Online advertising of compounded GLP-1 receptor agonists often doesn’t meet federal advertising rules
Researchers investigated whether online sellers of compounded formulations of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) — popular diabetes control and weight loss agents — adhere to federal advertising rules. The law requires that marketing for all prescription medications, even compounded products not approved by FDA, be “truthful, non-misleading, and accurate.” To gauge the level of compliance among vendors of GLP-1 RAs, which are frequently sourced online, study authors identified 98 unique websites offering any form of semaglutide, tirzepatide, or liraglutide between July and September 2024. Most of them — 79 out of 98 — sold compounded versions and all but two provided prescriptions for compounded GLP-1 RAs. Further analysis revealed that websites were not always forthcoming with pertinent information and at times were downright misleading. Nearly one-half failed to report adverse effects, warnings and precautions, and contraindications. More than 36% stated or suggested that compounded GLP-1 RAs were approved by FDA, and about 40% featured an efficacy claim not included in the FDA-approved label on branded versions. Some did not even disclose that the drugs were compounded. “The FDA could require websites to explicitly disclose and define compounding, including lack of FDA approval; institute unique naming conventions for compounded medications; and be given greater authority to act against misleading compounded medication advertising,” the investigators offer as regulatory strategies for meeting truthful advertising standards.
Filed under: General Problems
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