What to know before turning to compounded weight loss drugs NBC Los Angeles [Video]

The Food and Drug Administration allows for licensed compounding pharmacies to make copies of certain drugs in short supply, and that has included semaglutide and tirzepatide, the main ingredients in two different FDA-approved diabetes and weight loss drugs. 

“I did my research, and found what I believed to be a reputable compounding pharmacy through a tele-health company,” said a patient who asked to be called Lena.

She turned to compounded tirzepatide only after her insurance stopped covering the FDA-approved Zepbound. Her primary care doctor had agreed the new class of weight loss drugs might work for her.

“I did a series of different kinds of diets and things trying to work on myself to lose weight over the course of two years,” said Lena. 

She wanted to see if going on the medication could help her lose weight and control her metabolic issues. After continuing her diet and exercise regimen, …