The usage of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists has grown worldwide. This class of medication includes several different injectable medications, Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound™). High demand has pushed these medications onto the FDA’s Drug Shortage List. As a result, the FDA has issued guidance for compounding pharmacies to help address the shortage by making essential copies of the patented drugs, for as long as the drugs remain on the FDA’s Shortage List.
HOW DO THESE MEDICATIONS WORK?
GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists work by increasing the amount of insulin that the pancreas releases in response to food, while decreasing the amount of sugar the liver releases into the blood and slows food leaving the stomach after eating. This in turn helps control blood glucose levels and prompts the feeling of fullness, resulting in weight loss overtime. These medications are intended to work in conjunction with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These medications are not for use in patients with type 1 diabetes.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEMAGLUTIDE AND TIRZEPATIDE?
Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Rybelsus®) solely targets the GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) receptor.
Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro® and Zepbound™) — is a dual receptor agonist, that works on the GLP-1 receptor and the GIP (Glucose Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide, also known as Gastric Inhibiting Polypeptide) receptor. *Activation of both types of receptors enhances the glucose-lowering effects which may provide additional benefits in terms of weight loss and blood sugar control.
HOW DO I TAKE THIS MEDICATION?
Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are available at Potter’s House Apothecary in both injectable and sublingual forms. The injection is administered once weekly, subcutaneously (under the skin) in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. The medication is dispensed frozen in a glass vial with needles and syringes provided for at home use. The medication requires refrigeration and has a short expiration date per USP 797 guidelines (4 days in the refrigerator and 45 days in the freezer).
AVAILABLE FORMULAS/STRENGTHS:
- Semaglutide 2.5 mg/ml Injection 1ml vial
- Semaglutide 5 mg/ml Injection 1ml vial
- Tirzepatide 20 mg/ml Injection 1ml vial
HOW CAN I GET COMPOUNDED SEMAGLUTIDE OR TIRZEPATIDE?
Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide requires a prescription from your healthcare provider. Please download an example of our weight loss form to give to your provider here. They can call in, fax, or send your prescription electronically. From there, we will contact you with pricing and options to pick up or have your medication shipped for an additional fee. If you need a referral for a weight loss provider, please download our list of weight loss providers here.
WHY POTTER’S HOUSE APOTHECARY?
Trust is key when you are working with a compounding pharmacy to provide you with a high-risk, sterile medication. In addition to our voluntary PCAB Accreditation, our pharmacy is USP 795, 797, and 800 compliant. We use high quality FDA approved ingredients and leverage state-of-the-art technology to produce medications that meet your healthcare provider’s exact specifications. We send our sterile preparations to an independent lab for sterility and potency testing to validate our process and ensure the safety and quality of the medications we dispense. You will have peace of mind knowing that your medication has been compounded by a trusted pharmacy professional and is not only safe, but effective.