Pharmacies cookin' up GLP-1s?

[InjectLoss]

I'm thinking about trying some compounded meds, but I'm a little nervous about whether the pharmacies making them are safe and legit. Has anyone else looked into this?

I did some digging and found this:

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/PharmacyCompounding/ucm339771.htm

And this list of inspection results, not sure why there are two separate pages.

http://www.fda.gov/drugs/guidancecomplianceregulatoryinformation/pharmacycompounding/ucm378645.htm

You can see the results of FDA inspections and 'warning letters' if they found major issues. Some of the warnings sound pretty serious!

 

[Mel09]

I think I saw that one compounding place just got approved as a 503B facility. Supposed to mean they meet all the high standards for cleanliness and safety. They ship everywhere, I believe.

Here's a video of them building the place: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Do3LR3FM3M

 

[LabBetter]

Agreed on that pharmacy. Heard good things.

Always go with a specialist!

 

[Quinn]

Well, nobody's perfect, apparently. Check this out:

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutF...cy/ORA/ORAElectronicReadingRoom/UCM478202.pdf

Looks like some observation notes about failures to properly investigate sterility issues, etc. Not super confidence-inspiring.

 

[Mel09]

That report Quinn is from like, 2015! And from their old, smaller facilities, I think?

 

[Sarah20]

Looking into this stuff, I saw some DIY videos. Like, guys mixing up injectables in their kitchens. I would NEVER, but if *they* feel safe doing *that*, I feel okay getting meds from a compounding pharmacy since they have better equipment.

 

[MyBro]

Compounding pharmacies are the only way I can get some of my meds!

 

[TirzHappy]

I bet you could find similar issues with pharmacies here in the States, if you looked hard enough. Depends on the specific pharmacy, of course.

 

[FreshLog]

I saw on Reddit that the FDA is cracking down on compounded semaglutide, saying pharmacies have to stop. But supposedly, some pharmacies are adding things like vitamins to get around the rules.

 

[TirzHappy]

My pharmacy mixes in L-Carnitine, which I guess is supposed to help with fat burning. Seems okay to me. I think this whole thing is overblown. There's too much money involved for them to actually shut down compounding for good.

 

[MyBro]

Canada doesn’t allow it, I hope they don't ban it for you guys, it must be so more expensive for you!!

 

[FreshLog]

I saw they had Obesity Society meeting about this; it seems they are trying to make sure people only get FDA-approved versions of GLP-1 meds.

 

[LabBetter]

Mine adds B12. I'm not too worried.

 

[InjectLoss]

Thanks for the info, everyone! It's a bit of a minefield out there. I think I'll stick with reputable pharmacies and keep an eye out for those FDA warning letters.

 

[Bobby2005]

My go-to thread is Recommended supplier. Check the Vendor Connection page for all forum sponsors, and vendor reviews too. Forum search is limited now, so sometimes I use Google site search to dig.

 

[Georgie]

EU pharmacy reciprocity for US prescriptions is real in some countries but varies a lot by location.

 

[Pure_Guy421]

Costco already runs below most coupon floors, so discount cards get declined at the counter. The comparison point is standard retail price, not theirs.

 

[Cactus_Lover12]

The in-house prescriber setup at compound pharmacies is what makes the access friction lower - one trip covers both.