If you’ve heard the term “compounded semaglutide” or “compounded tirzepatide,” you might be wondering what it actually means — and whether it’s something you should consider.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Is a Compounded Medication?
A compounded medication is a prescription that’s custom-prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy to meet a specific medical need that isn’t addressed by the commercially available version.
At New Leaf, we use compounded medications when we believe a patient needs a formulation that supports better tolerability or effectiveness. For example, our compounded tirzepatide includes pyridoxine (vitamin B6) to help reduce nausea — one of the most common side effects of this class of medication. In some cases, we may also compound with other ingredients like sermorelin, a peptide that may support muscle maintenance during weight loss.
Are Compounded Medications Safe?
It’s important to make sure your compound medication is made by a pharmacy that follows the highest quality standards.
At New Leaf, all prescriptions are filled by a PCAB-accredited, third-party tested compounding pharmacy that performs:
- Purity and potency testing
- Sterility and safety checks
- Secure temperature-controlled shipping
- Strict compliance with compounding regulations
Every medication we prescribe is reviewed and dosed by a licensed medical provider, and our team stays in close contact with you to make sure you’re responding well.
Why Do Patients Choose Compounded Medications?
While we compound for medical necessity, patients often appreciate that compounded medications:
- Are typically more affordable than brand-name alternatives
- Are more consistently available, especially when commercial supply chains are unpredictable
- Are delivered directly to your home, with no need to make a trip to the pharmacy
- Come with ongoing support from our medical team — not just a prescription slip
Want more? Our patients get access to a full article that dives deeper into how compounded medications are made, how they’re used in our programs, and what to expect as you get started.