Compounded GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It is a hormone your body makes after you eat. It helps control blood sugar, digestion, and hunger.
GLP-1 medicines act like this hormone. They help your body release insulin when blood sugar is high. They also lower another hormone called glucagon. They slow how fast food leaves your stomach. This can help you feel full.
Because of these effects, GLP-1 medicines can help lower blood sugar. They may also help reduce hunger and cravings. Some medicines also act on another hormone called GIP. This can add effects on blood sugar and appetite.
FDA-approved GLP-1 medicines are prescription drugs. The FDA reviews them for their approved uses, dose, safety, label, and quality before they are sold.
Some GLP-1 medicines are approved for people with type 2 diabetes. These include Ozempic, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, Victoza, Trulicity, and exenatide products. Some can also help lower certain heart or kidney risks in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Some GLP-1 or related medicines are approved for long-term weight management. These include Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda. They are used for adults with obesity. They may also be used for adults with overweight and at least one weight-related health problem.
Medicines with the same active ingredient may not be used the same way. For example, Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide. But they have different approved uses and doses. A healthcare professional can help decide which option may be right for a person.
Compounded GLP-1 medicines are custom-made. A compounding pharmacy or outsourcing facility makes them. They may contain semaglutide, tirzepatide, or another active ingredient. Compounding may be useful only when a person has a medical need that an FDA-approved medicine cannot meet.
Compounded GLP-1 medicines are not the same as FDA-approved products. FDA-approved products include Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and Rybelsus. Compounded medicines are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review each compounded product for safety, how well it works, or quality before use.
Some compounded GLP-1 products have been sold as lower-cost options. But the FDA has warned about added risks. These include dosing mistakes, unclear directions, wrong strength, poor storage or shipping, and products that may use different forms of the drug.
FDA-approved GLP-1 medicines and compounded GLP-1 products are not the same. FDA-approved medicines are reviewed for safety, how well they work, quality, dose, label, and how they are made. Compounded GLP-1 products are custom-made and are not FDA-approved.
FDA-approved GLP-1 medicines come with set doses and tested directions. They also have approved labels and quality controls. Clinical studies support their approved uses.
A compounded GLP-1 may be considered only in limited cases. For example, a prescriber may decide a person needs a change that an FDA-approved product cannot provide. Compounded products should not be viewed as equal to FDA-approved medicines.
Compounded GLP-1 products may have added risks. These can include the wrong strength, unclear dose directions, dosing mistakes with vials and syringes, poor storage or shipping, and sterility problems. Some products may use forms of the drug that are different from FDA-approved products.
For many people, an FDA-approved GLP-1 is preferred when it is available and appropriate. If a compounded GLP-1 is being considered, ask why it is needed. Ask if an FDA-approved option could be used instead. Ask what is in it, what strength it is, how to measure the dose, and when to get medical help.
Use GLP-1 medicines only with a prescription and guidance from a licensed healthcare professional. Avoid sellers that do not require a prescription, make claims that sound too good to be true, give unclear directions, or ship medicine in damaged packaging.