Resource Center

Medical Weight Loss in a Med Spa Practice

Navigate the legal, regulatory, and clinical landscape of GLP-1 medications including semaglutide and tirzepatide in your medical aesthetic practice.

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, announced in June 2023 that it was taking action against certain medical spas, medical weight loss clinics, and pharmacies that, they allege, have been unfairly competing with them. Since then, the legal and regulatory landscape around GLP-1 medications has evolved rapidly.

The information and resources on this page can help you make informed decisions on how you use and market semaglutides and tirzepatides in your medical aesthetic practice, including the latest on compounding regulations, FDA guidance, and compliance requirements.

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Medical Weight Loss Podcasts

Common Questions

Medical Weight Loss FAQ

According to the FDA, in some circumstances when a drug appears on the FDA’s drug shortages list, drugs may be compounded and distributed with fewer restrictions. While semaglutide and tirzepatide appeared on the FDA’s Drug Shortages list, compounding pharmacies were able to prepare compounded versions of those drugs.

The resolution of GLP-1 medication shortages has ended the temporary allowance for pharmacies and outsourcing facilities to compound these drugs under the shortage exception. As of August 14, 2024, the shortage of Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide medications was listed as “Resolved.” As of February 21, 2025, the shortage of semaglutide was also listed as “Resolved.”

Current Status: Compounding these drugs in the same formulation is no longer permitted under FDA guidelines. Practices must update their advertising, websites, and promotional materials to reflect the current situation.

No. Even if a drug is compounded in the same formulation as a trademarked product, you cannot use that brand name if you didn’t acquire it from the original company. Using trademarked names for non-branded products exposes your practice to trademark infringement liability.

No. Even if a drug is compounded in the same formulation as the FDA-approved product, according to the FDA, “Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved.” Marketing compounded products as FDA-approved is misleading and could result in regulatory enforcement action.

It depends. In many cases, compounded drugs are able to provide necessary treatment to patients during times of shortage. However, the FDA has released warnings regarding adverse reports from patients after using semaglutides that were not compounded correctly.

The FDA has documented adverse events linked to improperly compounded semaglutide products. Always ensure compounded medications are sourced from licensed, reputable pharmacies.

AmSpa Masters

Medical Weight Loss Training

This on-demand virtual training covers the clinical, operational, and legal steps to opening a successful and legally compliant medical weight loss program in your practice.

Further Reading

Additional Resources

  • AmSpa Resources

Who Can Perform Semaglutide Treatments?

State-by-state delegation rules for weight loss treatments.

Pros and Cons of Ozempic

What to consider before offering this treatment to patients.

What Do Med Spas Need to Know About Compounding Pharmacies

The role of compounding pharmacies and recent controversies.

Maker of Wegovy and Ozempic Takes Action Against Med Spas

Lawsuit details and implications for practices offering GLP-1s.

Compounded GLP-1 FAQ

Timeline and insights into the evolving regulatory landscape.

Get More Resources

AmSpa members receive legal references, compliance consultations, and more.

Key Dates

Timeline of GLP-1 Medications in Medical Spas

April 24, 2025

U.S. District Court denies preliminary injunction for semaglutide compounding. FDA discretion ends, and deadlines set for compounding pharmacies to stop producing semaglutide products.

April 1, 2025

Eli Lilly files lawsuits against two compounding facilities for compounding tirzepatide products with added vitamins, accusing them of making false safety and efficacy suggestions.

March 5, 2025

U.S. District Court denies preliminary injunction for tirzepatide compounding. FDA discretion ends for compounding pharmacies.

February 21, 2025

Semaglutide shortage is listed as “Resolved” on the FDA Drug Shortages List.

November 1, 2024

All dosages of semaglutide injections listed as Available on the FDA Drug Shortages List. Status remains “Currently in Shortage.”

August 14, 2024

Tirzepatide shortage is listed as “Resolved” on the FDA Drug Shortages List.

August 2, 2024

Tirzepatide is listed as Available on the FDA Drug Shortages List.

September 19, 2023

Eli Lilly files lawsuits against four compounding pharmacies and six medical spas for allegedly selling products claiming to contain tirzepatide.

July 6, 2023

Novo Nordisk files lawsuits against four compounding pharmacies for allegedly selling products claiming to contain semaglutide.

June 20, 2023

Novo Nordisk announces intention to sue medical spas, wellness clinics, and medical weight loss practices that improperly market and sell products claiming to contain semaglutide.

June 15, 2023

Novo Nordisk and FDA announce counterfeit Ozempic has been found in the U.S.

May 2023

Novo Nordisk pauses key Wegovy promotional efforts and limits supply of starter doses as a response to growing demand.

April 27, 2023

FDA writes to the National Association Boards of Pharmacy expressing concerns with use of salt forms of semaglutide in compounded products.

September 2022

Ozempic and Wegovy are posted on FDA Drug Shortages list, allowing compounding pharmacies to legally produce similar products for the duration of the shortage.

March 2022

Wegovy shortage listed with FDA after contract manufacturer stops deliveries. Sales halted and EU launch delayed.

June 4, 2021

Wegovy is approved by FDA for long-term weight management.

December 5, 2017

Ozempic is approved by FDA for use in people with type 2 diabetes.