During the GLP-1 shortages, compounding pharmacies made their own versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, and many online services still sell them. They are usually cheaper than brand-name Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound, which makes them tempting. Here is what to know before you use one.
What compounded means
A compounded drug is mixed by a pharmacy rather than made by the original manufacturer. Compounded drugs are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are sold. Brand-name products are.
What has changed
The FDA declared the shortages of tirzepatide and semaglutide resolved in late 2024 and early 2025. Once a shortage ends, the rules that allowed pharmacies to make large batches of copies end too.
The concerns
- Dosing errors. The FDA has received reports of people taking several times the intended dose, often because compounded vials use different units than brand-name pens.
- Different ingredients. Some products use salt forms, such as semaglutide sodium, that are not the same as the approved medicine.
- Quality and sourcing. Products from unlicensed sellers may contain the wrong amount of drug, or none at all.
Ready to Get Started?
Primary care, mental health, and addiction medicine in one practice. New patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment.
Lowering the cost of brand-name treatment
Manufacturer savings programs, direct-pay pricing from the manufacturers, prior authorization through your insurance, and choosing the brand that matches your covered diagnosis can all bring the cost down.
Already using a compounded product?
If you have side effects or doubt where the product came from, stop it and contact us. Otherwise, do not switch on your own. Bring the vial or label to your visit so your prescriber knows exactly what and how much you have been taking.
Get help from Hope Integrative Medicine
If you want help moving to an FDA-approved GLP-1 or finding a way to afford one, our team can help. Our primary care team in West Ashley sees patients in person and by telehealth across South Carolina, and new patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment. Request an appointment.
This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider. Never start, stop or change a medication without talking with your prescriber.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Compounded semaglutide is mixed by a pharmacy and is not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality. Some versions use salt forms such as semaglutide sodium, which are not the same as the approved medicine.
The FDA declared the semaglutide and tirzepatide shortages resolved in late 2024 and early 2025, which ended the rules that allowed pharmacies to make large batches of copies. Narrow, patient-specific compounding can still occur.
Options include manufacturer savings programs, direct-pay pricing from the manufacturers, prior authorization through your insurance, and choosing the brand that matches your covered diagnosis.