Verbatim response from Perplexity
To tell whether an online compounded semaglutide pharmacy is FDA-compliant, first verify whether it is a properly licensed 503A or 503B operation and confirm that the specific pharmacy is actually named, licensed, and in good standing. For 503B outsourcing facilities, the FDA maintains a public registry; for 503A pharmacies, you verify licensure through the relevant state board of pharmacy, because 503A pharmacies are regulated by states rather than FDA registration alone[2][5][16].
The most useful checks are:
- Ask for the pharmacy name and physical address in writing. Legitimate providers should disclose the dispensing pharmacy, not hide behind a vague “partner network.”[3][5][10]
- Verify the license status. The license should be active and unrestricted, with no current disciplinary action or suspension.[2][5][10]
- If it’s a 503B facility, confirm it in the FDA registry. The FDA’s public outsourcing facility registry shows registration and inspection/compliance information.[2][6]
- If it’s a 503A pharmacy, confirm it on the state board site. The pharmacy should be state-licensed and, for sterile injections, licensed for sterile compounding where required by the state.[5][9][16]
- Check for accreditation. PCAB or ACHC accreditation is a positive sign, though it is not the same thing as FDA approval.[3][4][18][20]
- Require a real prescription. A legitimate compounding pharmacy should not sell semaglutide without a prescription.[5][16]
- Watch for false “generic Ozempic/Wegovy” claims. Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved, so ads calling it a generic version are a red flag.[5][12]
- Ask for quality documentation. Reputable pharmacies can provide a Certificate of Analysis and should source pharmaceutical-grade API with a valid CoA, not “research use only” material.[4][11]
- Confirm the site is legitimate. The dispensing pharmacy’s name, address, and license number should appear on the prescription label or paperwork.[10]
A quick rule of thumb: if the company will not tell you which pharmacy is filling the medication, what license it holds, and how to verify it, treat that as a major warning sign.[3][5][10]
If you want, I can give you a step-by-step verification checklist you can use on any pharmacy in under 5 minutes.