PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Weight-loss drugs have taken the world by storm, but high demand has created a shortage and a new opportunity for specialty pharmacies to make their own version at a fraction of the price.
Pharmacists who compound pharmaceuticals claim that their product is exactly the same as brand name injections, but it is not approved by the FDA and will soon be removed from the market.
Those looking to shed a few pounds are turning to popular injections, hailed as miracle workers.
The demand is so high for prescription weight loss drugs like Wegovy, MounjaroAnd Related to Zep there isn’t enough to go around.
This has created an opportunity for compounding pharmacies.
“Weight loss sells,” said Teresa Dickinson, owner of Melrose Pharmacy in downtown Phoenix.
His store offers major brands and for six months, a composed versionAlso.
“It’s an exact copy but cheaper,” she said.
If insurance doesn’t cover the cost, you could pay more than $1,000 per month for FDA-approved weight-loss drugs.
Currently, Dickinson can distribute a replica for just $225.
“It’s safe if you get it from a licensed pharmacy. You don’t want to buy it on the Internet,” Dickinson said.
But change is coming soon. THE The FDA recently announced that the supply of Mounjaro and Zepbound is sufficient again and that compounding pharmacies are only allowed to create medicines that are not commercially available.
So, next March, the most affordable product will be withdrawn from the market.
Wegovy is still experiencing a shortage. So for now, generic options remain fair game.
“To the extent that it’s safe to use, it’s really a risk/benefit discussion.” We can’t know for sure,” said Dr. Beth Zerrclinical assistant professor at University of Arizona College of Pharmacy.
She points out that compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA.
“There are certainly more risks associated with obtaining a medication from a compound pharmacy, and that is one of the reasons the FDA does not allow this to happen on a regular basis,” a- she declared.
For those taking a path less traveled, a natural approach is more appealing.
Diet and exercise are their proven methods for staying healthy.
“I think sometimes it takes work and sometimes a quick fix isn’t always the answer,” said Mary Welder, a hiker at Piestewa Peak.
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