"GLP-1 medications are far more accessible today than they were even a few years ago," Dr. McGowan tells Parade. "We now have FDA-approved options like Wegovy and Zepbound for obesity, Ozempic and Mounjaro for diabetes, a newly approved oral version of semaglutide and overall significantly lower prices than before."
"The key issue is that these alternatives are not FDA-approved, have not been tested for safety or efficacy, and are not subject to the same rigorous manufacturing standards," he explains.
"As a physician, I always want to do my best to help my patients. But in the end, I can't help them if I'm not in the loop," she says. "That's why I've done research in this area and tried to understand it better. I want patients to have the best chance they have to be informed of risks and benefits and make informed decisions."
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"Not all GLP-1s are created equal—and compounded versions are simply not equivalent to the real thing," Dr. McGowan warns.
"Compounding, historically, was a means of making a medication for a patient that suited their specific needs," Dr. Chen says. "An example of this is putting a medicine into a cream for a patient when it's not ordinarily available as a cream."
While Dr. Chen says the shortages are over, another specialist shares that people still have trouble accessing GLP-1s, which is why there's still interest in compounded versions.
Dr. Ali adds that some people cannot get their insurance to cover GLP-1s.
Related: We Asked 3 Metabolism Experts What People on GLP-1s Should Never Skip—They All Agreed
What Are the Risks of Compounded Ozempic and GLP-1s?
Dr. Chen is also concerned about the standards. "It's hard to be specific about the risks of compounded GLPs because there is no oversight," she says. "No oversight means we don't know what is in them."
"Brand-name GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are manufactured under strict quality controls, with well-defined dosing, stability and extensive clinical trial data behind them," Dr. McGowan says.
In fact, the FDA released a warning about the risks of using unapproved versions of GLP-1s, including compounded drugs.
2. Some compounding pharmacies are offering untested GLP-1 products
"It's important to know that those forms of GLPs have not been tested in large trials, and it's not clear if they provide benefit or harm," she says.
"The source of these active ingredients can vary significantly," she says.
4. Dosing errors can happen
Dr. Chen says one of the main risks of compounded anti-obesity drugs is the dosing errors. "This may be a result of insufficient instructions with the compounded medication or issues with too much or too little medication being given to the patient," she explains.
Before pursuing a compounded GLP-1, Dr. McGowan suggests:
Check insurance coverage updates or pursue appealsExplore manufacturer savings programs, including LillyDirect and NovoCareWork with a physician to identify appropriate, FDA-approved treatment optionsThis one is huge. "It is important that if a patient is seeking these medications, they should go to a legitimate source—typically a health care provider who focuses on weight loss," Dr. Ali stresses. "Getting these medications from social media or questionable online sources can lead to problems. Most commonly, they are getting something that just does not work if it is not from a reputable source."
2. Do some homework
According to Dr. Steele, it's important to know about the side effects and limitations of the compounded medications you're taking. "Ensure that the ingredients and the sources of these ingredients are disclosed," she advises.
3. Keep your doctor in the loop
Even if you're going the compounded medication route, it's vital to let your doctor know.
Up Next:
Related: These Ozempic Before and After Photos Give a Real-Life Glimpse of What Life Is Like on Weight Loss Medication
Sources:
Dr. Christopher McGowan, MD, MSCR, AGAF, FASGE, the senior vice president of Peri-Procedural CareDr. Alissa Chen, MD, MPH, MHS, a primary care physician, obesity medicine specialist and researcher at the Yale School of MedicineDr. Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical CenterDr. Allison Steele, DO, DABFM, DABOM, is an obesity medicine specialist at HonorHealth Bariatric CenterFDA’s Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss. FDA.FDA Regulatory Failures in Enforcing Limits on GLP-1 Compounding Puts Patients at Risk. Center for Medicine in the Public Interest - FDA Regulatory FailuresHence then, the article about doctors warn this cheaper ozempic alternative may come with risks was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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