2 days ago
You Can Get Ozempic Online Without a Prescription. Is it Safe?
'In short, compounded semaglutide is not equivalent to the FDA-approved version in terms of quality assurance, clinical data, or regulatory,' Dr. Goulden says. To make matters worse, he adds that some compounding pharmacies are taking advantage of the Ozempic shortage.
'When I see a patient come to my office who was started on a compounded version of medication through an online platform, they are often unaware of what the medication actually is, what dose they are taking, and sometimes they are taking it multiple times a week or at unapproved intervals so this can create some confusion,' adds Dr. Lofton. 'This is also very dangerous when someone has a side effect and has to present to a hospital because we can't tell what they are taking exactly.'
Is Any Online Ozempic Option Safe?
While there are horror stories of people getting sick from semaglutides they've bought off of TikTok, there are other online platforms that offer somewhat of a happy – and safer – medium. Telehealth company Hims & Hers, for instance, provides consumers with easy access to GLP-1 medications through licensed professionals without much wait time. 'GLP-1s have emerged as one of the most promising tools in obesity medicine, offering hope to those who haven't found success with traditional approaches,' says Jessica Shepherd, MD, board-certified OB/GYN and Hers Chief Medical Officer. 'That's why we expanded our program to integrate the power of GLP-1s into a model designed not just for prescriptions, but for long-term success.'
The process of obtaining Ozempic and other similar drugs through Hers is pretty straightforward. Dr. Shepherd explains that patients will fill out an in-depth online questionnaire about their medical history, weight journey, goals, and lifestyle. A licensed provider will review it (this can take as little as a few hours), and if the patient is the right candidate for the drug, the practitioner will write a prescription for the recommended weight loss medication and come up with a personalized health plan to support them. This includes check-ins, 24/7 access to a care team for any questions, and educational resources and support with their nutrition, mental health, and physical well-being through the app. Because everything is done virtually, Dr. Shepherd says care is flexible to 'meet people where they are and [be] responsive enough to evolve in real time.'
Hims & Hers offers Ozempic, Wegovy, and other FDA-approved medications that are known to help with weight management. Until recently, they also offered compounded options to offset the nationwide Ozempic shortage and offer a cheaper option (it was reported by Quartz that it used to cost $199 a month) for those who may not be able to afford the brand label. But as of May 23, 2025, no new compounded semaglutide is legally permitted to be produced or sold. The FDA states that there are exceptions, such as an allergy to an inactive ingredient found in GLP-1s, and patients may still use compounded medication that was made before the cutoff date.
