Should You Keep Compounding GLP1s (Tirzepatide or Semaglutide) After the FDA Deadline? Here’s My Take.
Howdy pharmacy peeps… Let’s have a real talk about compounding GLP1s.
There’s been a lot of chatter lately in the pharmacy world—forums, Facebook groups, emails, even conference hallways—about whether pharmacies should keep compounding GLP1s tirzepatide/semaglutide once the FDA deadlines pass. It’s a hot topic, and understandably so. These compounds have been huge revenue drivers and powerful tools for helping patients lose weight and improve metabolic health.
Deadlines For Compounding GLP1s (Semaglutide & Tirzepatide)
Stay up to date on the FDA’s opinion at their website HERE.
Semaglutide: Injunction denied. 503As must stop compounding GLP1s as of April 24, 2025. While 503Bs must stop by May 22, 2025
Tirzepatide: Injunction denied. 503As must stop compounding GLP1s as of March 5, 2025. While 503Bs must stop by March 19, 2025.
I have been inundated with questions about continuing to compound after these deadlines. From ‘what about if I had a vitamin’ to ‘why is this pharmacy continuing’ to ‘my local doctors are getting mad at me for not continuing’.
But here’s the deal. Just because some pharmacies plan to keep compounding doesn’t mean you should blindly follow suit.
I’ve taken a long, hard look at the legal, clinical, and business angles—and I’ve made my decision: I will not be compounding tirzepatide or semaglutide past the FDA deadline, and I recommend that you don’t either.
Let me walk you through why.
1. Patent Law Isn’t Messing Around
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are under very strong patents. Ironclad, lawyered-up, and bulletproof kinds of patents. The odds of your pharmacy being individually targeted in a patent infringement suit are small… but not zero. And that’s enough risk for me to say, “No thanks.”
Both Lilly and Novo Nordisk have made it crystal clear that they’re not afraid to sue. They’ve already gone after big players and small fish alike. These companies have more legal firepower than any of us will ever want to go up against. I don’t have the budget—or the cajones—to fight them in court. Do you?
2. Your State Board of Pharmacy Matters More Than You Think
This is where things get really gray.
Some state boards are supportive of compounding and even working to create compliant pathways for pharmacies. But others? Not so much. Some states have taken a hardline stance against continued GLP-1 compounding and are actively investigating or threatening action against pharmacies.
Before you decide what to do, find out exactly where your state stands. Because what might fly in Idaho could crash and burn in Mississippi.
3. Compounding GLP1s With a Vitamin Doesn’t Make It “Different”
Let’s bust a common myth.
Adding B12 or some other ingredient to your tirzepatide formulation doesn’t magically transform it into a non-commercial copy. The FDA has said this loud and clear: “Simply adding a vitamin is not sufficient differentiation.” So, if your strategy is to skirt the rules with a sprinkle of methylcobalamin, you might be walking on thin legal ice.
4. The “Medical Necessity” Argument Only Goes So Far When Compounding GLP1s
Look—I love compounding. I believe in it deeply. Compounding exists to help patients when no commercial product can.
But can we be honest for a minute?
Can you truthfully say that all 200 of your patients on tirzepatide medically require a compounded version because the commercial one is unsafe or ineffective for them?
If the answer is no, then continuing to fill these prescriptions may stretch beyond what I consider ethical. That doesn’t mean it’s black-and-white wrong. But it does mean you need to be sure of your position—and ready to defend it if anyone asks.
5. Physicians Are Being Targeted Too
Here’s something not enough people are talking about: the latest lawsuits aren’t just targeting pharmacies—they’re going after prescribers. The claim? That they’re violating corporate practice of medicine laws by working with weight loss clinics and compounding pharmacies.
Now, are individual physicians at huge risk? Probably not. But again—not zero.
This means you need to be sure your entire clinical ecosystem is solid if you’re continuing these therapies. That includes your prescribers, your informed consent forms, your SOPs… everything.
So What’s the Bottom Line?
In short, if you’re going to keep compounding GLP-1s past the deadline, you better be damn sure you can stand behind your decision—ethically, legally, and clinically.
If a three-letter agency, a state inspector, or a Big Pharma lawsuit knocks on your door… can you look them in the eye and say, “Here’s why I’m doing this, and here’s how I’m compliant”?
I can’t. And I won’t.
There are other viable ways to help patients and grow your business that don’t put you in legal jeopardy. Will it hurt to lose this revenue stream? Yes. It hurts. But it’s not the end. It’s just a pivot point.
Here’s What I’m Doing Instead (And You Can Too)
Inside Pharmacy Badass University, I’ve built out several programs to help fill the GLP1-sized gap in your business:
🔹 Olympia Pharmacy Discounts – Access to 503B sterile compounded products at massive 20-40% savings
🔹 Other Weight Loss Options – From sermorelin to LDN to metformin to liraglutide, lots of options exist
🔹 Workers’ Compensation Programs – Profitable and underutilized
🔹 Remote Patient Monitoring – Recurring revenue that scales
🔹 Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Counseling – High-value clinical service patients need
🔹 And much more…
We may have lost one income stream, but trust me—we haven’t lost our ability to innovate, grow, and thrive.
If you’re feeling uncertain, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created Pharmacy Badass University. We’re stronger—and smarter—together.
Join us. Learn how to pivot. And let’s build something even better.
👉 Learn more about Pharmacy Badass University membership.
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It is a No-Brainer to join. Unlock discounts and get the help you need that easily pays for your membership, PLUS lots more!
I am here to help you love owning your pharmacy. Please reach out at any time. Dr. Lisa Faast.
