The Rise And Rise Of GLP-1

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists have experienced a meteoric rise in the healthcare industry. The drug plays a dual role in managing type 2 diabetes and helping with weight loss, particularly among individuals with obesity. The popularity and effectiveness of the drug have caused significant demand. Drug shortages are a common concern, but the widespread shortage and increased demand for GLP-1 medications feel like uncharted territory. To meet demand, pharmacies can utilize compounding to fill the gap. Compounding GLP-1 helps pharmacies remain competitive while patients receive customized treatment and support.

Understanding GLP-1

The body contains countless peptides and proteins that are essential for optimal health and wellness. Doctors and scientists have found that supplementing or adding peptides can help treat medical conditions. While there are numerous peptides yet to be discovered, some, such as GLP-1, have shown great promise. GLP-1 agonists are medications that mimic the actions of peptides like GLP-1 in the gut, which are responsible for regulating insulin levels and suppressing appetite. When using GLP-1, the drug stimulates insulin release in response to food consumption, regulates blood sugar, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses appetite. These benefits are essential in managing moderate to severe cases of type 2 diabetes. Recently, GLP-1 has been used off-label for weight loss, as a significant benefit is rapid weight loss that occurs over a short timeframe.

Drug shortages and bottlenecks

As obesity impacts 42% of American adults, there has been a growing demand for solutions for chronic weight management. The numerous benefits of GLP-1 medications mean more individuals are requesting the drug. The traditional media craze, social media frenzy, and celebrity use, along with endorsements, have created an unnatural surge in demand. Supply has struggled to keep pace with demand due to manufacturing limitations and access to raw materials. The drug has also faced supply chain issues, leading to shortages. Furthermore, regulatory constraints in some states limit access, which increases the price and leads to off-market price gouging.

Can compounding help?

Pharmacies can keep up with demand through compounding. This common practice helps pharmacies to take ownership of the supply of weight loss drugs like GLP-1. Compounding is a pharmaceutical skill that allows the team to create a replica of a particular drug to meet the individual needs of patients. In the past, most drugs were compounded, but then big pharmaceutical manufacturers took over. Now, compounding helps patients with unique needs that mass-produced drugs cannot. Pharmacies can create an off-label option for a patient by expertly combining raw ingredients. Compounding also allows pharmacies to combine multiple drugs into a single-use option, reducing polypharmacy concerns. The benefits of compounding have taken a new form and are now a way to solve shortages.

Compounding benefits

Thanks to compounding, pharmacies can effectively meet the needs of many patients. A pharmacy can recreate batches of GLP-1 and provide the medication at a lower cost. Now, pharmacies can help patients with type 2 diabetes while helping with off-label recommendations for weight loss. Compared to mass-produced options, compounding can customize drugs by changing the dose and form. Patients can receive lower or higher doses as recommended by a doctor. Pharmacists can also create oral or sublingual options for ease of use or remove specific ingredients to reduce side effects. Compounding GLP-1 is an excellent way to solve ongoing shortages, as production can be adjusted accordingly.

Navigating safety, trust, and efficacy

Compounding is a significant undertaking, as pharmacies must adhere to strict guidelines for patient safety and trust. Safety and trust are a collaborative effort among pharmacies, suppliers, and patients. The goal is to create formulations that are highly bioavailable with the correct dosing. Sourcing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) becomes essential, as well as maintaining compliance with current compounding standards and regulations. Strict records are also vital. Monitoring the effectiveness of compounded GLP-1, recording any side effects that may occur, and adjusting the treatment accordingly is essential. Third-party testing provides an added layer of safety and trust.

Meeting weight loss demands with compounding

The demand for GLP-1 in diabetes and weight loss treatment means shortages are inevitable. Even when manufacturers catch up, securing the medication can be challenging due to logistical and supply chain delays. Pharmacies can be proactive by creating off-brand alternatives using compounding. By understanding the precise composition of the drug, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and meeting safety standards, compounding pharmacies can offer a great alternative to traditional medication prescribing. Creating custom drugs will be vital in the goal of managing chronic diseases like obesity.