Ohio AG Warning on Compounded GLP-1s: What It Means for You

If you live in Ohio and have been considering compounded GLP-1 medications for weight loss, you may have seen warnings from the Ohio Attorney General's office. These warnings are part of a broader state-level effort to protect consumers from potential risks in the rapidly growing telehealth weight-loss market.

Understanding what triggered these warnings—and what they actually mean for your options—is essential for making informed decisions about your health.

What Triggered Ohio's Warning

Ohio's Attorney General issued consumer alerts about compounded GLP-1 medications following a coordinated effort among multiple state attorneys general. The warnings were prompted by several factors:

Consumer Complaints

The Ohio AG's office received complaints from residents who experienced issues with telehealth weight-loss providers. Common complaints included difficulty canceling subscriptions, receiving medications that appeared different from what was expected, and confusion about whether products were FDA-approved.

FDA Enforcement Actions

In September 2025, the FDA issued warning letters to multiple telehealth companies for making misleading claims about compounded GLP-1s. Providers like Hims & Hers, Sprout Health, and DirectMeds were cited for language that implied their compounded products were "FDA-approved" or the "same as Ozempic"—claims that violate federal regulations.

State attorneys general often follow federal enforcement actions with their own consumer protection efforts, which is what happened in Ohio.

Multi-State Coordination

Ohio joined Texas, Pennsylvania, and other states in issuing coordinated warnings about the compounded GLP-1 market. This multi-state approach reflects growing concern among consumer protection officials about the rapid, largely unregulated growth of telehealth weight-loss services.

What the Ohio Warning Actually Says

The Ohio AG's consumer alert focuses on several key points:

1. Compounded Medications Are Not FDA-Approved

The warning emphasizes that compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide have not gone through FDA's approval process. This means they haven't been evaluated for safety and efficacy by federal regulators in the same way brand-name Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound have been.

This isn't new information—it's always been true—but many consumers were unaware of this distinction. Some telehealth providers' marketing made it unclear that their products were compounded rather than manufactured by Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly.

2. Potency and Quality Concerns

The warning references FDA findings that some compounded GLP-1 products contained anywhere from 42% to 170% of their labeled strength. This variation could result in medications that are either ineffective (too weak) or potentially dangerous (too strong).

The AG's office recommends that consumers verify the pharmacy filling their prescription is properly licensed and, ideally, uses FDA-registered 503B facilities or carries PCAB accreditation.

3. Misleading Marketing Practices

A significant portion of the warning addresses deceptive marketing. Specific concerns include claims that products are "FDA-approved" (they're not), claims that products are "identical to" or "the same as" brand-name medications (legally problematic), language that downplays or hides the compounded nature of products, and testimonials or weight loss claims that may be exaggerated or unverifiable.

4. Subscription and Cancellation Issues

The AG's office has received complaints about difficulty canceling recurring subscriptions. Some consumers reported being charged after attempting to cancel, or encountering confusing cancellation processes. This reflects broader concerns about subscription-based telehealth business models.

What Ohio Residents Should Know

Compounded GLP-1s Are Still Legal in Ohio

The AG's warning is not a ban on compounded medications. Ohio residents can still legally obtain compounded semaglutide when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. The warning is intended to inform consumers, not prohibit access.

Ohio follows federal law regarding compounding, which permits 503A pharmacies to prepare patient-specific medications and 503B facilities to produce larger batches under FDA registration.

The Ohio State Board of Pharmacy Oversees Compounding

In Ohio, compounding pharmacies are regulated by the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. You can verify a pharmacy's license status through the board's online lookup tool. Any pharmacy filling a prescription for an Ohio resident should hold an active Ohio license or be registered to ship into the state.

Your Prescriber Must Be Licensed in Ohio

For a telehealth consultation to result in a valid prescription, the prescribing provider must be licensed to practice medicine in Ohio. Most legitimate telehealth platforms verify this and will match you with an Ohio-licensed physician or nurse practitioner.

How to Protect Yourself

Based on the AG's warning and general best practices, here's how Ohio residents can minimize risk when considering compounded GLP-1 medications:

Verify the Pharmacy

• Check Ohio licensure: Use the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy's license verification tool
• Look for 503B registration: FDA-registered outsourcing facilities follow higher manufacturing standards
• PCAB accreditation: Voluntary accreditation that indicates commitment to quality

Verify the Provider

• Ohio medical license: Use the State Medical Board of Ohio's online license lookup
• Real consultation: You should have a meaningful conversation with a provider, not just fill out a form and automatically receive medication
• Ongoing care: Legitimate providers offer follow-up consultations and dose adjustments

Understand What You're Getting

• Ask explicitly whether the medication is compounded or brand-name
• Request information about which pharmacy will fill your prescription
• Understand that compounded medications are not FDA-approved (this is normal for compounded drugs, not a red flag by itself)

Review Cancellation Policies Before Signing Up

• Look for clear cancellation instructions in the terms of service
• Prefer providers that allow cancellation through their website or app, not just phone calls
• Consider using a virtual credit card or payment method that allows you to control recurring charges

Providers Operating in Ohio

Most major telehealth GLP-1 providers serve Ohio residents. However, the AG's warning serves as a reminder to vet any provider carefully before enrolling. Providers with stronger compliance records include those that clearly disclose the compounded nature of their products, use 503B pharmacies or PCAB-accredited facilities, have not received FDA warning letters, and maintain positive Better Business Bureau ratings.

Providers that have received FDA warning letters (as of September 2025) include Hims & Hers, Sprout Health, and DirectMeds. These warnings were for misleading marketing claims, not necessarily product quality issues, but they indicate a pattern of aggressive marketing that Ohio regulators are scrutinizing.

What If You've Had Problems?

If you're an Ohio resident who has experienced issues with a telehealth GLP-1 provider, you have several options:

File a Complaint with the Ohio AG

The Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section accepts complaints about businesses operating in Ohio. You can file online at OhioProtects.org or call the Consumer Protection Hotline. Complaints help the AG's office identify patterns and take enforcement action when warranted.

Report to the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy

If your complaint involves the pharmacy specifically—such as receiving a medication that appeared contaminated, improperly labeled, or significantly different from what was prescribed—report it to the Board of Pharmacy. They have jurisdiction over pharmacy operations and can investigate.

File with the BBB

Better Business Bureau complaints create a public record that helps other consumers make informed decisions. Even if the BBB can't force a resolution, the complaint history is visible to future customers.

Report Adverse Events to FDA

If you experienced a medical issue that may be related to a compounded medication, report it through FDA's MedWatch system. These reports help the FDA identify safety signals and take action when needed.

The Bigger Picture

Ohio's warning is part of a broader regulatory reckoning in the telehealth weight-loss space. After years of rapid growth with minimal oversight, state and federal regulators are taking a closer look at how these companies market their products and protect consumers.

This doesn't mean all compounded GLP-1 providers are problematic. Many operate responsibly, use quality pharmacies, and provide genuine medical care. But the industry's explosive growth has attracted some bad actors, and consumers need to do their due diligence.

For Ohio residents, the AG's warning should be a prompt to ask questions—not necessarily a reason to avoid compounded medications entirely. Compounded semaglutide remains a legitimate, legal option for many patients who can't afford or access brand-name alternatives. The key is choosing reputable providers and understanding what you're getting.

Key Takeaways for Ohio Residents

• The AG warning is not a ban: Compounded GLP-1s remain legal in Ohio when properly prescribed
• Focus on verification: Check pharmacy and provider licenses before enrolling
• Prefer 503B pharmacies: FDA-registered facilities offer higher quality assurance
• Read cancellation policies: Know how to stop service before you sign up
• Report problems: File complaints with the AG, Board of Pharmacy, or FDA if you have issues
• Be skeptical of "FDA-approved" claims: Compounded medications are never FDA-approved by definition