Compounded Semaglutide Is No Longer Legal — What That Means for You.

Subtitle: After May 22, 2025, compounded semaglutide is off the table. Here's what patients need to know and how it could change the weight loss and diabetes treatment landscape.

It’s official.

May 22, 2025 is the last day that compounding pharmacies can legally produce compounded semaglutide. Starting May 23rd, compounded versions of semaglutide will no longer be legal to produce or sell in the U.S.

If you've been using a compounded version to manage your weight or type 2 diabetes, this news hits hard.

Over the last year, compounding pharmacies became a lifeline for people priced out of brand-name medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. While those drugs can cost well over $1,000 per month, many found relief with compounded versions that offered similar results at a fraction of the cost.

But after May 22, 2025, that option is gone.

What happened?

The FDA has ruled that because brand-name semaglutide is now more widely available, there's no longer a medical need for compounded alternatives. Pharmacies are only allowed to compound a drug when there’s a confirmed shortage and that window has now closed.

The push came largely from Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic and Wegovy. They’ve been working hard to ramp up production and they made the case that compounded versions are no longer necessary.

What does this mean for patients?

Let’s be real: a lot of people are now stuck.

• If your compounded prescription runs out, you’ll either need to pay full retail price for the brand-name version… or stop treatment altogether.

• Insurance coverage is still limited and inconsistent, which makes the situation even tougher.

• And while some may look to other options like tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), those come with similar cost and access issues.

Some folks are already looking into telehealth, traveling for cheaper meds, or switching to non-GLP-1 options. Others are just feeling lost and rightfully frustrated.

This isn’t just about a drug.It’s about the progress people have made. The confidence they’ve gained, the blood sugar numbers they’ve improved, the pounds they’ve worked so hard to lose.

And now it feels like that progress is at risk.

At The GLP-1 Source, we’re watching this unfold and doing everything we can to keep you informed. We know how overwhelming it can be when something that finally worked is suddenly out of reach.

So if this change affects you, just know: you’re not alone. We’ll be here with updates, options, and support every step of the way.

If you’ve got questions, don’t hesitate to drop us a message! We’re here and listening. 

And if you’re looking for support, insights, or just want to know you’re not alone, head over to our blog or check out IVIM Health, a trusted Telehealth provider I personally recommend.

They offer reliable care options, practical tools, and up-to-date guidance to help you feel informed and supported every step of the way.

Stay strong, and stay informed!

Michael Stephens is the founder of The GLP-1 Source, a platform built from personal experience navigating the overwhelming world of health, fitness, and GLP-1 medications. After struggling to find clear, reliable information in a sea of conflicting advice, Mike created this website as a straightforward, no-nonsense resource for those looking to make informed decisions about their health. Whether you're exploring GLP-1 medications, optimizing your fitness, or building sustainable habits, The GLP-1 Source provides practical insights, expert-backed tips, and real-world guidance to help you on your journey to a healthier life.