Alternative version of Ozempic, Wegovy may not be available much longer
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Affordable and alternative versions of popular weight loss drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, may no longer be available.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered compounding pharmacies to stop making those versions after recently deciding there is no longer a shortage of semaglutide -- one of the main ingredients for Ozempic and Wegovy.
A compounding pharmacy, like People's Rx, can make its own versions that can sometimes be more affordable and accessible than name brand drugs.
Christie Deschodt, with People's Rx, said they are involved in the national conversation.
"We were at the Capitol during the Capitol day for pharmacists, and so it is something that we're being patient with, and we're observing. We don't feel reactionary at this point in time. I think it's so early on that we will continue to be a voice and advocate for customers and for pharmacies," Deschodt said.
The FDA's ban on the mass compounding of semaglutide for outsourcing facilities starts in late May.
The Outsourcing Facilities Association is suing the FDA to keep the ban from going into effect.