The introduction of Ozempic as a weight-loss method has thrust GLP-1 drugs into the spotlight. Whether on the news or at your office’s water cooler, conversations surround glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, called GLP-1 drugs.
For a while, shortages of this type of drug ran rampant across the nation and the world, but supplies are beginning to stabilize. Governments are now catching up with regulation and oversight on the market.
Here’s the latest on what you need to know about GLP-1 drugs.
What are GLP-1 Drugs?
GLP-1 drugs mimic a hormone produced in the small intestine. By activating insulin to be released from the pancreas, it helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Without that necessary insulin, your blood sugar will increase uncontrollably.
But GLP-1 does something else that becomes important in weight-loss. GLP-1 drugs mimic the GLP-1 hormone in the brain as well. This helps the body feel full and satisfied. A person using a semaglutide like Ozempic will feel full and less likely to eat.
Originally created to help those with Type II diabetes control their blood sugar, GLP-1 drugs have found a new use in the weight-loss market.
1. GLP-1 Drugs: No More Knock-offs
Recently, the FDA has ordered compounding pharmacies that manufacture various prescription medications to stop making the less expensive versions of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound.
On March 19th, 2025, a ban on copy-cat drugs with the active ingredient tirzepatide took effect. This means people will be required to purchase FDA-approved name-brand versions or approved generics.
Likewise, a ban on manufacturing copy-cat weight-loss drugs with the active ingredient semaglutide will become active on April 22nd.
What does this mean for you and your GLP-1 drugs?
Since compounding pharmacies specially tailor medications to individual patient needs, they will no longer be able to create GLP-1 drugs that have the active ingredients tirzepatide or semaglutide.
Today, the available supply of GLP-1 drugs continues to stabilize, meaning prescription medications such as Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Wegovy are more accessible.
In February 2024, FDA officials announced that the shortage of these drugs had ended. Therefore, the supply could reasonably meet demand.
Unfortunately, this also means that less expensive versions of popular brand-name drugs will not be available for those who struggle to meet their costs.
Options do still exist for those who are looking for drugs like Ozempic, such as Prescription Assistance Programs like Prescription Hope. At $60.00 per med, per month, some find Prescription Hope to be a powerful alternative to trying to get Ozempic at retail cost.
2. Beware of Fake GLP-1 Drugs
Due to the shortage, some consumers resort to purchasing their GLP-1 drugs online. Specifically, the knock-offs of the Ozempic and Mounjaro brands have hit the online market. These insulin injector pens will often sport a stuck-on label and appear darker.
Sadly, online sellers find a golden opportunity to make money from people’s trust and goodwill, yet may be risking lives.
Social media pages, influencers, unregistered pharmacies, and unreliable companies are now selling repurposed insulin pens, vials, and syringes labeled as GLP-1 drugs, yet may be dangerously mislabeled insulin medication.
Reports suggest that some of the fake medications include ingredients such as rat poison, cement, mercury, and arsenic.
Other fake medications are insulin pens which could dangerously surge a person’s insulin and lead them to possibly fatal consequences. Some reports point to patients having seizures and life-threatening comas as a result.
Getting your FDA-approved medications from reliable resources could mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, some illegitimate companies look to prey on people’s needs and produce unreliable alternatives. Knowing where your GLP-1 drugs come from is vital to your safety.
For example, simply using insulin as a replacement for a GLP-1 drug can be an extremely dangerous alternative.
Consumers should only purchase their medications from approved pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, or programs such as Prescription Assistance Programs after consulting with their doctor.
3. GLP-1 Drugs and Possible Link to Eye-disorders
Last year, a study conducted on nine patients averaging 58 years of age taking GLP-1 drugs resulted in seven participants developing NAION. This condition, known as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, is considered a stroke of the optic nerve.
Unfortunately, the condition may cause irreversible vision loss in one or both eyes.
What’s Behind GLP-1 Drugs possibly Causing Eye Issues?
Researchers believe eye issues from GLP-1 drugs may result from rapid changes in blood sugar levels.
Because the drugs effectively drop blood sugar levels in the body (and do it fast), experts believe the rapid change in blood sugar may cause the optic nerve to swell as the body tries to balance fluid levels.
However, experts are not recommending people stop using their GLP-1 drugs because of the study. More research must be done first to determine whether the possible link requires a re-evaluation of the drug’s use.
The Reality of GLP-1 Drugs
Side effects are possible with any medication. However, GLP-1 drugs have been used by millions of people for over 20 years. This side effect rarely appears and must be studied further before recommendations change.
Knowing side effects and how a drug might interact with your body remains necessary. This means you should discuss your medication options with your doctor before making any decisions.
So What to Do About Your GLP-1 Drugs?
If you need GLP-1 drugs for your Type II diabetes or have been prescribed a drug like Ozempic for weight-loss, then getting them is finally getting easier.
However, some people still find the costs of such medicines too high.
While plenty of options exist, some people struggle to pay for their medications and resort to unapproved “alternatives” or give up taking them altogether.
We at Prescription Hope have made it our mission to help patients get their FDA-approved medications for an affordable rate. For $60.00 per medication, per month, we can help you get your important medications stress-free.
Simply visit us at www.prescriptionhope.com and get started on our enrollment form. Our patient advocates are more than happy to assist you at every step. Soon, you could have your medications delivered to your door and your refill orders handled by us. All for $60.00 per med, per month.
