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With the rising popularity of GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy), there has been an alarming increase in counterfeit and compounded versions entering the market. While the promise of weight loss is appealing, counterfeit or compounded Semaglutide poses significant health risks, leaving many patients confused about what’s safe and affordable.
The prevalence of counterfeit Semaglutide, particularly when marketed for weight loss, is becoming a major issue. Online retailers, shady pharmacies, and even unauthorized health clinics are selling Semaglutide that has not been regulated or properly tested. These counterfeit versions may contain incorrect dosages, harmful fillers, or even no active ingredient at all.
Patients often report adverse effects from counterfeit or improperly compounded medications, ranging from ineffectiveness to serious health complications. It is crucial to purchase Semaglutide only from legitimate, licensed providers to ensure you receive a safe, FDA-approved product.
You may have heard of “compounded” Semaglutide as a cheaper alternative. But what does that really mean? Compounding refers to the process where pharmacies create customized medications by combining, mixing, or altering ingredients. In theory, this is done to meet a patient’s specific needs. However, compounded Semaglutide is not the same as the FDA-approved version.
The biggest concern with compounded medications is the lack of regulation. While the FDA oversees the manufacturing of patented drugs like Ozempic, compounded drugs are not held to the same stringent standards. This can lead to inconsistent dosages, contamination, or even the inclusion of harmful ingredients. While some pharmacies compound medications with care, many operate in a regulatory gray area, increasing the risk to patients.
Even with the clear benefits of GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide for weight loss, getting insurance to cover these prescriptions is an uphill battle. Most insurance providers only cover these drugs for diabetes management, leaving many patients without coverage for weight loss purposes.
This has driven patients to seek cheaper alternatives, including compounded versions, increasing the risk of encountering unsafe or counterfeit drugs.
For those without insurance coverage, the cost of branded GLP-1 medications like Ozempic can be prohibitively expensive. Self-pay options for the brand-name drug range from $900 to $1,200 per month, leaving many patients feeling priced out of a potentially life-changing treatment.
Thankfully, there’s some good news for those needing GLP-1 medications for weight loss! Eli Lilly has just announced a new self-pay option for their branded GLP-1 medication, Zepbound. This new offering provides a massive discount on the medication, making it much more affordable for patients.
Here’s the breakdown:
Each shipment includes four single-dose vials, enough for a one-month supply, and is shipped directly from Eli Lilly. This price point is a significant reduction from the previous high costs of branded medications and brings Zepbound into a more affordable range, comparable to some compounded versions. The added benefit? Zepbound is FDA-approved, so you know you’re getting a safe, regulated product.
If you’re a self-pay patient suffering from obesity and struggling to afford GLP-1 medications, there’s now a safe, affordable option available. With Zepbound from Eli Lilly, you can get an FDA-approved weight-loss medication at just $399-549 per month. This is only slightly more than the compounded versions, but with none of the risks associated with unregulated products. With a legitimate doctor’s prescription, you can have peace of mind and effective treatment shipped directly to your door.
My Virtual Physician offers telehealth appointments for patients interested in safe, effective weight loss. Schedule your visit with an MVP doctor now and get access to the authentic ZepBound! BOOK HERE
