If you’ve been thinking about taking a GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) medication for weight loss, you’ve probably seen the buzz around compounded vs. brand-name options. My clients—many of whom can’t afford Ozempic® or Wegovy® at over $1,000 a month—are in full panic mode right now.
The FDA just announced that semaglutide is no longer in shortage, which means compounding pharmacies will be forced to stop producing lower-cost alternatives. This decision could push thousands of people off their medications, making weight loss treatments even more inaccessible.
So, what does this mean for you? And are compounded GLP-1s truly going away? Let’s break it down.
What Just Happened? The FDA’s Decision on Compounded Semaglutide
On February 21, 2025, the FDA officially declared the semaglutide shortage over. This means compounding pharmacies, which were allowed to produce their own versions of semaglutide while the shortage existed, will no longer be permitted to do so.
The FDA has given these pharmacies a 60- to 90-day grace period to stop producing and selling compounded semaglutide. For many people using these medications, this means they’ll need to transition to a brand-name GLP-1—or figure out another way to continue their weight loss journey.
👉 Key takeaway: Compounded semaglutide will be phased out unless new shortages occur or legal challenges delay enforcement.
Why Are My Clients Freaking Out? (And Why I Don’t Blame Them)
Many of my clients have been using compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide because they simply can’t afford the brand-name versions.
💰 Cost Breakdown:
- Compounded semaglutide: $150–$300/month
- Wegovy® or Ozempic®: $1,000+ per month
- Zepbound® or Mounjaro®: $1,000+ per month
Insurance coverage is hit or miss. Some people get lucky, but many of my clients are paying out of pocket, and brand-name pricing just isn’t realistic for them.
One client messaged me last night:
“I’ve lost 35 pounds on compounded semaglutide. My insurance won’t cover Wegovy, and I can’t afford $1,300 a month. What am I supposed to do now?”
Another told me:
“I feel like I finally found something that works for me, and now it’s being ripped away.”
This is the reality for thousands of people who have been relying on compounded GLP-1s, as it's changed so many lives for the better.
Can You Still Get Compounded Semaglutide? Maybe.
Right now, compounding pharmacies and advocacy groups are fighting back against the FDA’s decision.
🔹 The Outsourcing Facilities Association (OFA) has already sued the FDA, claiming that the decision didn’t take patient demand into account.
🔹 A federal judge recently denied a request to allow compounding pharmacies to keep making tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound® and Mounjaro®). A similar ruling could come for semaglutide.
🔹 The FDA said they won’t immediately crack down on pharmacies, allowing them a few months to transition. Some pharmacies may keep selling compounded semaglutide until they’re legally forced to stop.
👉 What this means for you: Some people may still be able to get compounded semaglutide for a little while—but don’t count on it being a long-term option.
What Are Your Options Now?
If you’ve been using compounded semaglutide and are worried about losing access, here’s what you can do:
1. Check If You Qualify for Insurance Coverage
Many people assume they don’t qualify for insurance coverage, but it’s worth double-checking. Call your provider and ask:
✅ If GLP-1s are covered for weight loss
✅ If you need a specific diagnosis (like BMI over 30 or obesity-related conditions)
✅ If you need to try other treatments first
Found is a GLP-1 provider that help with insurance approvals, so they may be worth looking into.
2. Look at Cash-Pay GLP-1 Programs
If insurance isn’t an option, some programs offer discounted brand-name medications:
💊 Join Josie – Offers compounded GLP-1 for women in menopause. Monthly check-ins, quick assessment to see if you qualify – many of my midlife clients use this provider, and they love their experience. Josie may also be offering HRT in the near future, so it could be a great start to managing your hormones. Check out our community's preferred perimenopause GLP-1 providers for more information.
💊 Remedy Meds – Focuses exclusively on GLP-1 medications and has clear, transparent pricing.
💊 Friday’s Health – Claims to offer “industry-leading pricing” on GLP-1s. They also provide insurance support to maximize coverage.
💊 Sesame – Sells compounded semaglutide “at cost” while it’s still available. They also offer brand-name options.
💊 Ro, Hims, Fella – Offer telehealth weight loss programs for men and may be able to help with prescriptions for brand-name GLP-1s.
3. Consider Non-GLP-1 Weight Loss Alternatives
Some people may need to look beyond GLP-1s. Emerging GLP-1 alternative options include:
⚡ Metformin – Used for blood sugar control but can help with appetite suppression.
⚡ Contrave® – A prescription medication that combines bupropion and naltrexone to target hunger and cravings.
⚡ Lifestyle changes – Strength training + high-protein eating will always be key, whether or not you take a medication.
Final Thoughts: Will Brand-Name GLP-1s Become More Accessible?
Some experts believe the FDA’s decision could actually cause another shortage. Millions of people who were using compounded GLP-1s will now be scrambling to get brand-name versions, and supply chain issues could easily return.
The big question is whether Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly can keep up with demand. If shortages happen again, compounding pharmacies might be allowed back in.
For now, if you’re using compounded semaglutide, start exploring your options ASAP. The next few months will be critical in determining what’s available moving forward.
If you have questions or need help finding a provider, drop them in the comments. I’ll keep updating this article with any new developments.