Yes. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are legal when a state-licensed pharmacy prepares them for an individual patient who has a valid prescription. That is allowed under section 503A of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Legal is not the same thing as FDA-approved, though, and it helps to know the difference.
What makes compounding legal?
Compounding is when a pharmacy prepares a medication for one patient instead of selling a mass-produced product. Under section 503A, the basic conditions are:
- A licensed pharmacy. The pharmacy is licensed by the state.
- An individual patient. The medication is prepared for a specific person.
- A valid prescription. A licensed clinician writes the prescription after reviewing that person.
Only a licensed clinician can write that prescription. Read more in who can prescribe compounded GLP-1.
Does legal mean FDA-approved?
No. The FDA does not approve compounded drugs, and it does not review them for safety or quality before they are sold. Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are FDA-approved brand-name drugs owned by their makers. Compounded versions are not approved, and they are not generic versions of those brands. Our guide on whether compounded GLP-1 is a generic explains why.
For the full picture, read our compounded medication disclosure.
What are the red flags?
The FDA has warned consumers about GLP-1 products sold by unlicensed online sources and by sellers that label them "for research use." Be cautious if a seller:
- Offers semaglutide or tirzepatide with no prescription.
- Skips any review of your health history by a licensed clinician.
- Labels the product "for research use" or "not for human use."
- Cannot tell you that a licensed US pharmacy prepares the medication.
- Ships a product without a pharmacy label that shows your name, directions and a beyond-use date.
A legitimate path always has three parts: a licensed clinician, a valid prescription written for you and a licensed pharmacy.
How does VevaMD fit in?
VevaMD, Inc. is an Idaho technology and marketing company. It is not a medical provider and not a pharmacy. It does not examine patients, prescribe or compound. Read more in is VevaMD a medical provider.
Here is who does what:
- VevaMD runs the online assessment and your private My VevaMD page, where members message their clinician, see shipping updates, get dose reminders and log their weight.
- Licensed clinicians in the Beluga Health network (Beluga Health, P.A.) review each assessment and decide whether to prescribe. They may follow up by message or video. A prescription is never guaranteed.
- A licensed US pharmacy prepares the medication, if prescribed, and ships it to your home.
What does the pharmacy label tell me?
Because a compounded GLP-1 is prepared for you, the pharmacy label is your main set of directions. Read it closely. It shows the concentration, which decides how many units you draw into the syringe, so never convert milligrams to units yourself. Ask your clinician if anything is unclear.
Follow the storage directions on the label. Typically that means keeping the vial in the refrigerator, never freezing it, keeping it away from light and using it before the beyond-use date. If it got too hot or froze, ask before you use it. Put used needles in a sharps container.
Is it legal in my state?
VevaMD is available fully online in all 50 states and Washington, DC, at the same price everywhere. Your assessment is reviewed by a clinician licensed in your state. Learn more about telehealth across states.
What should I ask before I start?
- Who reviews my health history, and are they licensed in my state?
- Which licensed pharmacy prepares the medication?
- What does the pharmacy label say about dose, units and storage?
- How do I reach my clinician if I have side effects or questions?
Plans start from $199/mo, and the assessment is free. It is cash-pay, and VevaMD does not bill insurance. This guide is general education, not legal advice.
What happens after I take the assessment?
- You complete the free online assessment in a few minutes. It covers your health history, medications, height and weight.
- A licensed clinician in your state reviews it. They may follow up by message or video.
- If it is appropriate for you, they write a prescription. If not, they will not.
- A licensed US pharmacy prepares the medication and ships it to your home.
- Your clinician checks in before refills and dose changes, and you can message them through your private My VevaMD page.
Next step
If you want a licensed clinician to review whether compounded GLP-1 is right for you, start the free online assessment. It takes a few minutes. Questions first? Call +1 (888) 275-1703 or email info@vevamd.com.
VevaMD is a technology platform, not a medical provider. Educational content only, not medical advice. All prescriptions are written by independent licensed clinicians. Individual results vary.