While there are legitimate online pharmacies, there are some online pharmacies that could put your health at risk by selling medications that are potentially dangerous and ineffective.

With the high cost of prescription weight loss medications, insurance headaches, and shortages, it is understandable why many patients might turn to a Zepbound compounding pharmacy and buy compounded semaglutide online (semaglutide is the active ingredient in Zepbound). While there are legitimate online pharmacies, there are some online pharmacies that could put your health at risk by selling medications that are potentially dangerous and ineffective. (See the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy for a list of verified online pharmacies.)

Broadly, there are two types of pharmacies, a compounding pharmacy and a community pharmacy. A compounding pharmacy sells custom-made medications whereas community pharmacies (e.g., retailers like CVS or Rite Aid and hospitals) sell medications that were made by the drug manufacturer. For example, a compounded GLP-1 medication like Zepbound or Ozempic likely did not go through the same quality control and safety checks that these medications undergo at their manufacturing site.

Compounding pharmacies are not approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA), so the medications created there do not come with FDA oversight. For the consumer, this could translate to inconsistency with the formulation of the medication, potential errors in measuring and mixing ingredients, and contamination if a sterile environment is not maintained throughout the compounding process. Because the FDA does not oversee the compounding process, the effectiveness, safety, and quality of the medication can pose a risky venture for consumers.

GLP-1 medications have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, so buying compounded GLP-1 online may muddy the waters if these side effects are triggered by using a Zepbound compounding pharmacy, for example. The side effects could be due to the medication or how the medication was compounded or failure to maintain a sterile environment.

It should be noted that when a medication is listed on the FDA’s drug shortage list, it can be made by a compounding pharmacy; however, caution is advised. Patients should talk with their healthcare provider to identify reliable online options (e.g., National Association of Boards of Pharmacy). Another option recommended by the FDA is BeSafeRX.

While the cost of healthcare and medications is something that many may struggle with, purchasing drugs online without a prescription can be a risky venture. The adage, “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is,” might be one you want to pay attention to in the context of online pharmacies and buying compounded semaglutide online without a doctor’s prescription.

Prior to starting any weight loss program, whether it includes anti-obesity medication or not, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure your desired weight loss strategy is right for you.  

About the Author: Dr. Dawn M. Sweet has over 20 years of experience in the field of communication. Dr. Sweet has given several invited talks to and workshops for academic and private sector audiences on the role of nonverbal and verbal communication in achieving positive outcomes and mitigating bias. Her research has been published in several top ranked peer-review journals, and it has been featured on NPR’s River to River / All Things Considered, Buzzfeed, and Science Daily. Her research has also been used to inform expert testimony.

* Wegovy^® and Ozempic^® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.