What is a compounded GLP-1?

Compounded GLP-1s are pharmacy-mixed semaglutide or tirzepatide vials sold by telehealth clinics — legal during FDA-declared drug shortages, generally not after the shortage is resolved.

Compounded GLP-1s are pharmacy-mixed semaglutide or tirzepatide vials sold by telehealth clinics — legal during FDA-declared drug shortages, generally not after the shortage is resolved. Compounding pharmacies can legally make a non-branded version of a drug only when the FDA lists it on the official shortage list. When semaglutide and tirzepatide were on the shortage list, hundreds of telehealth clinics shipped compounded vials. As of late 2024 / 2025, both came off the shortage list, and most compounded sales are now restricted. Compounded vials are not FDA-approved. They're not regulated for sterility, potency, or label accuracy the way branded Ozempic or Zepbound are. Quality varies by pharmacy. Compounded "semaglutide salts" (semaglutide sodium, semaglutide acetate) are explicitly not the same as branded semaglutide — the FDA has issued warnings.

Related pages

• Compare GLP-1 medications
• GLP-1 glossary

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