The Landscape
The GLP-1 telehealth market exploded in 2024-2025. Hundreds of providers popped up overnight to meet demand. Most are legitimate. Some are not.
In September 2025, the FDA sent warning letters to multiple telehealth providers for misleading claims about their compounded medications. The FTC has also cracked down on deceptive practices. The industry is getting cleaned up—but sketchy operators still exist.
Here's how to spot them.
Red Flags
🚩 No Real Medical Consultation
If you can place an order without any provider interaction—no questionnaire, no consultation, no medical review—that's a major problem.
Legitimate providers require a detailed health assessment and either async (message-based) or sync (video) provider review before prescribing.
🚩 Claims Their Compounded Meds Are "FDA-Approved"
This is flat-out false. Compounded medications are NOT FDA-approved. The FDA specifically sent warning letters to providers making this claim in 2025.
Compounded medications are prepared by FDA-regulated pharmacies, but the specific formulations are not FDA-approved products. Any provider claiming otherwise is misleading you.
🚩 No Pharmacy Transparency
Ask: "Which pharmacy compounds my medication?" If they can't or won't tell you, that's a red flag.
Legitimate providers work with licensed compounding pharmacies (503A or 503B facilities) and should be willing to share this information.
🚩 Prices That Seem Too Good to Be True
If someone is offering semaglutide for $50/month when everyone else charges $150+, ask why. Either they're cutting corners on medication quality, pharmacy standards, or medical oversight—or they're running a scam.
🚩 No ID or Photo Verification
Legitimate telehealth requires identity verification. This prevents fraud and ensures the provider is treating the actual patient. If they don't ask for ID or a photo, their medical protocols are questionable.
🚩 Impossible to Cancel
Some providers make subscription cancellation extremely difficult. The FTC has investigated this practice. Check cancellation policies before signing up.
🚩 Terrible BBB Ratings or Complaint Patterns
Check the Better Business Bureau. An "F" rating or pattern of unresolved complaints about non-delivery, billing issues, or fake consultations is a clear warning sign.
Some complaints are inevitable for any business. Look for patterns, not isolated incidents.
Green Flags
✓ Clear About What They Are (And Aren't)
Honest providers clearly state: "We offer compounded medications, which are NOT FDA-approved. They contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs but are prepared by compounding pharmacies."
Transparency about limitations builds trust.
✓ Real Provider Interaction
You should have access to a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA) who reviews your case and is available for questions. This might be async or video, but there should be a real person involved.
✓ Named Pharmacy Partner
They'll tell you which pharmacy prepares your medication. Bonus points if the pharmacy has LegitScript certification, PCAB accreditation, or is a registered 503B facility.
✓ Clear Pricing (No Hidden Fees)
The price includes consultation, prescription, medication, supplies, and shipping—and they tell you upfront. No surprise charges after you've already signed up.
✓ Easy Cancellation
You can cancel online or with a simple request. No hoops, no extended hold times, no guilt trips.
How to Verify a Provider
- Check BBB: Search the company on bbb.org. Look at rating and complaint history.
- Search for FDA warning letters: The FDA publishes warning letters. Search for the company name.
- Ask about their pharmacy: Get the name, then verify it's a licensed compounding facility.
- Read the fine print: Cancellation policy, what's included in pricing, how refunds work.
- Look for independent reviews: Reddit, Trustpilot, or other sources beyond the company's own testimonials.
Remember: The cheapest option isn't always the best value. You're putting medication in your body—quality and safety matter more than saving $30/month.
If Something Goes Wrong
If you have a bad experience with a provider:
- Document everything (screenshots, emails, charges)
- File a BBB complaint
- Report to your state attorney general if fraud is involved
- Dispute charges with your credit card if services weren't delivered
- Report concerning medication issues to the FDA MedWatch program
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