The “Unmarked Syringe Test”

Which one would you inject?

Fact:

These products are reviewed by the FDA for quality, safety, and effectiveness.

Myth:

Compounded GLP-1s are just cheaper versions of the same thing


Fact:

They are not FDA-approved, can contain impurities, and may not have the right dose.

As GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide gain popularity, counterfeit and unsafe versions have flooded the market. These underregulated products are frequently promoted through social media ads, influencer campaigns, and online marketplaces, often without requiring a prescription. They may be compounded improperly, mislabeled, or produced in facilities that fail to meet safety and quality standards. Some contain inactive ingredients, incorrect doses, or dangerous contaminants.

Immediate red flags:

  • Products offered without a prescription
  • Ads claiming instant results or “miracle” weight loss
  • Promotions via influencers or social media DMs

Label & packaging signs:

  • Typos, smudgy print, glue marks, or unlabeled packaging
  • Missing lot numbers, expiration dates, or NDC codes
  • Ingredient forms like “semaglutide sodium”—not the same as the FDA-approved active ingredient
  • No patient guide or prescribing information

Seller and pharmacy checks:

  • Always verify the mailing or physical address of the pharmacy
  • Avoid marketplace or DM-based sellers
  • If something seems off—do not inject; instead, confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber
Don’t fall for fakes. Follow the facts. Before you buy, verify! Quality You Can Trust vs. Gambles You Can't! Your Health Deserves the Real Thing!
Don’t fall for fakes. Follow the facts. Before you buy, verify! Quality You Can Trust vs. Gambles You Can't! Your Health Deserves the Real Thing!

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FDA‑Approved Medicines

These products are reviewed by the FDA for quality, safety, and effectiveness. Each batch is manufactured under strict standards, with consistent ingredients and dosing. Your prescription is filled by a licensed pharmacy.

  • Consistent strength and purity
  • Clear labeling and safety monitoring
  • Covered by most pharmacovigilance systems

Compounded Products

Compounding is intended for an individual patient when an approved product is unavailable or a patient needs a customized form (e.g., allergy, different dosage form). Compounded versions are not FDA‑approved and may vary in strength, purity, and stability.

  • Appropriate only for specific clinical needs
  • Not evaluated by FDA for effectiveness or batch‑to‑batch consistency
  • Mass‑produced “copycat” versions marketed online are a red flag

Frequently Asked Questions

Timeline and Current Policy Compounded GLP-1s

Fake products can contain the wrong ingredient or the wrong amount of drug, be contaminated by poor manufacturing practices, and come with vague or misleading labels that make safe dosing impossible. Multi‑use vials that require you to self‑measure doses are especially risky and have led to overdoses and hospitalizations. If anything about the product, packaging, or seller feels off, do not inject it—contact a licensed pharmacist or your prescriber right away and report the incident to FDA MedWatch.

Fake products can contain the wrong ingredient or the wrong amount of drug, be contaminated by poor manufacturing practices, and come with vague or misleading labels that make safe dosing impossible. Multi‑use vials that require you to self‑measure doses are especially risky and have led to overdoses and hospitalizations. If anything about the product, packaging, or seller feels off, do not inject it—contact a licensed pharmacist or your prescriber right away and report the incident to FDA MedWatch

Fake products can contain the wrong ingredient or the wrong amount of drug, be contaminated by poor manufacturing practices, and come with vague or misleading labels that make safe dosing impossible. Multi‑use vials that require you to self‑measure doses are especially risky and have led to overdoses and hospitalizations. If anything about the product, packaging, or seller feels off, do not inject it—contact a licensed pharmacist or your prescriber right away and report the incident to FDA MedWatch

Fake products can contain the wrong ingredient or the wrong amount of drug, be contaminated by poor manufacturing practices, and come with vague or misleading labels that make safe dosing impossible. Multi‑use vials that require you to self‑measure doses are especially risky and have led to overdoses and hospitalizations. If anything about the product, packaging, or seller feels off, do not inject it—contact a licensed pharmacist or your prescriber right away and report the incident to FDA MedWatch

What This Means Now

Limits on Compounded GLP-1s

Compounded GLP‑1s may only be prepared under narrow conditions (e.g., a specific medical need not met by an approved product).

Unverified Imports Pose Risks

Bulk API from unverified foreign suppliers can be detained at the border; products labeled “research use only/not for human use” are not appropriate for patients.

Salt Forms Not Equivalent

Using salt forms (e.g., semaglutide sodium/acetate) is not equivalent to approved drugs and should not be used for compounding.