Branded vs. Compounded GLP-1s: What’s the Difference?

You’ve probably been hearing a lot about glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications lately. These medications are used to treat Type 2 diabetes and support chronic weight management. Some are also being approved for other uses, like treating obstructive sleep apnea, heart benefits, and kidney protection.

Some brand-name GLP-1 medications include:

• Ozempic (semaglutide)

• Wegovy (semaglutide)

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

• Zepbound (tirzepatide)

• Saxenda (liraglutide)

• Trulicity (dulaglutide)

• Victoza (liraglutide)

What are compounded GLP-1 medications?

Compounded GLP-1 medications are custom-made versions of GLP-1s that contain the same active ingredients such as semaglutide or tirzepatide.

“They contain the same active ingredients, but they’re not exactly the same as the manufactured medication, and they’ve been allowed because the manufactured versions were in shortage,” says Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, Pharmacy Editor at GoodRx.

While FDA-approved semaglutide and tirzepatide injections were in shortage, compounded versions were temporarily allowed. Now that the shortages have ended, pharmacies can’t regularly make compounded copies, with limited exceptions based on medical need. Because of this, you’ll likely need to switch to a branded version if you’ve been taking a compounded GLP-1.

What makes branded GLP-1 medications safer?

The original, branded versions of GLP-1 injections went through rigorous testing and FDA review before they were approved for use. Compounded versions, on the other hand, do not have the same level of oversight.

“They’re not exactly the same as the FDA-approved version, so they have more inherent risks when it comes to their safety as well as their effectiveness,” explains Woodcock.

The dose, the ingredients, or even the delivery method of a compounded GLP-1 medication can vary. These create differences that may affect how the medication works in your body compared to the commercial product. There can also be a greater risk of contamination, especially if pharmacies aren’t following proper sterile compounding practices.

During the shortages, many people were able to buy compounded GLP-1s at a lower cost than the branded versions. “You get what you pay for,” says Woodcock. “So cheaper isn’t always safer or better.”

Plus, Woodcock points out that there are “a lot of additional steps you can take to actually save on the FDA-approved versions, and those steps aren’t available for the compounded versions.”