Compounded GLP-1 RA drugs: Getting to know about pharmacy compounding

Advocates for pharmacists can explain how compounding is the historic root of pharmacy and that people have been mixing ingredients for medicinal purposes for centuries.

It’s true — but that history may be overshadowed by the popularity of a new generation of compounded drugs.

In the last few years, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist drugs (GLP-1 RAs) have gained public attention for their beneficial effects on Type 2 diabetes. The drugs can be effective for weight loss, making them popular for treatment of obesity. They also are expensive and in short supply, so American consumers have been looking for cheaper alternatives.

That’s where compounding pharmacy comes in. It’s possible to buy GLP-1 RA drugs made not by large pharmaceutical companies, but by pharmacies that blend the ingredients.

In this video series, Scott Brunner, CAE, CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding (APC), explains the current state of GLP-1 RA drugs, Big Pharma, and independent pharmacies making their own mixes of the medicines.

For physicians and patients, APC also has the “Is It Legit?” website to check on pharmacy license status.