If you have been following news about GLP-1 medications in 2026, you have probably seen headlines about FDA actions, compounding restrictions, and questions about whether compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are still available. The landscape has shifted, and we want to give you a clear, honest picture of where things stand and what it means for patients at Alive and Well.
What the FDA Did in 2026
In early 2026, the FDA moved to restrict the compounding of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) by 503A pharmacies, citing a determination that semaglutide was no longer in shortage. This action affects a significant portion of the market, particularly online compounders and medspa-adjacent pharmacies that have been operating under the shortage exemption that applied since 2022.
Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) has had a more complex regulatory trajectory, with ongoing litigation and separate FDA determinations affecting its compounding status differently. The regulatory environment continues to evolve, and we monitor it closely.
What This Means for Patients
The FDA actions create real confusion for patients who have been relying on compounded GLP-1 medications, often because they are more affordable than branded alternatives, more accessible, or because they require customized dosing that commercial products do not provide.
The key distinction to understand is this: not all compounders are affected equally. 503B outsourcing facilities, which operate under FDA registration and stricter manufacturing standards than traditional 503A pharmacies, have different regulatory standing and continue to provide access to certain formulations for qualifying patients through licensed prescribers. The specific availability depends on the compound, the formulation, and the patient's clinical situation.
How Alive and Well Navigates This
Our compounding pharmacy operates under the oversight of our licensed clinical team and pharmacy director. We stay current with FDA guidance and state board of pharmacy regulations in every state where we hold licensure. When regulatory changes affect what we can compound and how, we adapt quickly and communicate proactively with affected patients.
For patients currently on GLP-1 therapy through Alive and Well, your treatment will not be disrupted without direct communication from your care team. We manage the regulatory complexity on your behalf and maintain access through compliant pathways.
For patients who have been using compounded GLP-1 medications from other sources that are no longer able to provide them, we may be able to help. A consultation with our medical team will determine whether you are a candidate for our program and what options are available for your specific situation.
What Else Our Pharmacy Provides
GLP-1 medications are just one dimension of what our compounding pharmacy does. We also compound bioidentical hormones, peptides including sermorelin, ipamorelin, BPC-157, and PT-141, custom topical preparations, specialized nutritional formulations, and dermatological compounds. For patients with complex or individualized medication needs, our pharmacy provides access that commercial pharmacies simply cannot match.
The Value of a Licensed, Clinically Integrated Pharmacy
One of the most important lessons of the 2026 regulatory environment is that the source of your compounded medication matters enormously. Fly-by-night online compounders without proper oversight, legitimate clinical infrastructure, or state licensure in your location carry real risks. Medications from these sources may be improperly formulated, dosed, or stored.
At Alive and Well, your compounded medication is prescribed by a licensed provider who knows your health history and monitors your progress, prepared by a licensed pharmacist following state and federal regulatory requirements, and integrated with your clinical care so that your whole team knows what you are taking and why.
Questions About Your Medication?
If you have questions about your current medications or want to understand what compounding options are available to you, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation at any of our Austin or Dallas locations, or call us at 512-580-5775. In a shifting regulatory landscape, you deserve a pharmacy partner you can trust.
