Updated November 15, 2026 · Clinician review in progress · How we write and review

Branded vs compounded GLP-1s

Branded drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound went through FDA review for safety and effectiveness. Compounded versions are made by pharmacies for individual patients and did not.

Branded medications

Doctors sometimes prescribe Ozempic or Mounjaro off-label for weight loss, but insurers often won't cover them for that use.

Compounded medications

Compounding pharmacies mix drugs for individual patients. During the shortages of 2022 to 2025, the law let them make copies of semaglutide and tirzepatide in large volumes. The FDA declared the tirzepatide shortage over on December 19, 2024, and the semaglutide shortage over on February 21, 2025. After that, compounding pharmacies may generally make these drugs only for an individual patient when a prescriber documents a clinically significant difference from the approved product, such as a different dose or an allergy to an ingredient.

What that means for you:

• Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA-approved. The FDA has not reviewed them for safety, effectiveness or quality.
• They are not the same as Wegovy or Zepbound, even when the active ingredient has the same name. The FDA sent warning letters in 2026 to telehealth companies that claimed otherwise.
• Quality depends on the pharmacy. Ask which pharmacy makes your medication and confirm it's licensed in your state.

Questions to ask before choosing compounded

1. Why is a compounded version right for me instead of the approved drug?
2. Which pharmacy makes it, and is it licensed in my state?
3. What exactly is in it? Some compounded products add other ingredients.
4. Who do I contact if I have side effects?

Sources: Health Law Alliance, Oct. 20, 2026; FDA warning letter to Altru Telehealth, June 8, 2026.