It’s important to understand what compounded medications are and when they should be used.
What Are Compounded Medications?
Compounded medications are custom-made by licensed pharmacies that mix ingredients to create a medication specifically for one patient. These pharmacies are regulated by state boards of pharmacy and sometimes by the FDA.
IMPORTANT: Compounded medications are NOT FDA-approved. The FDA does not check the safety, effectiveness, or quality of compounded drugs before they’re sold. They don’t go through the same rigorous testing as FDA-approved products.
How Your Provider Determines the Right Treatment
Your licensed provider will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs. This evaluation includes:
- Reviewing your complete medical history and current health status
- Assessing any allergies or sensitivities you may have
- Determining the optimal dosage and formulation for your treatment goals
- Discussing all available treatment options with you
Based on this evaluation, your provider will prescribe the medication that best meets your specific medical needs—whether that's a compounded formulation or an FDA-approved product.
FDA-Approved Alternatives for Weight Management
These FDA-approved medications are available through traditional healthcare providers:
| Medication Name | Active Ingredient | FDA-Approved For |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic® | Semaglutide | Type 2 Diabetes |
| Wegovy® | Semaglutide | Weight Management |
| Mounjaro® | Tirzepatide | Type 2 Diabetes |
| Zepbound® | Tirzepatide | Weight Management |
These products have been tested in large clinical trials and reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.
About NAD+ Therapy
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a naturally occurring substance in your body. Sprout Health offers compounded NAD+ prepared by state-licensed pharmacies.
There is currently NO FDA-approved injectable NAD+ product for general wellness, energy, or cognitive support.
Your provider will evaluate whether NAD+ therapy is appropriate for you.
Questions?
If you have questions about compounded versus FDA-approved medications, discuss this with your clinician through the medical portal.