Why are people using compounded versions of these diabetes drugs?

Shortages of brand-name medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, along with high costs, have led some patients to seek compounded alternatives, which are often cheaper and more available.

What should I ask my doctor about compounded incretins?

Ask whether FDA-approved options are available to you first. If not, ask your doctor to help you find a reputable compounding pharmacy and set up regular check-ins to monitor how the medication is working and whether it is safe.

Will the FDA ever approve compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide?

Compounded drugs are generally only permitted during official drug shortages. Once shortages resolve, access to compounded versions may be restricted. Always check with your healthcare provider for the latest guidance.

Compounded Semaglutide & Tirzepatide: Safety Risks Explained

Key takeaways

✓Some small studies show compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide may still produce positive results in certain patients
✓Expert guidance now exists to help patients use compounded drugs more safely if they choose to
✓Raises awareness so patients can ask their doctors the right questions about compounded medications

Quick specs

Journal	Diabetes & metabolic syndrome
Year	2025
PMID	41176849

What This Study Is About

During shortages of popular diabetes and weight-loss medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), some patients have turned to compounded versions — custom-made copies produced by specialty pharmacies. A committee of clinical pharmacy experts reviewed the evidence and safety concerns surrounding these compounded drugs.

What Are Compounded Incretins?

Incretin mimetics are a class of medications that help control blood sugar and body weight. Brand-name versions include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). Compounded versions are mixed by pharmacies, often at lower cost, but they are not reviewed or approved by the FDA.

Key Findings

The expert committee found that while a small number of patients using compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide showed positive results, the overall evidence is very limited. More importantly, significant legal and safety concerns exist because these products skip the FDA's rigorous approval process, meaning their purity, potency, and safety cannot be guaranteed.

What Should Patients Do?

Experts strongly recommend that patients and doctors work together to obtain FDA-approved medications whenever possible. If you choose to use a compounded product, the committee advises:

Only use a reputable, licensed compounding pharmacy
Have your doctor monitor you regularly for both safety and effectiveness
Be aware that you may not know exactly what you are receiving

Why This Matters for Diabetes Patients

Drug shortages have pushed many people with diabetes or obesity toward unregulated alternatives. This guidance helps patients make informed, safer choices while shortages persist, without abandoning medical supervision.

References & Sources

Frequently asked questions

There are real safety concerns because compounded versions are not FDA-approved, meaning their purity and strength aren't guaranteed. If you use one, do so only through a licensed pharmacy and under close medical supervision.

Editorial note

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management. Last reviewed: July 16, 2026 by the MDS Diabetes editorial team.

What to do next

📚

Compounded Ozempic & Mounjaro: What Patients Should Know