SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio weight loss clinic owner is advising patients not to panic after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set a deadline for compound pharmacies to stop making the weight loss drug semaglutide.
The deadline began on May 22, giving pharmacies time to prepare.
“The pharmacies knew this was coming, so they still have a lot of medication in stock,” said Dr. Paula Bilica, owner of IMAXweightloss. “I think they are playing the long game, waiting to see what happens in court.”
Bilica also noted that these drugs might return to the FDA’s shortage list.
She mentioned brand-name weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
“When medicines are on the shortage list, compound pharmacies are allowed to make copies,” Bilica explained. “Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound.”
Now that these brand-name drugs are no longer on the shortage list, the FDA decided to stop the production of off-brand semaglutide. This decision is because the off-brand version lacks FDA approval for weight loss.
Despite this, Bilica believes these drugs have important health benefits beyond weight loss.
“Recent studies show benefits like reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol, addiction, and sleep apnea,” she said.
Currently, pharmacies have found ways to continue supplying the medication.
“I talked to several pharmacies out of concern for my patients,” Bilica said. “They told me they are continuing business as usual. They adjust dosing and sometimes add vitamins B12 and B6 to reduce side effects like nausea and boost energy. So, don’t panic yet.”
She explained that patients using semaglutide have two choices now.
“Option one is to buy the brand-name drugs, which many people find too expensive,” Bilica said. “Option two is to stop taking the medicine. If you’ve used it as a tool alongside better nutrition and fitness, you might maintain your progress without it. Hopefully, the brand-name drugs could return to shortage status.”
With 40% of Americans classified as obese, Bilica hopes for a positive outcome from the FDA.
“We have enough medication for now. But legal battles between big pharmaceutical companies and compound pharmacies continue,” she said. “Brand-name drugs might end up on shortage lists again.”
Bilica added, “No one should have to pay $1,000 a month for medicine that improves overall health. I hope both sides reach an agreement so everyone can have access.”
