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.

This means it’s super important to make sure you get compounded medications through a reputable pharmacy or telehealth provider like Hims & Hers.

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 needs

One more reason for compounding? Shortages. 

When there are shortages of an FDA-approved drug, large-scale compounding facilities can step in and help fill the gap in supply. 

This is where compounded GLP-1 drugs come in. Compounded GLP-1s grew in popularity when medications like Ozempic and Zepbound landed on the drug shortage list. 

It’s important to note that drug shortages are often temporary. When a medication is removed from the drug shortage list, large-scale compounding facilities are no longer able to mass produce them. But smaller, 503a compounding pharmacies may continue to produce compounded GLP-1s for people with specific needs. For example, some people might need access to a personalized dose that isn’t commercially available. 

Compounded 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.  

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 a 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
  

One of the primary benefits of compounded GLP-1s is that they tend to be an affordable option. But if you’re looking for affordable weight loss medications, there are alternatives to compounded GLP-1s. 

Compounded GLP-1 alternatives include:

• Oral medications that support weight loss

• Self-pay brand name GLP-1s like Wegovy^® (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide), available at a reduced price 

• Weight loss programs that offer support with lifestyle changes

Hers | Oral Weight Loss Kits 

Hers offers access to oral weight loss medication kits tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget.

Weight loss kits through Hers may include different combinations of the following medications:

• Metformin. Metformin is approved to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s sometimes prescribed off-label to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), overweight, and obesity. Metformin works by reducing hunger and stabilizing blood glucose levels.

• Naltrexone. Naltrexone is a prescription medication that helps reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids. 

• Topiramate. This medication is an anticonvulsant that can suppress appetite and make you feel fuller for longer.

• Bupropion. Bupropion is an antidepressant that affects neurotransmitters that regulate the brain’s reward system. 

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.

A compounded GLP-1 medication may be an option for you if you have personalized dosing needs, but if not, there are other ways to save on the cost of weight loss medications. 

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.

If you’re considering weight loss medication, compounded or otherwise, your first step is to connect with a healthcare provider. Through Hers, you can connect with a licensed healthcare provider trained in weight management. Hers offers access to a wide range of treatment options, including oral weight loss medications and weight loss injections, so you can find something that works for your goals and your budget.  

Want to learn more about your weight loss treatment options? Get started with our free online assessment.