Inclusive Care’s Statement About Compounding GLP-1s

You have probably been hearing a lot about compounded GLP-1 drugs (semaglutide and tirzepatide) lately,  either on the news or from your health care provider. The legal landscape is confusing at best these days.

Legally, compounding pharmacies are able to make any drug as long as it has been identified as on the “shortage list.” This list is put out by the FDA based on information provided to them by drug manufacturers.

Recently the FDA removed both semaglutide and tirzepatide from the shortage list, which SHOULD mean that these drugs are widely available. We’ve been checking our suppliers on a daily basis and documenting that these drugs ARE NOT consistently available for our patients who need them.

The Idaho Board of Pharmacy (our governing body) cares about patients in Idaho and allows compounding of any medication “if the commercial product is not reasonably available in the market in time to meet the patient’s needs.” 

If shortages are being addressed in other places, that’s great. However, we have seen shortages still affecting our corner of Idaho - so we will continue to compound them.

If the manufacturers prevail in all the legal battles, patients who have been relying on compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide will have to switch to the brand-name versions, which are generally over $1000 per month - and many insurance companies have stopped paying for them due to the exorbitant cost. 

We apply rigorous safety and quality control assessments for our compounded GLP-1 drugs. Information you may have received stating that our products are dangerous is inaccurate.

The legal landscape is convoluted and can turn on a dime, but we are committed to providing the best patient care we can - and that means we will continue to provide these life-saving medications to all of our patients as long as we can.

If the legal landscape changes what we are allowed to do, Inclusive Care staff will personally call and give you information on shortages, availability, and alternatives. Please know we are here to help, and our business is open 7 days a week. Call with any questions you may have: (208) 913-2273.

So much love,

The Co-Owners of Inclusive Care Clinic Pharmacy

Dr. Catherine Cashmore and Dr. Alexandra Heyneman