Important information about medication safety.

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

Compounded medicines are prepared for individual prescription circumstances and are not approved by FDA. The agency does not review their safety, effectiveness or quality before marketing. Compounded medications are not approved generic versions of branded drugs. Federal and state law limit the circumstances in which they may be compounded, including restrictions related to products that are essentially copies of commercially available drugs.

Potential side effects and serious risks.

Depending on the treatment, potential side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dehydration and abdominal discomfort. Serious risks can include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney injury related to dehydration, severe allergic reactions and other conditions.

Medications affecting GLP-1 pathways may have important thyroid tumor warnings and contraindications based on specific ingredients and the clinical circumstances. Discuss the following with your clinician:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2
• Severe stomach-emptying conditions
• Prior pancreatitis
• Diabetic eye disease
• Other glucose-lowering medicines
• Relevant allergies

This is not an exhaustive medication-specific warning list.

Pregnancy and other considerations.

A provider should be told if you are pregnant, nursing, planning pregnancy or may become pregnant, as well as any other medical conditions or medications that affect treatment decisions. Your clinician may advise against treatment or recommend a different plan.

Avoid dosing errors.

Different compounded preparations may have different concentrations and dosing instructions. Do not estimate, convert or change doses yourself. Always follow the written instructions for the exact product supplied by your pharmacy and ask your pharmacist or clinician to clarify units, volume and administration before use.

Your prescription, your pharmacy.

Only use prescribed medicines dispensed by appropriately licensed pharmacies. Follow the instructions on the actual dispensed label for storage, administration and disposal. Contact your clinical team about adverse effects or dose questions. Seek urgent medical help for serious symptoms.

Individualized prescribing.

Your clinician determines whether treatment is appropriate based on your health information. Not every treatment is right for every patient.

Official information.