Compounded Weight Loss Drugs: What to Know

As weight loss medications have soared in popularity, many people are turning to compounded weight loss drugs due to their affordability and availability. While compounded weight loss medications can offer a more customized approach, it’s important to understand that they come with unique risks, including the potential for overdose.

What are Compounded Weight Loss Drugs?

Compounded medications are custom-made by pharmacies and must be made for specific patients, not mass-produced, under federal law. While the FDA regulates commercial drugs, the licensing and oversight of compounding pharmacies falls to individual states, according to Stateline. They note that oversight and enforcement vary by state, with some states like Mississippi prohibiting doctors from prescribing compounded drugs for weight loss entirely.

Compounded weight loss drugs can include a range of ingredients, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (found in FDA-approved medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy). Because they are tailored to a patient’s specific needs, compounded weight loss drugs are often seen as a flexible solution. However, they can also present risks, especially if their ingredients or dosages vary.

“Compounded weight loss medications are not FDA regulated, and concerns exist about the potential for accidental overdose, purity of medication components, and quality of ingredients used in their production,” said Dr. Justin Jones, a Revere Health physician who offers Family Medicine and Weight Loss services. “The lack of oversight can lead to variations in drug potency, which can be dangerous if not carefully monitored.”

FDA Warnings on Compounded Weight Loss Drugs

The FDA has issued multiple warnings about compounded weight loss medications, specifically citing risks associated with improper dosing. A recent FDA alert highlighted dosing errors that have occurred in compounded versions of popular weight loss medications like Semaglutide, leading to severe complications. Unfamiliarity with withdrawing medication from a vial into a syringe, coupled with confusion between different units of measurement (e.g., milliliters, milligrams, and “units”) may have contributed to dosing errors, according to the FDA.

In some cases, compounded weight loss drugs might contain differing concentrations of active ingredients, increasing the risk of overdose if the medication is stronger than expected. According to a U.S. News article, compounded weight loss drugs may look or sound similar to FDA-approved medications, further increasing the potential for confusion or misuse.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Compounded Weight Loss Drugs

While compounded weight loss drugs can be effective when used under the guidance of a knowledgeable healthcare provider, the risks cannot be ignored.

“Accidental overdose can occur if a patient misunderstands the directions or is unfamiliar with self-administering injectable medications,” said Dr. Jones.

This risk is especially high with injectables, where even minor errors in dosage can lead to significant side effects, such as:

Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Severe headaches or dizziness
High blood pressure
Tremors or muscle twitching
Nausea or vomiting

If you are taking a compounded weight loss drug and experience any of these symptoms, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately.

Another key concern is the quality and purity of the ingredients used in compounded drugs. Because compounded medications are not FDA-regulated, they do not go through the same rigorous testing as commercial drugs. As a result, there may be inconsistencies in the quality of the components, which can affect their effectiveness and safety.

Consult a Healthcare Provider Before Using Compounded Weight Loss Drugs

Before starting any compounded weight loss medication, it’s crucial to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider.

“It is critical that a patient review potential weight loss medications with their Primary Care provider or someone trained in weight management,” said Dr Jones. “This ensures that the medication is suitable for your health needs and helps minimize the risk of side effects.”

Regular check-ins with your provider are also essential for monitoring how your body responds to the weight loss medications. Weight loss treatments can vary in effectiveness depending on individual factors, and ongoing monitoring allows for timely adjustments to your plan, ensuring the best possible outcome. Compounded medications, like all weight loss treatments, should be part of a comprehensive care plan that includes dietary guidance, exercise, and mental health support when needed.

Safety Tips for Compounded Weight Loss Drugs

If you and your healthcare provider determine that a compounded weight loss drug is the right choice for you, there are several steps you can take to reduce risks and stay safe:

Follow Instructions Closely: Carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking compounded medications, especially if you’re self-administering injectables. Misunderstanding dosage instructions can lead to accidental overdose.
Report Side Effects Immediately: If you notice any unusual symptoms or side effects, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications.
Regular Monitoring: Weight loss medications, especially compounded ones, require ongoing monitoring to ensure they are working effectively and safely. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and keep your healthcare provider informed about how you’re feeling.

If you are interested in learning more about weight loss medications or need help on your weight loss journey, Revere Health has Weight Management services to help you achieve your individual goals.