With GLP-1 medications becoming widely popular in the weight-loss arena over the last few years, many online pharmacies and direct-to-consumer telehealth platforms have offered compounded GLP-1 medications to improve accessibility and reduce cost burdens for patients. Recently, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released an update clarifying policies for compounding drug manufacturers producing GLP-1 medications following the end of the drug shortage in 2025.
In this post, Dr. Brian LaMar, Parkview Weight Management, explains what those updated guidelines mean, why Parkview Weight Management cautions against using compounded GLP-1 alternatives and shares additional treatment options for patients seeking medication-assisted weight loss.
When compounding is appropriate
Compounding pharmacies often produce medications for patients when a commercial FDA-approved drug is not suitable. These specialized pharmacists can make adjustments to medicines such as:
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removing allergens in filler ingredients
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converting pills to liquid
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adding flavoring to improve the taste
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creating non-standard dosages or strengths
In these scenarios, the compounded medications are replicas of the original drug, containing the same active ingredients and administered by the same route, unless the prescriber dictates otherwise, such as for reasons listed above.
During an FDA-declared drug shortage, compounding pharmacies can also produce copies of an approved medication to ensure patients maintain access to care. This allowance also applies to medications that are not yet available in generic form. But once the shortage ends, compounding pharmacies are prohibited from producing identical medications for any purpose other than use by specific patients.
Our stance
As a group, Parkview Weight Management, in alignment with the Obesity Medicine Association, has recommended against using these unapproved medications due to concerns about their safety and efficacy.
Though in certain circumstances, compounding pharmacies can provide an essential service, the medications they produce are not guaranteed to be identical to the original FDA-approved, manufactured drug. Compounded drugs are also not the same as generic medications.
Generic drugs are FDA-approved and reviewed to ensure they are equivalent to brand-name drugs. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, which means they do not undergo the same safety, effectiveness and quality review process.
What medication is recommended by Parkview Weight Management
When indicated, anti-obesity medications in addition to diet and lifestyle modifications can be a helpful tool to aid an individual’s weight loss.
For those interested in medication-assisted weight loss, Parkview Weight Management providers can prescribe multiple FDA-approved drugs that align with a patient’s medical history and specific concerns.
Currently, two trending injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists are available for the treatment of obesity, including Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide). It is unlikely that these brand-name medications will be available as generic medications in the United States until the 2030s.
However, Wegovy became available as a daily pill in January 2026, allowing some patients greater access to this type of therapy due to its lower cost. Newer medications in this class are expected to become available soon, which should continue to improve pricing and availability for our patients.
Besides GLP-1 medications, several oral options are available for weight loss or can be prescribed off-label to assist patients in their weight-loss efforts.
Noticeable differences
The most significant difference I have heard from patients regarding compounded medications compared to FDA-approved medications is that they usually notice less effectiveness with the compounded version. Some have reported more side effects while using compounded medications as well.
While I thankfully have not seen any major negative outcomes with patients who have gone the route of compound drugs, it is a concern that this can lead to serious consequences if not properly dosed or prescribed, or due to the risk of contamination/sterility issues.
Medications are tools we use to assist patients with their diet and lifestyle changes. We know we cannot rely solely on medications to improve the health and longevity of our patients, so it is something that we stress heavily with our patients before starting medication.
Because obesity is a complex disease that often co-occurs with other conditions, access to a multidisciplinary team helps patients maintain weight loss and manage long-term health.
Parkview Weight Management programming supports patients with a BMI greater than 30 or a BMI greater than 27 with a weight-related comorbidity. Whether you’re newly navigating weight loss or looking to refocus your efforts, we can help. To learn more, visit our website or call our office at 260-425-6390 to schedule a new patient appointment.
