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Compound GLP-1 Medications

Understanding new regulations and navigating the options.

Compounded GLP-1 Medications: What’s Changing and Why?
Compounded GLP-1 Medications: What’s Changing and Why?2:08
Branded vs. Compounded GLP-1s: What’s the Difference?
Branded vs. Compounded GLP-1s: What’s the Difference?2:11
Branded GLP-1 Medications: What Are Your Options?
Branded GLP-1 Medications: What Are Your Options?2:29

Compounded GLP-1 Medications: What’s Changing and Why?

Here’s what you need to know about compounded GLP-1 medications going forward.

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD profile image

Reviewed by Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Updated on June 14, 2025

Starting in 2022, manufacturers didn’t have enough supply of injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) in order to keep pace with demand.

During the GLP-1 shortages, pharmacies were able to make compounded versions as a temporary option to help people continue treatment. These compounded products sometimes differed from the commercial products in their dose, dosage form, or ingredients. They were also often available at a  lower cost than the brand-name medications.

“It could be that the medication is in shortage,” explains Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, Pharmacy Editor at GoodRx. Or, she adds, “it could be a different dosage form.”

New Changes for Compounded GLP-1 Medications

In late 2024, the FDA indicated that the tirzepatide injection shortage was over, and in early 2025, the semaglutide injection shortage was also resolved.

“That means that the compounded versions of these medications are no longer allowed because commercially made versions are available,” says Woodcock.

If you’ve been taking a compounded GLP-1 medication, what does this mean for you?

First, the FDA  allowed grace periods for pharmacies to phase out compounded GLP-1 injections. This was intended to give people time to adjust, which may involve switching to a branded GLP-1. The grace periods for both semaglutide and tirzepatide have since ended.

Secondly, compounded GLP-1s may still be allowed in certain limited situations where there is documented medical need, such as for people who are allergic to preservatives or inactive ingredients in the manufactured version.

However, in most cases, if you’re using a compounded version of a GLP-1, you are likely going to have to switch to the branded version.

Talk to your healthcare team about what your options are, and they can help you switch medications.

“They can look at your health conditions, why you’re using the medication, and figure out which version is going to be the best for you to switch to,” says Woodcock. “They can also write you a prescription for the FDA-approved version, and help you find coverage or ways to save on the cost as well.”

References

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, et al. (2018). Compounded drug products that are essentially copies of a commercially available drug product under section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act: Guidance for industry.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Compounding when drugs are on FDA’s Drug Shortages List.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. GoodRx provides no warranty for any information. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment.