It’s hard to watch television without seeing advertisements for compounded GLP-1 weight-loss drugs that are cheaper than the authentic prescription versions like Zepbound and Ozempic. These ads say the products are “doctor-trusted” and “formulated in the USA.”

Don’t be fooled. The compounded versions are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, nor are there any government assurances that these medications are safe or effective. The only reason the FDA allows this is because there is a shortage of these brand-name drugs because they are so effective. These compounded medications are made by manufacturers registering with the FDA and agreeing to meet the required safety standards.

What is deeply concerning is that the FDA lacks any enforcement tools to ensure that these manufacturers comply with those standards. Where are these compounded drugs made? Often in India and China, which are not known for prioritizing human safety or following the rules.

Knowing this could lead a rational person to question whether it is a good idea for people to be able to get these powerful weight-loss drugs — that patients must inject into themselves — from sources that aren’t necessarily trusted. 

What are the risks associated with compounded weight-loss drugs? The trade association representing the political interests of many of these online retailers of compounded drugs recently stated that because these commercials do “not promote a specific drug or medication, it is not required to provide information about side effects or risks.” They also assert that these drugs are not regulated by the FDA.

This disconcerting statement, by the head of that trade association, was released in response to a letter sent to the FDA by Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas and Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, a Republican and a Democrat, which raised concerns that Americans watching these commercials and buying these drugs would be unaware of the serious side effects that can be associated with these medications. 

Of course, the market for these compounded drugs is booming because the brand-name drugs are expensive. For some patients, the cost can be around $1,000 monthly. This price point puts these drugs out of reach for most people. 

The good news is that at the end of 2024, the Biden administration approved Medicare and Medicaid coverage of these drugs. However, that coverage excludes many Americans — mainly those too young to secure that government benefit. Now, it is up to the Trump administration to extend this coverage.

Thankfully, the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by former president Joe Biden, allows the Trump administration to negotiate with drugmakers regarding the price of brand-name GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. 

The administration should use this powerful negotiating tool to reduce the costs of these GLP-1 drugs so people can afford the brand-name versions of these medications and ensure the drugmakers see a return on their investment. So, we have a commonsense solution to this problem. It is hoped that the White House does the right thing to help combat our obesity epidemic and keep the American people safe.

Hank Naughton is the president of the Centrist Democrats of America. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.