What to Expect When Switching From a Compounded GLP-1 to a Branded Option

Popular injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) and semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) were in short supply for a few years. To deal with the shortage, the FDA allowed compounded versions of GLP-1s. These custom-made medications contain the same active ingredients but are made at special compounding pharmacies. 

However, as of 2024, the tirzepatide shortage has ended, and the semaglutide shortage ended in early 2025. This means that the FDA will no longer allow compounded versions of GLP-1 medications.

“You may have to switch from a compounded GLP-1 to the manufactured version, because the manufactured versions aren’t in shortage anymore,” says Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, Pharmacy Editor at GoodRx.

What should you expect when making the switch?

1. You’ll need a new prescription

Woodcock says that you will likely need a new prescription for your GLP-1 medication when switching from compounded to a branded version.

When talking to a healthcare professional, you should tell them which medication you have been taking, including the form and the dose. They can help you find a good brand-name alternative GLP-1 medication that will work similarly to the compounded version.

2. You may need to adjust to a new dose

Keep in mind that the dosing of your compounded GLP-1 may have been different than the dosing of the branded version.

“Your prescriber can figure out what the best fit is going to be to most closely match whatever you were using by a compound,” says Woodcock.

3. You may be able to enroll in cost-savings programs

While you may be concerned about the cost of branded GLP-1 medications, there are some ways to save money that don’t exist for compounded GLP-1s. For example, branded GLP-1s offer patient assistance programs and copay assistance cards. 

Also, your prescriber may be able to get prior authorization or different steps of insurance approval in order to cover your branded GLP-1 medication. 

4. You may have trouble getting insurance coverage if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria

In order to get insurance coverage for a branded GLP-1 medication, you need to meet eligibility criteria, such as having Type 2 diabetes or being classified as overweight or obese. 

Having additional conditions related to diabetes or weight (such as obstructive sleep apnea or high blood pressure) may increase the chances of insurance coverage.

Woodcock says that compounded versions of medications aren’t really meant for long-term use. Rather, they’re a stopgap solution for when there’s a shortage of medication.

“The manufactured, FDA-approved version is typically a much safer and more effective version for most people,” she adds.