Compounded Weight Loss Medications

Stay Informed: The Dangers of Compounded Weight Loss Medications

As your personal physician and weight loss expert it is my responsibility to ensure that you have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your health and wellness journey.

What are Compounded medications?

Compound medications combine, mix or alter the ingredients of one or more drugs or products to create another drug or product. Compounding medications is a useful service to serve patients when a patient who cannot be treated with an FDA-approved medication. Examples of this are allergies to a certain dye so the medication can be compounded to be made without it or an elderly patient or a child who cannot swallow a tablet or capsule and needs a medicine in a liquid dosage form.

Recently, there has been some concern regarding compounded weight loss medications, particularly compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. You may know these medications by the brand name Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) and brand name Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide). The compounded versions are not regulated for the quality or contents and are not FDA-approved.

Compounded medications can be life threating.

These compounded medications can pose serious risks to your health.

Reports have shown that the unknown contents and dosing of these products have led to severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hospitalization, heart attacks, and nerve damage. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we want to ensure that you are receiving the best possible care.

On the other hand, FDA-approved medications are SAFE and effective.

The FDA-approved versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, have been thoroughly tested and proven to be both safe and effective when used under the supervision of a qualified physician.

What if a patient is using one of these FDA-approved medications, "off-label"?

Even "off-label" use of FDA-approved medications, such as using Ozempic for improving body composition, is regulated by the FDA to ensure consistency and quality in each dose.

I urge you to avoid compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide.

While I understand the frustration that can come with the cost and availability of weight loss medications, I want to assure you that we are here to support you every step of the way.

Your health and success are paramount to us, and we will work with you to find the best, safest option for your needs.

The Obesity Medicine Association has recently issued a statement on compounded medications.

The Obesity Medicine Association, the governing body of this field of medicine, does not endorse the use of compounded substances.

Their stance underscores the importance of prioritizing your health and safety above all else.

We are committed to providing you with the highest standard of service and support.

Ultimately, the decision regarding your health is yours to make, and we respect whatever choice you make.

However, it's crucial to have all the facts when making such decisions, and I hope this message serves to inform and empower you in your journey towards better health.

*Disclaimer: If you are not a current patient of LaRocca Medical always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition of treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.