FAQ

Compounded GLP-1 Medication —
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide — the medication itself, how the process works, what things cost, how shipping works, and what to expect on safety.

Category 01

About the Medication

Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as brand-name medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. It is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy — not manufactured by a brand-name drug company — using pharmaceutical-grade active ingredient. Compounded semaglutide is not an FDA-approved finished drug product and has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. It is prescribed by a licensed clinician who reviews your health intake before any prescription is issued.
Compounded tirzepatide contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro and Zepbound. Like compounded semaglutide, it is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy and is not an FDA-approved finished drug product. It has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality as a compounded preparation. It is only dispensed following a prescription from a licensed clinician.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your body naturally produces after eating. It signals your brain that you are full, slows how quickly your stomach empties, and reduces appetite between meals. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications mimic this hormone — the result is reduced caloric intake. You feel satisfied on less food, and cravings are significantly reduced for most people. Tirzepatide also acts on GIP receptors, which may further enhance appetite suppression and fat metabolism.
Brand-name GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound) are FDA-approved for specific indications. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide — prepared by a licensed pharmacy rather than manufactured by a drug company — are not FDA-approved finished drug products and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Compounding is a legal and regulated practice under state and federal pharmacy law.
The most commonly reported side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation — most frequent during the initial weeks as the dose is gradually increased. For most people, GI symptoms improve significantly as the body adjusts. Fatigue and mild headache are also reported early in treatment. Practical tips: eat smaller meals, avoid high-fat foods, stay well hydrated.
GLP-1 medications carry warnings for a small number of serious conditions — including a possible risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (observed in animal studies; not confirmed in humans), pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney problems. Hypoglycemia is uncommon unless combined with certain diabetes medications. Your clinician reviews your complete health history before prescribing. If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or any concerning symptom, contact your clinician or go to an emergency room.
GLP-1 medications are contraindicated for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), and in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Certain pancreatic conditions may also disqualify you. Your clinician evaluates your full intake before prescribing. If you are not approved, you will receive a clear explanation and will not be charged.
Category 02

The Process

GLP-1 weight loss medication is generally appropriate for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. Your clinician makes the final determination based on your full health intake. Age, current medications, and certain medical conditions also factor in. You do not need a prior diagnosis to apply.
You complete a health intake form online — no video call required unless your clinician requests one. The form covers your medical history, current medications, weight history, and goals. A licensed clinician reviews your intake asynchronously, typically within 24 hours. If they need clarification, they will message you through the secure platform. If approved, a prescription is issued and sent to the compounding pharmacy.
From completing your intake to receiving your medication, most patients are up and running within 3–7 business days. Clinician review typically completes within 24 hours. Pharmacy processing and shipping takes 2–5 business days after the prescription is issued.
No. A licensed clinician will review your health intake and issue a new prescription if appropriate. You do not need to have seen a doctor beforehand or have an existing GLP-1 prescription. We do ask for your full medical history and medication list to ensure safety.
Once your clinician approves your intake and issues a prescription, it is sent to the licensed compounding pharmacy. Your medication is prepared and shipped directly to your address — free of charge. You will receive a shipping confirmation with a tracking number. At your next refill, your clinician reviews your progress, any side effects, and whether a dose adjustment is appropriate.
If your clinician determines that GLP-1 medication is not appropriate for you, you will receive a clear explanation. You will not be charged, or if payment was collected upfront, you will receive a full refund. PureForty does not charge consultation fees that you lose if denied.
Category 03

Pricing & Billing

Semaglutide: $199/month (1-month), $169/month (3-month), $149/month (6-month).

Tirzepatide: $249/month (1-month), $219/month (3-month), $199/month (6-month).

All plans include the provider consultation, medication, and free shipping. See the pricing page for the full breakdown.
No. The price includes everything: the clinician consultation, the medication, and free shipping. No consultation add-ons, no platform fees, no pharmacy dispensing fees added at checkout.
Compounded GLP-1 medications are not covered by insurance. PureForty operates on a transparent cash-pay model. Our pricing is substantially lower than out-of-pocket brand-name GLP-1 costs. We provide itemized receipts that may support FSA/HSA reimbursement.
Yes. FSA and HSA cards are accepted at checkout. GLP-1 weight loss medication prescribed by a licensed clinician is generally an FSA/HSA-eligible medical expense. We recommend confirming eligibility with your plan administrator if you have questions about your specific account.
Because PureForty does not use subscriptions, there is nothing to cancel. You pay per treatment cycle and reorder only when you choose to. Simply do not place a new order. No cancellation fees or penalties — ever.
If your intake is not approved, you will not be charged — or you will receive a full refund. For other situations, see the refund policy page.
Category 04

Shipping & Delivery

After your prescription is issued, the compounding pharmacy typically processes and ships your order within 1–2 business days. Delivery takes 2–5 business days. Most patients receive their first order within 3–7 business days of completing their intake. You will receive a tracking number by email when your order ships.
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are supplied as injectable solutions in multi-dose vials. Medication ships refrigerated using insulated packaging and ice packs to maintain the cold chain. Upon receipt, store in the refrigerator (2–8°C / 36–46°F). Do not freeze. Detailed storage and injection instructions are included with every shipment.
PureForty currently ships to most US states. Availability is subject to change based on state pharmacy and telehealth regulations. Your state eligibility will be confirmed during the intake process. If your state is not currently supported, you will be notified before any payment is collected.
No. Because your medication requires refrigerated shipping, delivery requires a physical address where someone can receive the package and promptly refrigerate it. Please provide a residential or business address.
Category 05

Safety

Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are prepared by FDA-registered, accredited compounding pharmacies using pharmaceutical-grade active ingredient. The compounding process follows strict quality standards. That said, compounded drug products are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. They carry the same clinical risks as the active ingredient in brand-name GLP-1 medications. All medications are prescribed by licensed US clinicians who have reviewed your health history.
For mild side effects (nausea, fatigue, GI symptoms), message your care team through the platform — they can recommend dose adjustments that help most patients. For moderate to severe side effects, reach out promptly and mark your message as urgent. For any medical emergency — severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, signs of allergic reaction, chest pain — call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Every patient is prescribed by and connected to a licensed US physician or nurse practitioner through the platform. Your clinician reviews your initial intake, issues your prescription, and is available for follow-up questions and refill check-ins. PureForty is powered by OpenLoop Health, a telehealth infrastructure provider that manages the clinical network and pharmacy relationships.
At each refill cycle, your clinician conducts a check-in to review your progress, current side effects, and whether a dose adjustment is appropriate. You can also message your care team between check-ins at any time. Patients are encouraged to inform their primary care provider that they are taking GLP-1 medication.

FDA Disclaimer

Compounded drug products are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your clinician with questions about your specific health situation.

Still have questions?

Our support team responds within one business day. You can also message your clinician directly through the platform once you have started treatment.

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Complete a short health intake. A licensed clinician reviews it within 24 hours. Medication ships free if you qualify.

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