Ongoing challenges of buying medications like Ozempic have led many people to purchase compounded weight loss drugs from online pharmacies. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says compounded versions may pose health risks.
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), including Ozempic, Wegovy, and others, have become extremely popular among people seeking an effective weight loss solution. The demand for these blockbuster drugs continues to grow, with some reports suggesting the global market for GLP-1s will reach $100 billion by 2035.
Since GLP-1s are prescription-only medications, people interested in taking them must visit a healthcare provider in person or virtually, then fill the prescription at their local pharmacy or order it online.
Whether purchased at a brick-and-mortar pharmacy or online, Ozempic and similar drugs are expensive, up to around $1,000 for a one-month supply without insurance. Moreover, some injectable weight loss medications are difficult to obtain due to an ongoing GLP-1 shortage.
Amid these challenges, questions about where to purchase drugs like Ozempic have sparked discussions on social media platforms like Reddit.
How are people getting this medicine?
byu/Josephina_darksky inOzempic
Recommendations from other Redditors using GLP-1s varied. However, conversations revealed several online options to fill an Ozempic prescription, as well as where people are getting compounded versions of the weight loss drugs.
Where people are getting their GLP-1s
Many Redditors say they turn to online providers like Henry and Zappy Health for compounded versions of these medications to offset costs and availability issues.
Other online sources Redditors use to get compounded GLP-1s include:
- Next Meds
- Empower Pharmacy
- Zealthy
- Fridays
People also rely on companies that offer both compounded and brand-name GLP-1s. Some popular mentions include:
- LifeMD
- OrderlyMeds
- Get Thin MD
- Hers
- RO
Online sources cited by Redditors that primarily offer brand-name weight loss injections include Amazon, Polar Bear Meds (Canada), and Sequence (Weight Watchers Clinic).
While the cost varies among compounding companies, Reddit users claim they pay an average of $300 per month.
Is compounded Ozempic safe?
The growing demand for injectable weight loss drugs has led to shortages of GLP-1s in the U.S. The FDA reports that as of October 2, 2024, the tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) shortage has been resolved. However, semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) are still in short supply.
Moreover, the Agency has recently expressed concern over the safety of specific compounded GLP-1s after reports of adverse events associated with their use.
As of August 31, 2024, the FDA has received 346 reports of adverse events with compounded semaglutide and 136 reports of adverse events linked to compounded tirzepatide.
In addition, a recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that around 42% of online pharmacies selling semaglutide doll out the weight loss drug without prescriptions. The study also revealed that semaglutide was present in all samples tested but at significantly lower purity levels than advertised.
Are compounded GLP-1s effective?
Since the FDA does not oversee compounded medications before they hit the consumer market, it is unclear if they are as effective for weight loss as brand-name drugs.
According to some Redditors, compounded versions did not work for them as they experienced no weight loss benefits while taking the medications.
Best place to get semaglutide online?
byu/lp2290 inSemaglutideFreeSpeech
"Switched to compounded for cost savings, but it did nothing! After 6 weeks, I just switched back to Ozempic to continue my weight loss journey," another Reddit user said.
Still, a vast majority claimed that they experienced significant weight loss with compounded GLP-1s. Some even said they saw more weight loss with fewer side effects when taking a compounded version.
Buying Ozempic safely online
Due to ongoing safety concerns with compounded weight loss medications, the FDA recommends that people obtain a prescription from their healthcare provider and fill it at a state-licensed pharmacy.
The Agency urges people to look for these warning signs that may indicate an online pharmacy is unsafe:
- It does not require a doctor's prescription
- It is not licensed in the U.S. and by a state board of pharmacy
- There is no licensed pharmacist on staff to answer questions
- Ships medicine that looks different than what's available at a local pharmacy or arrives in packaging that's damaged, in a foreign language, has no expiration date, or is expired
- Offers significant discounts or extremely low prices
In contrast, online pharmacies are likely safe if they always require a prescription from a healthcare provider, have a physical address and phone number in the U.S., employ licensed pharmacists, and are licensed with a state board of pharmacy.
The FDA also urges people to visit the Agency's BeSafeRx website for more information on how to safely purchase prescription drugs like Ozempic online.
5 resources
- Novo Nordisk. Latest on counterfeiting, compounded product, and other semaglutide information.
- FDA. Human drug compounding.
- JAMA Network Open. Safety and risk assessment of no-prescription online semaglutide purchases.
- FDA. FDA clarifies policies for compounders as national GLP-1 supply begins to stabilize.
- FDA. FDA's concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss.
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