FDA crackdown on compounding pharmacies — protecting us or protecting Novo Nordisk’s profits?
So I’ve been following the recent FDA announcements about cracking down on compounding pharmacies that make semaglutide and tirzepatide. They’re saying it’s about safety and quality control, but the timing seems awfully convenient for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly now that the “shortages” are supposedly resolved.
I’ve been using compounded tirz from a reputable pharmacy for 8 months now with amazing results (down 47lbs, no major side effects). My cost is about $290/month. Meanwhile my insurance won’t cover Mounjaro and the list price is over $1000/month. There’s no way I can afford that.
The compounding pharmacy I use does third-party testing and has been super transparent about their processes. I’m not saying there aren’t sketchy operations out there, but it feels like the FDA is painting everyone with the same brush to protect big pharma profits.
Anyone else worried about losing access? I’m genuinely scared about what happens if my pharmacy gets shut down. I still have 30+ lbs to lose and I finally found something that works for me.
I hear your frustration but there ARE legitimate safety concerns with some compounders. I work adjacent to the pharma industry and the variability in compounded products can be significant. Some facilities don’t have proper sterility protocols for injectable medications. That said, you’re right that the timing is suspect. The shortage was conveniently declared “over” right when patents needed protecting. My suggestion would be to document everything about your current pharmacy’s quality measures and potentially look into getting your doc to fight your insurance harder on the brand name coverage. Sometimes they’ll approve it if you’ve tried other options first.
This is EXACTLY what I’ve been saying!! Follow the money, people. Novo Nordisk made $9.8 billion on Ozempic/Wegovy last year and now suddenly the FDA cares so much about our safety? Where was this concern when people couldn’t get their medications at all during the shortage?
I’m in the same boat as you – 6 months on compounded sema, down 38lbs, finally have my life back. If they shut down compounding I literally don’t know what I’ll do. Already checked and my insurance denial was firm. This whole thing makes me so angry tbh.
Playing devil’s advocate here – I think it’s probably somewhere in between. Yes, big pharma has influence, but I also saw a report about a compounding facility that had bacterial contamination issues. Not every pharmacy is as careful as yours sounds.
What bothers me more is that insurance companies won’t cover these meds for most people. That’s the real problem. If Mounjaro and Wegovy were actually accessible to people who need them, the compounding issue would be less critical. PeptideResearcher mentioned fighting insurance and that’s probably the route, though it’s exhausting. Maybe also ask your doc about the patient assistance programs from the manufacturers?