Compounded GLP-1s are not FDA-approved, and FDA doesn’t review them for safety, effectiveness, or quality. That puts more of the vetting on you. This is the same checklist we use to rank providers. It won’t guarantee a good outcome, but it filters out a lot of risk.
The 9-point checklist
1. No recent FDA warning letter
Search the brand name and its legal entity name (usually in the terms of service) in FDA’s warning-letter database. Since September 2025, FDA has sent waves of letters to telehealth companies over compounded GLP-1 marketing.
2. The pharmacy is named
A trustworthy provider tells you which state-licensed pharmacy fills your prescription, and you can look that pharmacy up with your state board of pharmacy. FDA lists “a pharmacy name on the label that you think might be fraudulent” as a red flag.
3. It says whether the pharmacy is 503A or 503B
503A pharmacies compound for individual patients under state oversight. 503B outsourcing facilities register with FDA and follow federal manufacturing standards. Either way, ask. See 503A vs. 503B explained.
4. No claims that a compounded drug matches a brand-name drug
FDA’s March 2026 letters targeted “claims implying sameness with FDA-approved products.” A provider whose site describes a compounded product as a generic, or as FDA-approved, isn’t being straight with you.
5. A real clinical evaluation
FDA warns about companies that don’t require “a screening and prescription by a licensed doctor.” Expect a medical history intake, and for some providers labs or a video visit.
6. A clinician you can reach after you start
Look for messaging or visits with a licensed clinician during treatment, not just a sales chat.
7. Clear, complete pricing
You should be able to see the recurring price, plan length, what happens when your dose changes, and the refund and cancellation terms before you pay.
8. Third-party certification and reputation
Check LegitScript’s database and read the provider’s BBB complaint responses and Trustpilot reviews. Watch for platform warnings about suspicious reviews.
9. Safe shipping and handling
Injectable GLP-1s need refrigeration. FDA advises not using products that arrive warm, and discarding multi-dose vials 28 days after first use.
Quick red flags
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- “No prescription needed”
- Medication that looks different from what you got before or from the photos
- Spelling errors or wrong pharmacy addresses on labels
Where to go next
- Our current rankings apply this checklist and show each provider’s regulatory record on its card.
- Compare dated prices on the price tracker.
- Talk with a licensed clinician before you start.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check whether a provider got an FDA warning letter?
Search the company name, and also its legal entity name if you can find it in the site's terms, in FDA's public warning-letter database at fda.gov.
What is LegitScript?
LegitScript is a private certification program for healthcare merchants, including telehealth providers and pharmacies. Major ad platforms and payment processors use it. You can search its public database for certified merchants.
Sources
- FDA: Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs (telehealth red flags)
- FDA warning letters database
- LegitScript certification search
- FDA: Information for outsourcing facilities (503B)
- FDA press release: 30 telehealth warning letters (Mar 3, 2026)
We cite primary sources (FDA, peer-reviewed journals, provider sites) wherever we can, and we date every price. Found an error? Tell us and we'll fix it.
This article is for information only and isn't medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Individual results vary, and no outcome is guaranteed.