How do compounded peptides & longevity medications differ from brand-name drugs?

Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed pharmacy for one patient and are not FDA-approved. Compounding can meet a patient's medical needs when an available approved drug does not meet those needs. It is not a reason to assume that a custom formula is safer or more effective.

FDA-approved brand-name drugs undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, and quality before marketing. Compounded drugs do not go through that approval process. They can carry risks from contamination, incorrect strength, or other quality problems. Sterile preparation is especially important for injectable medications. Pharmacy licensing does not mean that each compounded product has FDA approval.

Ask whether the specific product being offered is compounded and why it is being considered for you. Review its ingredients, route, storage needs, and expiration or beyond-use date. Product names alone do not establish regulatory status, especially across medicines and skin serums. Your physician and dispensing pharmacist should answer questions about the exact formulation before you use it.