Timeline
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| Oct–Dec 2024 | FDA declares the tirzepatide shortage over |
| Feb 2025 | Semaglutide removed from the shortage list |
| Feb–May 2025 | Grace periods for compounding pharmacies end |
| April 30, 2026 | FDA proposes excluding semaglutide and tirzepatide from the 503B bulks list, which would block large-scale compounding |
Where things stand
- 503B outsourcing facilities (large-scale compounders) can no longer make copies of these drugs.
- 503A pharmacies can still compound for an individual patient only when a prescriber documents a clinical reason the brand version won't work. Lower cost is not a valid reason.
- Compounded GLP-1s are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality.
What this means for you
Many telehealth providers have moved patients to brand-name drugs, helped by much lower manufacturer cash prices and the new GLP-1 pills. The price gap between compounded and brand-name has shrunk to roughly $50–$150 a month in many cases.
If you use a compounded product, ask which pharmacy makes it, whether it's state-licensed, and what form of the drug it uses.
See providers offering brand-name GLP-1s →
GLP1Rated is for general information only and is not medical advice. GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs with real risks and side effects. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping or changing any medication or supplement.