Which telehealth services still offer compounded GLP-1s after the FDA crackdown?

It's important to understand that the landscape for compounded GLP-1s through telehealth has changed significantly due to increased scrutiny from the FDA and legal actions from pharmaceutical companies (Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly).

Many mainstream telehealth providers that initially offered compounded GLP-1s have largely ceased doing so or have pivoted to focusing solely on brand-name, FDA-approved versions (like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound) which are often covered by insurance. This is primarily because:

1. FDA Warnings: The FDA has issued strong warnings against compounded GLP-1s, particularly those using salt forms (like semaglutide sodium or semaglutide acetate), as these are not the active ingredients approved in the brand-name drugs. They also emphasize that compounding is only permissible when a drug is on the FDA's drug shortage list.
2. Legal Actions: Pharmaceutical companies have sent cease-and-desist letters and filed lawsuits against compounding pharmacies and clinics, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition.

Despite this, some direct-to-consumer wellness platforms and independent medical practices do still operate in this space, often with specific operational models or disclaimers. These are typically not the larger, well-known telehealth platforms (like Ro, Calibrate, Found, WeightWatchers Clinic, Alpha Medical) which have largely moved away from compounded versions.

One prominent service that has continued to publicly offer compounded GLP-1s is:

• Henry Meds: They explicitly market their service for compounded GLP-1s (such as semaglutide and tirzepatide) sourced from licensed compounding pharmacies. They often highlight their pricing structure and physician consultations.

Important Considerations and Warnings:

If you are considering a telehealth service for compounded GLP-1s, it is absolutely critical to be aware of the following:

1. Lack of FDA Approval: Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. This means they do not undergo the rigorous safety, efficacy, and quality control testing that brand-name drugs do.
2. Variable Quality and Safety: The quality, purity, and potency of compounded medications can vary significantly between compounding pharmacies. There have been reports of adverse events related to improperly compounded GLP-1s.
3. Unapproved Ingredients: Be wary of any service offering "semaglutide sodium" or "tirzepatide acetate." The FDA has specifically warned against these, as they are not the active ingredients in the approved drugs and their safety and efficacy are unknown.
4. Legal and Regulatory Uncertainty: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Services offering compounded GLP-1s may face future legal challenges or regulatory changes that could impact their ability to operate.
5. Transparency: If you pursue this route, ask for transparency about:
   • The specific ingredients in the compounded medication.
   • The compounding pharmacy they use (ensure it's a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy that adheres to USP standards).
   • The prescribing physician's credentials and their process for medical oversight.

Recommendation:

While services like Henry Meds continue to offer compounded GLP-1s, it is strongly advised to consult with your primary care physician or an endocrinologist to discuss all your weight management and diabetes treatment options. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of all available treatments, including FDA-approved medications and, if appropriate, guide you on selecting a reputable provider for any compounded medications, always prioritizing your health and safety.

This information is for educational purposes and not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.