication more affordable than the name brand. The only ingredient I ever see mixed with these is usually just Vitamin B12. This works out great because the B12 can help with nausea and energy levels. If you want to deep dive on that, here are some good resources.
- Active Ingredient
Compounded medications contain the same active ingredients—semaglutide or tirzepatide—as the brand-name versions (“Ozempic,” “Wegovy,” “Mounjaro,” etc.), but they’re not produced under the same standardized FDA-regulated manufacturing processes Henderson Women’s Care | Dr. Tanita+15Skadden+15Solutions Weight Loss – Lose Weight+15. - Regulatory Review
Brand-name GLP‑1 drugs undergo rigorous FDA review for safety, efficacy, and manufacturing standards. Compounded versions, however, do not receive this same level of oversight or confirmation before being dispensed Henderson Women’s Care | Dr. Tanita+15U.S. Food and Drug Administration+15knownwell.co+15. - When Compounding Makes Sense
Compounded GLP‑1 can be beneficial during shortages or when manufacturer formulations aren’t accessible—offering flexibility in dosing or delivery. Many compounding pharmacies are locally owned and committed to quality, but patient diligence is important knownwell.co. - Switching Considerations
If you ever transition to a brand-name version, be aware that differences in inactive ingredients or absorption rates might cause a brief adjustment period—some people notice changes in side effects or effectiveness GoodRx.
Medical Disclaimer
Important: I am not a medical provider. Please consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting any medication. Everyone’s medical history, reactions, and needs are different.
Pricing & How It Compares
| Provider | Monthly Price (Meds Incl.) | Consultation Fees | Structure | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EllieMD | Meds start at $299/month | Included | Subscription only | No hidden fees, compounding + B12 formula |
| Ro | $145 platform + med cost ($349–$549) | Platform fee | Subscription + meds | Still higher overall cost compared to EllieMD |
| Calibrate | $199/mo (meds not included) | Included | 3-month min + coaching | Membership based, meds not included |
| Found | $99–129/mo (meds not included) | Included | Subscription + meds | Membership based, meds not included |
Pros & Cons of EllieMD
Pros:
The biggest pro for me was the convenience! Being able to get these medications almost as easily as I was able to order something on Amazon prime, was very very nice!.
The regulated process made me feel safe, and it was also nice to be able to do it at home on my couch, was nice to have some privacy.
Cons: not covered by insurance, but they didn’t cover it through my local pharmacy either! We can hope! Until then…
FAQs About EllieMD
Is EllieMD a scam?
A scam would be paying for something and getting nothing, or getting something totally fake or terrible quality. That’s not the case here. EllieMD sent me my medications right on time, and they’ve actually worked better than what I was getting locally. (One thing that helped? Their provider explained I should inject into my stomach, not just my arm. That little change made a big difference for me.) I saw a single bad review on reddit in my initial research, and it scared me, but I haven’t met anyone in person who had a poor experience and my experience has been great!
Do you need a prescription?
Yes, but EllieMD makes it super easy, they supply the provider that gives you the prescription. You don’t have to track down your own doctor — they connect you with a licensed provider as part of the process. No extra phone calls, no awkward waiting rooms. It’s all built in as part of the sign up process.
Does EllieMD ship to all states?
Almost! EllieMD works with compounding pharmacies that can ship to most U.S. states, but there are a handful where regulations are tighter. When you sign up, the system checks your state automatically. Go check if EllieMD works in your state here. (For example, some states may have restrictions on compounded GLP-1s — so double-check during signup.)
How quickly will I see weight loss results?
Everyone’s body is different. For me I immediately saw my face de-puff the first week. Looking in the mirror was easier. My appetite was lower the first week. The food noise felt so much lower almost immediately. By around the 4–6 week mark, the scale was moving and my clothes were getting baggier. EllieMD’s providers usually start with a lower dose and adjust up slowly, so results build over time — it’s not overnight, but it’s steady. Having lost weight very quickly and drastically, I am preferring this steadier approach while I’m trying to keep my muscle to keep a strong metabolism.
Is EllieMD cheaper than going through my local pharmacy?
For me, it’s about the same pricing wise. However, with EllieMD it’s been easier access to providers, and the auto-ship is honestly SO nice and convenient. EllieMD’s pricing is in 3 tiers that depend on how much of the medication you need. Most people start on tier one (unless you are already using the medications and have a higher dose), and many never need to go to Tier 3.
What medications does EllieMD prescribe?
EllieMD prescribes GLP-1s like semaglutide and tirzepatide through licensed compounding pharmacies. The exact formulation may vary depending on availability, but it’s the same active ingredient as the brand names (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro), and it’s compounded with Vitamin B12. They also have NAD injections and other hormone helpers. The GLP-1s are the best place to start though if you are looking for weight loss and then you can get into others that can help take it a step further.
Are compounded GLP-1s safe?
In my experience, yes — but with an important caveat. EllieMD uses compounding pharmacies that are licensed and U.S.-based, so I felt comfortable. But the FDA does warn that compounded meds don’t go through the same approval process as brand-name versions. That’s why choosing a reputable provider like EllieMD really mattered to me.
Can I use EllieMD if I don’t have insurance?
Yes! And that’s a big reason I chose them. My insurance had no interest in covering these medications and I didn’t want to wait until they did to take advantage of the benefits. Everything is cash-based, no insurance needed. For me, that made things simpler than dealing with prior authorizations and pharmacy rejections.
What if I want to cancel EllieMD?
You can cancel, but keep in mind they sell in subscription packages (three months at a time). So just decide before renewing your next cycle. I actually think it’s great to do it in 3 month blocks, it gave me a chance to commit and lock in and use it consistently, which I didn’t originally when purchasing from an offline pharmacy. I was so hit an miss and didn’t get the results I was hoping for.
Do EllieMD providers give medical support?
Yes — I didn’t just get meds in the mail. The provider actually reviewed my health info, and made a prescription custom to me. It felt more legit than I expected for an online service.
My Verdict & Who I Recommend It For
If you’ve gotten this far, it’s obvious that my review of EllieMD is that it’s a legitimate business, not a scame.
I struggled for my entire life with food noise. I’ve been overweight since middle school and aside from a 3 year period where I lived an insane and rigid non-at-all-maintainable lifestyle, I was considered obese. These medications have freed me from a broken brain that was fixated on food. I didn’t know this was how “typical” brains worked. It’s freed me from a lifetime of shame around food. You can see my full weight-loss story here.
If you are interested in trying EllieMD, I would appreciate if you visit via my link. It costs you nothing, and it does give me a kickback I use to help maintain and update my thoughts and reviews.