Key takeaways:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications such as Wegovy injections and pills (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) require a prescription. They should only be obtained through legitimate services with licensed healthcare professionals. For example, subscribers to GoodRx for Weight Loss can access FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 medications.
Some telehealth platforms offer safe, convenient access to GLP-1 prescriptions after a proper medical evaluation. But others might be selling unapproved or counterfeit products. You should be skeptical of any service that doesn’t require a prescription.
Compounded GLP-1s aren’t the same as FDA-approved brand-name GLP-1s. Compounded versions come with additional risks and should only be considered when an FDA-approved GLP-1 isn’t appropriate or available.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have grown in popularity for their weight-loss effects. And more recently, the Wegovy pill has become available. As demand grows, so do the options for accessing GLP-1s for weight loss. This includes an increasing number of online platforms claiming to offer easy, fast, and often cheaper ways to get started.
But can you really buy GLP-1s like Wegovy and Zepbound online? And how can you tell which sources are legit? Here’s what you should know.
Do you need a prescription to buy GLP-1s online?
Yes, in the U.S., GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound require a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. This applies whether you’re seen in person or through a legitimate telehealth service.
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Because GLP-1s can cause significant side effects and aren’t appropriate for everyone, a medical evaluation is essential. A qualified healthcare professional will review your health history, medications, and weight-related goals to confirm you’re a good candidate.
If a website offers GLP-1s without requiring a prescription or skips the consultation process altogether, that’s a major red flag. In this situation, there’s also a higher chance that the product you receive wouldn’t be real Wegovy or Zepbound.
How to get GLP-1s like Wegovy and Zepbound online
The first step to getting a GLP-1 medication online is to look for a licensed telehealth platform that employs licensed healthcare professionals and partners with legitimate pharmacies. One example is GoodRx for Weight Loss.
We’ll cover what to look for when choosing an online telehealth service in the next section. Here’s how the process typically works.
1. Start with an online visit
Most telehealth platforms begin with a health intake form or questionnaire. You’ll typically be asked to share details about:
Your medical history, including conditions such as pancreatitis and thyroid problems
Any medications or supplements you’re currently taking
Your previous experience with GLP-1 medications, if applicable
Your weight-related goals and expectations
Medication preferences, such as Wegovy (injection or pill) or Zepbound)
Savings guide: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications don’t have to break the bank. Explore this savings guide for information on how to save on GLP-1s.
GLP-1 side effects: Concerned about nausea after starting a medication like Zepbound (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide)? Here’s what you should know about GLP-1 side effects.
How they compare: Zepbound and Wegovy are both FDA-approved weight-loss medications. Here are the key differences between them.
2. Get evaluated by a healthcare professional
A healthcare professional will review your information to assess whether a GLP-1 medication is appropriate for you. This step may include a brief consultation by video, phone, or secure messaging. If GLP-1 medications are considered safe for you, they’ll write a prescription and guide you on next steps for starting treatment.
3. Fill your prescription
Once prescribed, your medication will be sent to a licensed pharmacy. Depending on the medication and your telehealth provider, you may be able to have it shipped directly to your home or pick it up from a local pharmacy of your choice.
Good to know: If your GLP-1 is shipped to you, be sure to inspect your medication closely. Wegovy injections and Zepbound last longest when stored in the refrigerator (between 36°F and 46°F), and they’re sensitive to very warm or very cold temperatures. Contact the pharmacy if your medication arrives warm or frozen, or if it looks cloudy or discolored.
What to look for in a legitimate online GLP-1 service
Not all online GLP-1 offerings are created equal. You can use the checklist below to help identify safe and trustworthy telehealth services:
Licensed prescribers: Make sure the healthcare professionals are licensed in your state. Reputable platforms list providers’ names and credentials so you can verify them on your state medical board’s website.
Thorough medical evaluation: You must be required to complete a medical evaluation before being prescribed any medication. Avoid services that only ask for a short questionnaire before prescribing. Legitimate telehealth visits involve a consultation and a medical review of your history and symptoms.
FDA-approved products: The medication should come in its original, branded packaging — Wegovy from Novo Nordisk and Zepbound from Eli Lilly. Some services advertise compounded GLP-1s, which aren’t FDA approved (more on that below).
Clear pricing and policies: Look for a clear, up-front explanation of costs, which should specify what’s included, any recurring charges (such as subscription fees), and cancellation policies.
Customer support: There should be a way to contact support or follow up with a clinician after your visit. Be wary of sites that offer no phone number or customer support email.
Certification: Look for certifications (such as LegitScript), which verify that a service is following applicable laws and regulations.
Data privacy and secure technology: The platform should protect your health and payment data, using secure and HIPAA-compliant technology. Check for privacy policies and data encryption details on their site.
Compounded GLP-1s: They aren’t the same thing
You may come across online services that promote compounded GLP-1s, sold as semaglutide and tirzepatide. These are custom-mixed medications made by compounding pharmacies and marketed as being more affordable and easier to access.
However, compounded GLP-1s are not FDA approved and carry important differences and risks to know about:
No FDA review and approval: Since they’re custom-made, compounded GLP-1s haven’t been reviewed or approved by the FDA. So there’s no guarantee of quality, safety, or effectiveness.
Non-standard dosage forms: Compounded GLP-1s come in a variety of dosage forms beyond injections, such as sublingual (under-the-tongue) drops. The human use of these forms haven’t been studied, so it’s unclear how well they work.
Variable doses: Some platforms advertise customized GLP-1 doses, including “microdoses” — much smaller doses than those approved by the FDA. This may sound appealing, but these doses haven’t been studied and may not provide the same benefits.
Differing regulations and quality: Compounding pharmacies are primarily regulated by state Boards of Pharmacy. In these cases, the degree of oversight and quality practices can vary. Some pharmacies (called 503B outsourcing facilities) are required to meet stricter FDA manufacturing standards.
Compounded GLP-1s should be reserved for limited situations when an FDA-approved option isn’t appropriate or available, such as during a shortage. If you had been using a compounded GLP-1, there are steps you can take to switch a brand-name option.
The bottom line
You can get glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) weight-loss medications like Wegovy injections and pills (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) online — but only with a prescription. To stay safe, use a legitimate telehealth service that employs licensed healthcare professionals and partners with legitimate pharmacies. For example, subscribers to GoodRx for Weight Loss can access FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 medications.
Avoid websites that sell GLP-1s without a prescription, and remember that compounded versions aren’t the same as FDA-approved GLP-1s.
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References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). HIPAA rules for telehealth technology.
