Dear Valued Patient,

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I wanted to share some important updates about compounded GLP-1 medications and what they mean for your treatment options. 

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What’s Changing?

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As you may know, the FDA previously removed Tirzepatide from the drug shortage list. Now the FDA has also removed Semaglutide from the shortage list.

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Background

A compound pharmacy is a specialized pharmacy where medications are made from scratch and customized to fit the specific needs of a patient. This is different from regular pharmacies, which usually sell medications that are already made by drug companies. Compound pharmacies are not allowed to produce copies of commercially available medications unless they are in short supply.

• Tirzepatide was removed from the shortage list on October 2, 2024. A temporary allowance for compounding continued through February 18, 2025, but as of now, essential copies are no longer permitted.

• Semaglutide was removed from the shortage list on February 21, 2025. The FDA has provided a transition period allowing state-licensed pharmacies and physicians to continue dispensing compounded Semaglutide until April 22, 2025. After this date, compounded versions that are essentially copies of FDA-approved products will no longer be allowed.

 

Now What?

These are your options...

• FDA-Approved Medications: Branded Tirzepatide and Semaglutide are now available at local pharmacies. Our office will prescribe these medications, but we are unable to complete insurance authorization requests. If you wish to pursue insurance authorization, we recommend reaching out to your Primary Care Provider for a prescription.

• Compounded Options: Some patients may still qualify for a compounded  version if they have a medical necessity in which the commercially available medications do not meet their needs. This could include needing a different dosage or needing the medication formulated with an additive in order to help with nausea, fatigue, or muscle loss.

 

Next Steps

1. Check Your Medication Supply: Determine how much medication you have left.

2. Schedule an Appointment: Every patient must schedule an appointment with our provider, Amber Woken, NP, at least 2 weeks before running out of medication to obtain a new prescription for a brand name medication or a compounded option.

 

We truly appreciate your trust in us and are here to help you through these changes. 

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Sincerely,

Amber Woken, NP & the Idaho Nutrition Team