A compounded pharmaceutical product is a medication that is prepared by a licensed pharmacist or healthcare provider. These can be used for people with specific prescriptions e.g., for someone who may have an allergy to an ingredient or if a different dose is required.

These medicines might be more expensive as they are custom-made. Compounded medicines should not be bought from an untrusted source and should not be taken unless discussed with your doctor.

Compounding pharmacies, where the practice is allowed, is usually regulated by local health authorities, like the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA). Illicit compounding may occur if compounding pharmacies are unduly producing products not approved by any national regulatory authority. 

Novo Nordisk does not directly or indirectly provide or sell any of its medicines to compounding pharmacies. Compounded products do not have the same safety, quality and effectiveness assurances as our TGA-approved drugs and may expose patients to health risks. 

As of October 2024, the TGA has removed GLP-1 RAs – including semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy® – from the pharmacy compounding exemption. Novo Nordisk welcomes and supports the Australian Government’s decision to ban compounded semaglutide as it ensures patient safety, with the original proposal supported by a number of healthcare groups including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Pharmacy Board of Australia, the Medical Board of Australia, Diabetes Australia, amongst others. Patient safety is Novo Nordisk’s top priority.

Novo Nordisk has always maintained compounded semaglutide products should not be prescribed or dispensed to patients.  These unregistered, unlicensed products present a potential significant safety risk to patients.