Some doctors are starting to feel more comfortable prescribing compounded versions of the weight loss drugs Wegovy and Zepbound, despite concerns about their ingredients. Compounded versions are less expensive and easier to obtain than the brand-name versions, which can be in shortage. Physicians like Dr. Shauna Levy and Leanne Owens have started prescribing compounded GLP-1 medications to their patients and have seen positive results.
Compounding is a process in which pharmacies reformulate drugs for various reasons, such as making them easier to swallow or removing certain ingredients. The FDA allows compounded versions of drugs under special circumstances, such as during shortages. Compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, the drugs found in Wegovy and Zepbound, have become popular due to shortages. However, there are concerns about whether the compounded drugs contain the same ingredients as the brand-name versions.
Doctors like Leanne Owens at Duke Health’s Hillsborough Primary Care Center have turned to compounded versions of weight loss drugs to provide treatment to their patients. Despite initial hesitations, practitioners have seen positive outcomes with the compounded medications. It is crucial for providers to ensure that the compounded drugs come from trusted sources and for patients to fill prescriptions at state-licensed pharmacies to avoid potential risks.
While some healthcare providers are supportive of prescribing compounded weight loss drugs, manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have filed lawsuits against compounding pharmacies claiming risks and lack of oversight in compounded medications. Doctors like Dr. Scott Isaacs and Dr. Christopher McGowan express concerns about the safety and reliability of compounded drugs. These uncertainties have led some physicians to explore alternative weight loss drug options for their patients.
Dr. Daniela Hurtado Andrade from the Mayo Clinic suggests alternative weight loss drug options, such as phentermine and topiramate or naltrexone and bupropion, for patients if brand-name drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are not available. While there is a focus on the new injectable medications for weight loss, there are other effective and less expensive options. Providers should carefully consider the risks and benefits of prescribing compounded weight loss drugs and discuss alternative treatments with their patients.
Patients prescribed compounded versions of tirzepatide and semaglutide have reported success in their weight loss journeys. Elizabeth Kenly, for example, lost 25 pounds after starting the compounded drug and expressed satisfaction with the treatment. It is essential for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to ensure their doses are accurately measured and that they follow proper guidelines for medication use. Education and monitoring are key to ensuring the safety and efficacy of compounded weight loss drugs.
