What does 'compounded' mean?
What compounded medications are, who prepares them, how they differ from brand-name products, and why they are not FDA-approved.
A medication prepared for you
A compounded medication is prepared by a state-licensed pharmacy for an individual patient, based on a valid prescription from a licensed provider. Instead of being mass-produced, it is made by a pharmacy for the person it's prescribed to.
Why compounded medications are used
Pharmacies have compounded medications for a very long time. Compounding can make a medication available in a different form or strength, or without an ingredient a patient can't take. It is regulated by state boards of pharmacy, and the pharmacy must follow strict rules for how medications are prepared and labeled.
Who prepares Slimbee medications
Our medications are compounded by a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy. You can see our pharmacy details on our providers and pharmacy page.
Not FDA-approved
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. That means the FDA has not reviewed them for safety, effectiveness or quality the way it reviews brand-name products. It's important to know this before you start.
Not the same as brand-name products
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not the same as brand-name products. They contain the same active ingredient that some brand-name products use, but they may contain different inactive ingredients — for example, added vitamins.
How dosing is different
Compounded medications usually come in a vial, and your dose is measured in units on a syringe. Units are not the same as milligrams. Always use the exact number of units on your prescription label. If you're ever unsure, message us before your shot.
Your provider decides
A licensed provider reviews your health history before prescribing. If compounded medication isn't right for you, they'll tell you. You may stop at any time.
Good questions to ask
Our team is happy to answer any of these. You'll also find the answers on your prescription label and in the instructions in your box.
- Which pharmacy prepares my medication, and where is it licensed?
- How many units is my dose, and how will it change?
- How should I store it, and what is the beyond-use date?
- Who do I contact if I have side effects or questions?
Read the full consent
Our Compounded Medication Consent explains all of this in more detail, including storage, serious risks, and who should not use these medications.