What you need to know about compounded weight-loss medicines

Some online health clinics are advertising and selling compounded medicines, such as injectable weight-loss products. Patients are accessing these compounded medicines without a prescription. 

Supplying compounded medicine without a prescription is illegal and these medicines may be fake or pose a significant risk to your health. 

What is compounding?

Compounding is when a trained health professional, usually a pharmacist, makes a medicine for you using raw ingredients. 

Compounded medicines are normally prepared for individual patients based on their specific needs and upon receipt of a prescription. They can be an option when a medicine that has been approved by the TGA is not currently available or not appropriate for a patient. 

For example, if a child cannot swallow a tablet, a pharmacist may be able to make a liquid form of that medicine using the same or similar ingredients.

What are the risks of compounded medicines?

Compounded medicines in Australia must be produced in line with the Pharmacy Board’s guidelines and professional practice obligations. 

However, it is important to know that compounded products are not identical to TGA approved products. They haven’t been evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy like other registered medicines in Australia.

Compounded medicines can have a different strength and may use different ingredients compared to the original medicine. This can affect patients in different ways and may cause unknown short-term and long-term side effects. 

Don’t buy weight-loss products from overseas without a prescription

Don’t be tempted by websites and social media links offering injectable weight-loss products. You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before making any decisions to purchase a medicine online, even with a prescription.

Compounding medicines on a large scale creates additional health risks, particularly for injectable medicines. Online clinics may also be run by organised crime groups and the products they sell may be fake, ineffective or contain harmful ingredients. 

You should also be aware that it is illegal to import Ozempic-like products without a valid prescription, even for personal use. The TGA, in partnership with law enforcement and border security, is targeting the unlawful importation, advertising and supply of Ozempic, and counterfeit Ozempic products.

If you have concerns about your weight, speak to a health professional about a treatment plan and don’t risk buying online without a prescription.