Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, was approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin. Ongoing challenges of buying Ozempic have led many people to purchase compounded weight loss drugs from online pharmacies which the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says compounded versions may pose health risks.
Ozempic, Wegovy, and others, have become extremely popular among people seeking an effective weight loss solution. The demand for these blockbuster drugs continues to grow, with some reports suggesting the global market for GLP-1s will reach $100 billion by 2035. Since they are prescription-only medications, people therefore visit a healthcare provider in person then fill the prescription at their local pharmacy or order it online.
Ozempic and similar drugs are expensive, up to around $1,000 for a one-month supply without insurance. Moreover, some injectable weight loss medications are difficult to obtain due to an ongoing GLP-1 shortage. There are questions about where to purchase drugs like Ozempic especially on social media platforms like reddit
Recommendations from other Redditors using GLP-1s varied. However, conversations revealed several online options to fill an Ozempic prescription, as well as where people are getting compounded versions of the weight loss drugs.
Where people are getting their GLP-1s
Many Redditors say they turn to online providers like Henry and Zappy Health for compounded versions of these medications to offset costs and availability issues. Other online sources Redditors use to get compounded GLP-1s include:
- Next Meds
- Empower Pharmacy
- Zealthy
- Fridays
Is compounded Ozempic safe?
The growing demand for injectable weight loss drugs has led to shortages of GLP-1s in the U.S. The FDA reports that as of October 2, 2024, the tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) shortage has been resolved. However, semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) are still in short supply.Moreover, the Agency has recently expressed concern over the safety of specific compounded GLP-1s after reports of adverse events associated with their use.
Are compounded GLP-1s effective?
Since the FDA does not oversee compounded medications before they hit the consumer market, it is unclear if they are as effective for weight loss as brand-name drugs.
According to some Redditors, compounded versions did not work for them as they experienced no weight loss benefits while taking the medications.
“Switched to compounded for cost savings, but it did nothing! After 6 weeks, I just switched back to Ozempic to continue my weight loss journey,” another Reddit user said.
Still, a vast majority claimed that they experienced significant weight loss with compounded GLP-1s. Some even said they saw more weight loss with fewer side effects when taking a compounded version.
Buying Ozempic safely online
Due to ongoing safety concerns with compounded weight loss medications, the FDA recommends that people obtain a prescription from their healthcare provider and fill it at a state-licensed pharmacy.
The Agency urges people to look for these warning signs that may indicate an online pharmacy is unsafe:
- It does not require a doctor’s prescription
- It is not licensed in the U.S. and by a state board of pharmacy
- There is no licensed pharmacist on staff to answer questions
- Ships medicine that looks different than what’s available at a local pharmacy or arrives in packaging that’s damaged, in a foreign language, has no expiration date, or is expired
- Offers significant discounts or extremely low prices
In contrast, online pharmacies are likely safe if they always require a prescription from a healthcare provider, have a physical address and phone number in the U.S., employ licensed pharmacists, and are licensed with a state board of pharmacy.The FDA also urges people to visit the agency’s BeSafeRx website for more information on how to safely purchase prescription drugs like Ozempic online.
Post Source : healthnews.com
