Compounded GLP-1 Medications: Why They’re Only Used in the USA
Mounjaro Benefits
12 November 2025
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In recent years, the surge in demand for GLP-1 medications such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) has led to widespread media coverage — and, at times, global shortages.
During those shortages, the US saw the rise of “compounded GLP-1 medications”, a practice that has generated confusion and concern among patients worldwide.
If you’re based in the UK and have heard about “compounded semaglutide” or “compounded tirzepatide,” it’s important to understand what that means, why this is the practice in the US, and why it’s not permitted in the UK.
What Are Compounded GLP-1 Medications?
Compounding refers to the process of a large pharmacy custom-making a medication from raw ingredients, often to adjust the dose, remove an allergen, or provide an alternative form (for example, a liquid instead of a tablet).
In the US, compounding pharmacies were temporarily allowed to create versions of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide during periods of official shortage, when branded products (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) were difficult to obtain. This was authorised under the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) shortage provisions, allowing pharmacists to create medicines to meet urgent clinical need.
Why the FDA Has Now Restricted Compounded GLP-1s
Once shortage issues were resolved and the original manufacturers — Novo Nordisk (for semaglutide) and Eli Lilly (for tirzepatide) — restored normal supply, the FDA revoked temporary compounding permissions.
The key reasons are:
* Quality and safety concerns – compounded GLP-1s are not FDA-approved, meaning their purity, stability, and dosing accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
* Unclear ingredients – some compounded products were found to contain semaglutide salts or analogues rather than the approved active ingredient, potentially altering their safety and effectiveness.
* Regulatory inconsistency – the widespread use of compounded versions blurred the line between legitimate medical use and unregulated imitation drugs, prompting the FDA to intervene.
As of 2025, the FDA has formally banned the routine compounding of GLP-1 medications now that official distribution levels have returned to normal.
Why Compounded GLP-1s Are Not Used in the UK
In the United Kingdom, all GLP-1 treatments — including Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Ozempic, and Wegovy — are strictly regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Compounded GLP-1 medications are not authorised or available in the UK. Pharmacies here cannot legally make or sell copies of patented medications such as tirzepatide or semaglutide. Instead, all treatments must come from licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers to ensure consistent quality, safety, and dosing.
This means that any service offering “compounded semaglutide” or “compounded tirzepatide” to UK residents is not following UK medicines regulation and could expose patients to counterfeit products.
How UK Patients Can Access Safe GLP-1 Treatment
In the UK, GLP-1 treatments should always be prescribed by a registered clinician and dispensed by a regulated pharmacy. At CutKilo, all prescriptions are overseen by Dr Emil Gadimali, a GMC-registered doctor, and the medication provided is the authentic, licensed Mounjaro (tirzepatide) from Eli Lilly — never compounded, never imitation.
CutKilo’s doctor-led service includes:
- Original Mounjaro medication under medical supervision
- Weight-management support with an in-house Dietitian (Hanna Baldursdottir)
- Online consultations for convenience and privacy
- Holistic, evidence-based path to long-term health
While compounded GLP-1 medications were a temporary workaround in the US during shortages, they are no longer authorised even there — and have never been legal or necessary in the UK.
If you’re considering GLP-1 treatment, ensure it’s prescribed by a UK-registered doctor and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. At CutKilo, we provide safe, original Mounjaro treatment — fully compliant, medically supervised, and designed to help you achieve lasting weight loss.
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