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

The landscape for compounded GLP-1s has become significantly more complex after the FDA crackdown, which primarily targeted companies using unapproved ingredients (like semaglutide salts) or misrepresenting their products.

The key for any service legally offering compounded GLP-1s is adherence to very specific FDA guidelines:

1. Brand Name Shortage: Compounding is generally only permissible when there is an official shortage of the FDA-approved brand-name drug (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro). The FDA maintains a drug shortage list.
2. FDA-Registered API Source: The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) must come from an FDA-registered manufacturing facility.
3. Licensed Compounding Pharmacy: The compounding must be done by a licensed compounding pharmacy, specifically for an individual patient based on a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional.
4. No Semaglutide Salts: The FDA has explicitly warned against compounded drugs containing semaglutide salts (like semaglutide sodium or semaglutide acetate), as these are not the same active ingredient as in approved drugs and their safety/efficacy are unknown.

Given these stringent requirements, many services have either stopped offering compounded versions or have adjusted their practices to ensure strict compliance.

Here are some telehealth services that may still offer compounded GLP-1s (typically compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide with vitamin B12) under the current regulatory environment, often by partnering with specific compounding pharmacies. It's crucial to always do your own due diligence and ask specific questions about their practices:

1. Henry Meds:

   • Why: They explicitly market and offer compounded GLP-1 options. They typically state they partner with licensed compounding pharmacies that source APIs from FDA-registered facilities. They aim for transparency regarding their pharmacy partners.
   • What to Ask: Confirm their current pharmacy partners, the specific API source, and ensure they are providing the semaglutide base and not a salt.

2. Mochi Health:

   • Why: Mochi is another telehealth provider focusing on weight management that often includes compounded GLP-1 options as part of their comprehensive programs. They also emphasize working with compliant pharmacies.
   • What to Ask: Inquire about their compounding pharmacy partners, API sourcing, and the exact formulation of the compounded medication.

3. Push Health / Alpha Medical (Platforms for Independent Providers):

   • Why: These are platforms where independent licensed medical providers offer their services. While the platforms themselves don't directly "offer" compounded GLP-1s, you might find individual providers on these platforms who are willing to prescribe them, working with their own chosen compounding pharmacies.
   • What to Ask: If using these platforms, it's vital to vet the individual provider and the specific compounding pharmacy they use. Ask all the due diligence questions directly to the prescriber.

What to Ask and Look For When Choosing a Service:

Regardless of the service you choose, it is paramount to ask these questions to ensure safety and legality:

• Which compounding pharmacy do you partner with? (Look up the pharmacy's licensure and reviews).
• Where does the API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) come from? (It should be from an FDA-registered facility).
• What is the exact formulation of the compounded medication? (Ensure it is semaglutide base, not a salt like semaglutide sodium or acetate).
• How do you verify the current FDA drug shortage list? (This is the legal justification for compounding).
• What are the qualifications of the prescribing physician?

Important Disclaimer: The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving. Always consult directly with the telehealth provider, ask detailed questions, and verify their practices to ensure they align with current FDA guidelines and your health needs. Compounded medications carry different risks than FDA-approved brand-name drugs.