Compounded GLP-1s: What Are They and Are They Safe?

GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. You’ve probably heard of them under brand names like Ozempi​​c® and Wegovy® (semaglutide) or Monjouro and Zepbound (tirzepatide). But what’s the deal with compounded GLP-1s?

Compounded GLP-1s contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, but they haven’t been FDA-approved. While they tend to be far more affordable and easier to access than brand-name drugs, they aren’t subject to the same rigorous safety standards as FDA-approved medications. 

This means it’s super important to make sure you get compounded GLP-1s from a reputable company like Hims & Hers, with a demonstrated commitment to safety and transparency. 

Below, we’ll dive into whether compounded GLP-1 medications are safe, the benefits of using them, and how to make sure you’re getting the real deal.

Let’s start by explaining what compounded drugs are exactly. 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the compounding process usually involves changing or adding new ingredients to a medication or combining medications to create a drug tailored to an individual patient’s needs. 

This could include: 

• Removing an allergen, like a dye or other inactive ingredient 

• Making a tablet medication into a liquid medication for patients who can’t swallow

• Changing the dose strength or diluting a drug to suit a patient’s need

One more reason for compounding? Shortages. 

When there are shortages of an FDA-approved drug, compounding pharmacies to able to step in and help fill the gap in supply. 

This is where compounded GLP-1 drugs come in. 

Due to the increase in demand, there are currently shortages of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide. 

Compounded semaglutide uses the same active ingredient — semaglutide — as Ozempic and Wegovy. And compounded tirzepatide uses the same active ingredient — tirzepatide — as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®.

You get the idea — the same goes for other compounded GLP-1s.

Compounded GLP-1 medications are typically safe for most people. But since compounded GLP-1s aren’t FDA-approved, the FDA hasn’t verified that they’re safe.

But it does matter where you get your medication from. There are some unscrupulous actors out there right now trying to take advantage of the increased demand for GLP-1s.  

Getting compounded GLP-1s from dodgy websites or international pharmacies can be risky. For example, the medications could contain contaminants or the wrong strength.  

Sounds scary, right? This is why it’s important to get compounded GLP-1s from licensed U.S. facilities and always with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

To ensure you’re getting a safe and effective medication, look for an online pharmacy that:

• Requires a prescription

• Is licensed in the U.S. and by your state board of pharmacy

• Has a licensed pharmacist on staff

• Has a physical U.S. address and phone number

Hers is an example of a telehealth company offering legal compounded semaglutide from U.S.-based pharmacies through valid prescriptions from healthcare providers.

Now that the safety information is out of the way, what are the pros of compounded GLP-1s?

Compounded GLP-1s are often: 

• More affordable 

• More available 

Here’s what we mean. 

Compounded GLP-1s Are More Affordable

GLP-1 medications aren’t usually covered by insurance for the purposes of weight loss. And the cost of brand-name semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide — and other GLP-1s — is out of reach for most people.

Plus, you may need to take the drug for a long time for weight management or diabetes, so the price can really add up.

For example:

• Ozempic costs about $900 to $1,800 a month.

• Wegovy costs about $1,300 to $2,000 a month.

• Hers compounded GLP-1s start at $199 a month.

Compounded semaglutide costs are much lower, making it more accessible if you’re looking for help managing overweight or obesity. The same goes for other compounded GLP-1s.

Compounded GLP-1s Are More Available

As mentioned above, there’s currently a shortage of GLP-1 injections. Compounding pharmacies can create compounded versions to meet the demand.

If a healthcare provider recommends you try semaglutide, for instance, you might find Ozempic and Wegovy aren’t available, but compounded semaglutide is available.

Taking compounded semaglutide — or another compounded GLP-1 — means you can start or continue treatment without the fear of drug shortages.

When it comes to how to get compounded semaglutide or another compounded GLP-1, you shouldn’t just visit any old pharmacy or website. You need to make sure you’re getting your medication from a safe place.

To start, you’ll need a valid prescription.

GLP-1 drugs are prescription medications, so you’ll need a consultation with a healthcare professional to make sure they’re right for you — the same goes for compounded GLP-1s.

If you get a prescription for a compounded GLP-1 medication, you may be able to pick up the drug from a local pharmacy or buy it online.

With Hers, you can connect with a healthcare provider, get a prescription, and purchase compounded GLP-1 medications — all in one place.

We have high standards for the compounded medications available on our platform, many of which go above and beyond what’s required by law.

For instance, Hers compounded GLP-1 injections are:

• Made in FDA-regulated 503B outsourcing facilities in the U.S. that must follow CGMP requirements

• Made with ingredients from FDA-regulated manufacturers

• Tested for quality, sterility, and consistency, including verifying the amount of active ingredient is correct

• Stored and shipped under controlled temperatures

Besides medication, you’ll get unlimited online access to your healthcare team for ongoing support.

You can ask questions, tweak your treatment, and discuss any compounded semaglutide side effects that might pop up.

A compounded GLP-1 medication may be the ideal weight loss treatment for you, especially if the cost or availability of non-compounded GLP-1 drugs is stopping you from getting treatment.

But compounded products come with unique safety concerns, so you might — quite understandably — have some questions.

Here are some quick-fire FAQs to close us out:

• What is compounded semaglutide? Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name drugs Ozempic and Wegovy.

• Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic? Compounded semaglutide has the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but it’s not the same FDA-approved medication. The same goes for other compounded GLP-1s.

• Is compounded semaglutide safe? Compounded semaglutide can be safe if you get it from a licensed compounding pharmacy. It’s the same story for other compounded GLP-1s.

Considering a compounded GLP-1 medication or any other type of weight loss medication? Your first step is to connect with a healthcare provider.

A compounded GLP-1 may fit the bill as a more affordable and consistently available weight loss treatment. Interested? Get started with our free online assessment.