Patient Education

Understand what you're taking, and why.

A plain-language guide to GLP-1 and peptide therapy — what each program is studied for, how compounding works, and the questions worth asking before you start. Search by name, goal, or condition below.

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Most asked about

What are GLP-1 medications, really?

GLP-1 receptor agonists — compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide — mimic a hormone your body already makes after eating. They work by regulating appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and supporting healthy blood sugar. They're the most clinically studied class of medication on this page, and the starting point for most people who come to MedFit Health for weight management.

Semaglutide → Tirzepatide →

Board-certified physiciansEvery case reviewed individually — not an algorithm

503B licensed pharmaciesHeld to stricter compounding standards

LegitScript certifiedIndependently verified telehealth provider

The Program Library

What each program is studied or used for, in plain terms. Every program requires an individual physician evaluation — nothing here is a recommendation to use or dose anything on your own.

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A note from the FDA on unapproved GLP-1 drugs

The FDA has published specific concerns about unapproved and compounded GLP-1 products, including semaglutide and tirzepatide:

Compounded versions are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by the agency for safety, effectiveness, or quality before reaching patients.
Retatrutide and cagrilintide cannot legally be used in compounding.
The agency has received reports of dosing errors, counterfeit products, and medications shipped without adequate refrigeration.
The FDA recommends obtaining a prescription from a licensed physician and filling it only through a state-licensed pharmacy.

This is part of why MedFit Health requires an individual physician evaluation for every prescription and works exclusively with licensed 503B pharmacy partners.

Read the FDA's full statement →

Compounding, in plain terms

A quick primer on what "compounded" actually means, and why the pharmacy behind your prescription matters as much as the prescription itself.

What "compounded" meansA licensed pharmacy prepares your medication to an individual prescription, rather than dispensing a mass-manufactured, FDA-approved product off a shelf. It's legal and common — but it means the pharmacy's standards are the product's standards.

503A vs. 503B503A pharmacies compound for individual patients on a smaller scale. 503B outsourcing facilities compound at larger scale under stricter, FDA-registered manufacturing standards (cGMP) — which is why MedFit Health works exclusively with licensed 503B partners.

Why "not FDA-approved" doesn't mean unregulatedCompounded drugs aren't FDA-approved as finished products, but the pharmacies making them are licensed and inspected. Ask which pharmacy fills your prescription and what oversight it operates under.

Why this matters to youTwo vials with the same name on the label aren't automatically the same product. Sourcing, testing, and pharmacy licensing are what separate a legitimate compounded medication from one that isn't.

Questions worth asking your physician

You don't need to arrive with answers — just good questions. These help you get the most out of your evaluation and check-ins.

Is this the right starting point for my goal?Ask why a particular program — rather than another one — fits your health history and what you're trying to achieve.

What should I expect, and by when?Timelines vary by program and by person. Ask what a realistic early signal looks like, and what would suggest an adjustment is needed.

What would tell us to change course?Ask what side effects or lab results should trigger a call to your care team rather than waiting for your next check-in.

Can this be combined with something else I'm taking?This includes other MedFit programs, prescriptions from another provider, and supplements. Always disclose everything you're taking.

Glossary

Terms you'll see across your intake, your prescription label, and conversations with your care team.

Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and informational. It is not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or a substitute for evaluation by a licensed physician. Programs referenced are available only following an individual physician evaluation and valid prescription. Medications dispensed through MedFit Health are compounded by licensed pharmacy partners; compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality, and are not represented to be the same as, or equivalent to, any FDA-approved drug. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed. Not all applicants qualify. If you have questions about a specific program, contact your MedFit Health care team directly.