Approved dosing versus individualized care

FDA-approved brands have labeled starting doses, escalation schedules and maintenance doses. A clinician may delay escalation or make an individualized decision, but that is different from claiming an unproven microdose produces standard results.

• Identify the exact product and pharmacy
• Ask whether the product is FDA-approved
• Use the prescribed measuring device
• Never convert units without instruction
• Report persistent or severe side effects

Compounded GLP-1 products

Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved. The FDA has warned about dosing errors, fraudulent labels and misleading claims involving unapproved semaglutide and tirzepatide products. Patients should understand why a compounded product is proposed and what alternatives exist.

Affordability without shortcuts

Ask for the total cost at the expected dose, what visits are included, whether insurance is billed, and whether the quoted price changes with dose. Medical evaluation is required.