Safety Considerations for Compounded Semaglutide

GLPs offer powerful weight loss opportunity. For many, cost prevents access to treatment and some patients seek cheaper options through compounding. The Obesity Medical Association and this author recommend against use of compounded agents. There are safety considerations with compounded GLPs. Recently the FDA reported:

• 605 reports of adverse events associated with compounded semaglutide

• 545 reports of adverse events associated with compounded tirzepatide

Is there a better option?

Yes

Following with an obesity medicine specialist can provide you with all the options. Direct prescribing though Eli Lilly direct can be affordable and similar priced to compounding pending the dose.(1) Additionally Wegovy, made national headlines after partnering with Costco for reduced prices.(2)

For patients still choosing compounding

What should you ask and look for

• Check the state licensing board website to see if there have been complaints or disciplinary actions made against the facility/company. Specifically the your are looking to see if the FDA has ever issued a 483 form. This form communicates concerns the FDA had identified during inspections.

• Ask if the compounding pharmacy is accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board.

• Ask if the pharmacy follows Current Good Manufacturing Practice. This is not required of 503a pharmacies that provide GLPs directly to patients.

• Verify where the pharmacy is sourcing the active pharmaceutical ingredients

• Confirm the produce is NOT semaglutide salt, but semaglutide base.

• Request a certificate of analysis of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. This demonstrates if there are impurities. This can help prevent falsification of medication.

1. https://www.lilly.com/lillydirect/medicines/zepbound

2. http://www.costco.com/cmppsdrugIdentifierParam=55614905069&drugNameParam=Wegovy