Ensuring safety and compliance when prescribing GLP-1 drugs in online health care

One in eight adults — that’s the number of adults in the United States who have reported using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs for weight loss or chronic conditions. Further, while this statistic is based on the most recent data from May 2024, the actual number of users has likely grown since then. It’s a staggering finding that demonstrates just how much the weight-loss industry has changed in a few short years.

We’re still in the infancy of an era that is both exciting and concerning, as many new and unestablished players are jockeying to command a portion of the GLP-1 market. The future success of GLP-1s may hinge in part on how well these new health care providers can ensure patient safety and abide by regulations.

GLP-1 receptor agonists comprise a new class of drug that works so well for weight loss and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease that Science magazine named them the 2023 Breakthrough of the Year. Sold under brand names including Ozempic, Mounjaro and Zepbound, these drugs are often not covered by insurance for weight loss and can be very costly for the average person.

High demand created scarcity, prompting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to place many GLP-1s on its drug shortage list. That enabled specialized pharmacies to compound semaglutide and other similar peptide-based drugs at a much lower cost. However, these compounded medications lack FDA approval, meaning they haven’t undergone the same rigorous review process to ensure safety and effectiveness as approved options. This raises concerns about their composition, potential side effects and overall quality.

To meet ongoing demand, nontraditional medical providers such as med spas, medical aesthetics companies and telehealth platforms have begun offering compounded versions of these treatments. This has broadened access to care, but it also raises concerns about regulatory compliance, patient safety and ethical practices. So, the question is, are nontraditional providers adequately prepared to protect patient safety, or is the risk too great?

Med spas, online health retailers, telehealth organizations, and other players in the digital health and wellness market must address these challenges if they hope to compete with traditional medical providers and ensure a safe, thriving GLP-1 market. By focusing on these three areas, nontraditional health and wellness companies can protect their patients and build up their own reputations at a time when there is increasing scrutiny of the quality and safety of these compounded drugs.

Areas of focus

1. Addressing FDA regulations on compounded GLP-1 medications
Often marketed as cheap and safe alternatives to brand names, compounded GLP-1 medications bring added patient risk since they don’t go through the same FDA approval process as commercial drugs. This increases the likelihood that compounded versions fail to adhere to good manufacturing practices. In extreme cases, poorly compounded GLP-1s have been associated with deaths.

Compliance is more than a regulatory requirement — it is a safety measure for patient well-being. By prioritizing adherence to FDA guidelines, providers demonstrate their commitment to safe, legal operations.

Further, regulatory compliance is good for business. Those who flout compliance guidelines will likely find it harder to process payments or advertise online, as many third-party partners require health care companies to demonstrate their compliance. Partnering with health care merchant certification authorities helps providers demonstrate adherence to rigorous standards, ensuring their practices align with legal expectations.

2. Educating patients amid a slew of misinformation

The widespread interest in GLP-1 medications has fueled a wave of misinformation across social media platforms, with users touting illegally manufactured GLP-1sas alternatives that are as safe as their name-brand counterparts. Weight-loss influencers promote unverified or dangerous versions created in garages or overseas laboratories with little understanding of the medical implications. Patients are left vulnerable, unsure of whom to trust and unaware of the risks.

Telehealth platforms, med spas and other nontraditional health care businesses can serve a critical role in countering this misinformation by equipping patients with accurate, actionable knowledge. Open, transparent communication about the benefits and risks of GLP-1 medications helps build trust and empowers patients to make informed decisions.

Providers should emphasize the importance of FDA oversight and transparently disclose the source of their compounded versions. By positioning themselves as reliable sources of information, these providers can protect patient safety while further establishing themselves as viable alternatives to traditional medical care.

3. Building trust and reputation in online health care

Online commerce still suffers from consumer mistrust, especially in a market as sensitive as health care, where safety is a paramount concern. While more and more patients are open to receiving health care services online, these businesses have a long way to go to earn the same amount of trust as in-person providers. Newer telehealth brands and med spa companies need to invest in building their reputations to earn the business of prospective patients.

Trust begins with a commitment to safety and transparency. Providers who adhere to strict regulatory standards set themselves apart from competitors, particularly in an increasingly crowded market where regulations are complex and differ from state to state and country to country. Certification programs provide an effective means of demonstrating their commitment to the highest ethical and safety standards.

In addition to certification and other accreditations, providers can stand out by focusing on cultivating a strong online reputation. Reviews, testimonials and direct patient interactions play a significant role in shaping public perception. Providers can create lasting trust with existing and prospective patients by promptly addressing concerns, acknowledging feedback and demonstrating a patient safety-centered approach.

Reshaping care with a patient-first approach

As demand for GLP-1s and other groundbreaking treatments continues to grow, med spas, medical aesthetics companies and telehealth platforms have a unique opportunity to reshape the health care industry by making health care more affordable, accessible and personal. But to succeed, they must first prove themselves to be as safe and reliable as their more traditional counterparts.

Providers prioritizing compliance and transparency inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that benefits every type of health care. By aligning themselves with trusted oversight organizations and emphasizing patient-first practices, providers can drive a cultural shift toward greater accountability and responsibility in using GLP-1 medications. This in turn will lay the groundwork for patients to trust these companies for the administration of other drugs and treatments.

The stakes are high, but the rewards for patients, providers and the health care system are greater.

Michal Conley brings over a decade of experience driving regulatory compliance initiatives and operational excellence. In her current role as general manager, Certification & Compliance Solutions, at LegitScript, she oversees the strategy, performance and delivery of the Certification department. Her diverse background includes military service, research and investigation, business consulting and social science, all of which provide her with a unique perspective in leading teams and driving solutions in fast-paced, high-risk industries.