Clear Facts About

Safe Access to GLP-1 Medications

You may have heard of GLP-1 medications. Understand the
key differences between FDA-approved GLP-1 medications
and compounded versions, how they are made, and what risks
you should know about before choosing one.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 is a natural hormone made in your gut after you eat. It helps control your blood sugar, slows down digestion, and helps you feel full.^1,2

GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs that act like a natural hormone in your body. They are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.^1,2

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are serious medical conditions – and GLP-1 medications are serious prescription drugs. They aren’t trends or quick fixes. They should only be used under medical care to treat real health needs.²

How Can I Access GLP-1 Medications?

Know The "Red Flags"

Know the “red flags” of websites offering GLP-1 medications

Know The Difference

Understand the difference between FDA-approved GLP-1 products and compounded GLP-1 products

Safe and effective FDA-approved GLP-1 medications are available through digital care platforms, including at self-pay prices that may be more affordable for patients. Contact your healthcare provider team to learn more.³

What Are “Red Flags” About Websites Offering GLP-1 Products?

Sold through social media, online marketplaces, or individuals without a prescription or supervision by a licenced HCP^2,4,5

Promise rapid or dramatic weight loss without explaining potential adverse events^2,4,5

Offered in unapproved forms (drops, lozenges, patches, nasal sprays)^2,4,5

Sold in large multi-dose vials with confusing instructions⁵

Labeled “research grade,” “research use only,” or “not for human consumption”^2,4,5,7,8

Active ingredient is not from an FDA-registered manufacturer⁷

Active ingredient is the salt form of an FDA-approved product⁹

The bottom line – Talk to a doctor and develop a treatment plan before taking a GLP-1 product. Your doctor may prescribe an FDA-approved GLP-1 medication, or a compounded GLP-1 medication.^2,10

What Is The Difference Between FDA-approved GLP-1 Medications And Compounded GLP-1 Products?

-----------------------	FDA-approved GLP-1 Medications	Compounded GLP-1 Medications
What they are	Brand-name medicines approved by the FDA	Custom-made versions prepared by a compounding pharmacy
FDA approval	Approved by the FDA based on safety, quality, and how well they work	Not approved by the FDA
Ingredients	Must contain the exact ingredient and dose listed on the label	May vary in ingredients or strength
Safety checks	Made in large facilities with strict quality rules	Quality depends on the pharmacy making it

Are There Any Risks Associated With Compounded GLP-1s?

Compounded GLP-1 products are higher risk than FDA-approved medications.¹⁰

The FDA does not review pre-market safety and quality testing data for compounded products¹⁰
Compounded GLP-1 medications may have a higher risk of adverse events, incorrect or unclear dosing, and contamination^11-13
The FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System database lists more than 900 adverse health events associated with compounded
GLP-1s, 17 of which involved death^a,9

Despite the higher risk, some patients may need personalized compounded GLP-1 medications. Read on to learn more.

When Would a Patient Need a Personalized Compounded GLP-1 Medication?

Personalized compounded GLP-1 medications are made or mixed by a pharmacist to meet the needs of specific
patient, based on a doctor’s prescription.^10,14

A doctor may prescribe a personalized compounded GLP-1 medication if a patient:

Is allergic or hypersensitive to an ingredient in brand-name GLP-1 medications^10,14

Needs a dosage strength that isn’t available from the brand-name GLP-1 medications^10,14

Needs a different formulation for a medical reason^10,14

Personalized compounded GLP-1s can only be prescribed by licensed HCPs. They should only be prescribed to patients who have a medical need, not just to lower cost or increase convenience.^2,10,14

How Do I Know If I Require a Personalized Compounded GLP-1 Medication?

Discuss with your doctor:

Is this medication being compounded for a true medical need?
Are there any contraindications or risks specific to me?
What side effects should I expect, and when should I contact you?
How will we monitor my labs and progress?

If you’re considering a GLP-1 medication, talk with your healthcare provider about your options. Safe and effective FDA-approved GLP-1 medications are available through digital care platforms, including at self-pay prices that may be more affordable for patients. Contact your healthcare provider team to learn more.³

As of December 31, 2024.

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists (Accessed May 27, 2026). 2. An Open Letter From Eli Lilly and Company Regarding Certain Practices Related to Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, Eli Lilly & Co. (June 20, 2024). 3. Robb, M et al. Direct-to-Patient Prescription Drugs: A Framework to Help Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Evaluate Their Strategy, Milliman (Mar. 19, 2026). 4. Updated Consumer Alert: Attorney General Raoul Reminds Illinois Residents to Be Vigilant When Seeking GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss, Off. of the Ill. Att’y Gen. (Jan. 3, 2025). 5. Consumer Alert: Attorney General Alan Wilson Warns Consumers to Be Cautious When Purchasing Unapproved and Compounded Weight Loss Medications, S.C. Att’y Gen. (Jan. 3, 2025). 6. Letter from Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Sen., & Jonathan Skrmetti, Att’y Gen. of Tenn., to Andrew N. Ferguson, Chairman, Fed. Trade Comm’n 2 (July 17, 2025). 7. Letter from William Tong, Att’y Gen. of Conn., to Conn. Healthcare Providers, re: Compounded GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications 3 (May 21, 2025). 8. Letter from Jonathan Skrmetti, Tenn. Att’y Gen., et al., to Sara Brenner, Acting Comm’r, Food & Drug Admin., re: GLP-1 Drugs (Feb. 19, 2025). 9. Letter from Jim Banks, U.S. Sen., to Sara Brenner, Acting Comm’r of Food & Drugs (Apr. 2, 2025). 10. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/compounding-and-fda-questions-and-answers (Accessed May 27, 2026). 11. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/fda-alerts-health-care-providers-compounders-and-patients-dosing-errors-associated-compounded (Accessed May 27, 2026). 12. McCall KL, et al. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2026;25(3):581-588. 3. Neumiller JJ, et al. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(2):177-181. 14. Rumore, MM. Pharmacy Practice In Focus: Health Systems. 2025:14(4).

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.