The Astra Journal

Honest reads on weight management, peptides, longevity, and metabolic health, written by Astra's editorial team and reviewed by our medical team.

All articles

How Much Do GLP-1 Medications Cost in 2026? — Key takeaways GLP-1 medication price overview Here’s what every major GLP-1 medication costs in 2026. List prices are the official prices set by the drug manufacturer. Manufacturer direct prices are w 2026-07-23
What Is 503A Compounding? Your Guide to FDA-Regulated Compounded Medications — Key takeaways What is 503A compounding? Quick answer: 503A compounding is when a licensed pharmacy makes a custom medication for an individual patient based on a doctor’s prescription. It’ 2026-07-23
Microdosing GLP-1: What It Is, Who It’s For, and What the Evidence Says — Key takeaways What is microdosing GLP-1?  Quick answer: Microdosing GLP-1 means using a dose of semaglutide or tirzepatide that’s lower than the standard FDA-approved starting dose. For semagluti 2026-07-20
What to Expect in Your First Month on Compounded Semaglutide or Tirzepatide — Key takeaways What to expect in your first month on compounded GLP-1 Quick answer: Your first month on compounded GLP-1 is mostly about your body adjusting to the medication, not dramatic weight loss. 2026-07-20
Compounded GLP-1s Explained: 2026 Safety, Cost & FDA Update — Key takeaways What are compounded GLP-1 medications? Quick answer: Compounded GLP-1s are pharmacy-made versions of semaglutide or tirzepatide, prescribed for individual patients by a licensed clinicia 2026-07-19
Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide for Weight Loss: 2026 Comparison — Key takeaways What are semaglutide and tirzepatide?  Quick answer: Semaglutide and tirzepatide are prescription medications that mimic gut hormones to reduce appetite and slow digestion.  Bo 2026-03-27
GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss: What They Are, How They Work, and What to Know Before You Start — Until GLP-1 medications came along, the only way to lose 15 to 20 percent of your body weight with medical help was surgery. But here’s what most articles won’t lead with: GLP-1 weight loss drugs don’ 2026-03-27
Compounded GLP-1 Medications Explained: Brand-Name Differences, Safety, and Cost in 2026 — Did you know that there’s a version of semaglutide that costs half as much as Wegovy and uses the same active ingredient? The same goes for tirzepatide and Zepbound. They’re called compounded GLP-1 me 2026-03-27