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.
🚩 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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