Woman struggles with weight loss using unregulated drug

Aileen Maritato, 60, struggled with weight gain despite making lifestyle changes. She recently discovered she has been sleep-eating, often waking up to a messy kitchen. Her husband noticed her midnight snacks and suspected she had a sleep disorder. To lose weight, Aileen tried various methods, including walking regularly and following a healthier diet. She also began using a compounded version of the weight-loss drug semaglutide, informally called 'Frankenzempic.' This drug is similar to popular medications like Ozempic and Wegovy but is made by specialty pharmacies that are not regulated by the FDA. Aileen hoped the compounded medication would help her shed pounds, but she lost only about 2 pounds in a month. Along with minimal weight loss, she experienced stomach issues, further frustrating her efforts. She now worries that she might have been given an ineffective product. Many people are using compounded GLP-1 drugs like Aileen, mostly because they are cheaper than brand-name medications. However, these compounded medications might lack the same safety and quality control as approved ones, leading to concerns about safety. The FDA has flagged issues with some of these drugs, including dosing errors. Aileen believes that if she had access to the brand-name versions covered by insurance, she might have seen different results. She is planning to appeal her insurance company’s decision with the hope of getting proper treatment for her weight concerns, which are compounded by other health issues.