GLP-1 drugs are everywhere these days – especially online.
If you take a quick scroll through social media, you can find a variety of companies and influencers touting the benefits of GLP-1 drugs, with women typically being the target audience. A recent study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that most articles about GLP-1 highlighted positive benefits for women’s health. And while it’s true that GLP-1 drugs have proven benefits for some people, not all GLP-1 drugs are created equal. And not everything you read online is true.
The difference between FDA-approved GLP-1 and compounded GLP-1
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications are prescribed to treat and treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. The medications help control blood sugar levels, slow digestion, and increase satiety, all of which aid in weight loss.
Commercial GLP-1s (brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound) are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety, quality, and effectiveness. They go through rigorous FDA reviews, clinical testing and manufacturing inspections before being approved for use. However, many of the GLP-1s advertised online are compounded GLP-1 supplements, meaning that the drugs are manufactured in compounding pharmacies and the products are not FDA-approved or regulated in the same way as the brand-name versions.
Composite GLP-1s play only a limited role when used to address specific patient needs such as: Such as an allergy to an ingredient or difficulty swallowing a pill that cannot be met by an FDA-approved medication. Compounding is also permitted to increase supply during drug shortages. This occurred when there was a shortage of commercial GLP-1 shortly after its availability to treat obesity. However, the shortage has now ended and the FDA has ordered compounders to stop producing mass-produced GLP-1 drugs in early 2025.
Risks associated with mass-produced compound GLP-1s
Although the FDA has stated that the supply shortage has been resolved, some companies continue to mass-produce compounded versions of GLP-1, claiming that the drugs are tailored to patients’ needs by changing the route of administration (e.g., gummy, injection, spray) or adding unnecessary and unproven ingredients such as B12 and glycine. In some cases, products marketed by criminals as compound GLP-1 were found to be counterfeit or to contain ingredients other than those advertised – meaning they may not have been real GLP-1 drugs at all.
The risks of taking GLP-1 compound fatty acids include:
- Medications that contain too little or too much of the active ingredient
- A product that does not contain any active ingredients
- Dosage errors when taking medication
- Side effects
How to be a smart consumer when it comes to GLP-1 composite fatty acids
Compound GLP-1 can vary in strength, potency and quality and should therefore only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider (HCP). By staying informed and asking the right questions, you can protect your health and avoid unnecessary risks.
How to Become a Smart Consumer:
- Consult your doctor before taking anything new: If you’re thinking about taking a new medication, it’s always a good idea to reach out to someone who knows your medical history.
- Stop by the pharmacy: Reputable compounding pharmacies have a state license. Make sure the pharmacy has a physical U.S. address and phone number, as well as a licensed pharmacist you can speak to. You can check the pharmacy through the National Association of Boards Pharmacy.
- Ask questions about what you are taking: Compound GLP-1 medications may contain additional ingredients such as vitamin B12 and glycine. There are currently no studies demonstrating the benefits or effectiveness of dietary supplements or GLP-1 personalization.
- Know the FDA-approved drug forms: Oral drops, gummies, patches, and sprays are fraudulent forms of GLP-1 and are not FDA approved.
- Learn which ingredients are FDA approved: Learn about common ingredients like semaglutide sodium and acetate used in compounded alternatives, as well as terms like “microdose” and whether FDA-approved data is available for these ingredients.
- Avoid products that seem too good to be true: FDA-approved products must use truthful, balanced, and non-misleading advertising. So if you see claims that don’t seem realistic, take a second look. Companies may pay influencers to post dramatic before-and-after photos and testimonials that are not true, or claim that the compounded formulas are regulated by the FDA. Companies can also use AI to create deep fakes to make their claims seem credible.
- Report any problems with compound GLP-1: Packaging with misspelled words, inconsistencies, or written in a language other than English is most likely a scam. Most reputable products have verifiable serial/batch numbers. If you have concerns, call your pharmacy or HCP. Adverse reactions and dosing issues should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch
.
Know what you’re getting when you choose a GLP-1
Compound GLP-1s are often promoted as personalized medicine, but pose risks that should be carefully managed. Illegal companies and counterfeit products harm consumers.
All women deserve safe and effective treatments. Advocating for yourself – and choosing an FDA-approved medication if possible – is the key to finding quality medications to treat any health problem.
This educational resource was created with support from Eli Lilly, a member of the HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council.
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