While plenty of people rave about the weight loss results you can get from drugs like Ozempic, there’s also been a ton of chatter over the fact that these meds are really expensive. These drugs have also been in and out of shortage, making it tough to get your hands on Ozempic and similar medications—if you can afford it. With that, some people have turned to telehealth and compounding pharmacies to get semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic).
If you don’t have a primary care physician or have one who feels comfortable prescribing these medications, it makes sense to turn to telehealth. However, this isn’t perfect, and access to Ozempic through compounding pharmacies may be tough in the future. Similar medication tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) just moved off the Food and Drug Administration’s drug shortages list, which means that compounding pharmacies will no longer be able to make and sell them.
Semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are also reportedly getting closer to moving off the shortages list, although they’re not there yet. As a result, you can still snap up compounded versions of semaglutide via telehealth. But is this a good idea?
There are a few potential perks of going this route. Weight stigma still permeates many medical practices, which can make it difficult to find a general doctor who will prescribe Ozempic to you. A telehealth appointment or compounding pharmacy usually has a business model set up to prescribe and deliver these medications. It’s often a friendly and easy way to get the medications.
However, there are a few potential downsides to consider. The FDA has warned about potential fakes and counterfeit medications on the market, which could be dangerous. Most telehealth and compounding pharmacies focus solely on helping you lose weight but may not look at your overall health. Taking these medications solely for aesthetic reasons is considered problematic.
Additionally, compounded medications are not FDA approved or regulated. There’s also a chance that it may be more cost-efficient to get real Ozempic through a licensed physician, particularly if an insurance plan covers it. Some patients who have used compounded medications have found themselves spending far more than necessary.
When it comes to dosing and side effects, it’s also tough to make blanket statements since every compounding pharmacy operates differently. Compounded Ozempic might be delivered in vials requiring a different injection method compared to brand name Ozempic.
Ultimately, relying on telehealth or compounding pharmacies for Ozempic may not be advisable. It’s best to consult with a physician certified in obesity medicine who can help you navigate your options safely and determine if you’re an appropriate candidate for this treatment.
Source: Women’s Health
