How can peptides legally be obtained in the U.S.?

Route 1: an FDA-approved peptide drug

Some peptides are FDA-approved drugs, such as liraglutide and teriparatide. An approved drug is obtained on a prescription from a licensed provider, filled at a state-licensed pharmacy. FDA's page on unapproved GLP-1 drugs gives that advice.

Route 2: a compounded drug

A 503A pharmacy compounds for an identified patient on a valid prescription, using a bulk substance that meets a USP monograph, is a component of an approved drug, or is on the 503A bulks list. A 503B outsourcing facility must use a substance on the 503B list or on the shortage list. FDA says compounded drugs are not FDA-approved. See our explainers on 503A and 503B.

What is not a route

• A product labeled “research use only.” FDA's warning letters say that wording does not control a product's intended use.
• A site that does not require a prescription. FDA's guidance on buying medicines online says to make sure the pharmacy requires one and has a pharmacist available.
• A registration number or an “FDA registered” claim, which FDA's regulation says does not denote approval.

Checking a pharmacy

Look the pharmacy up in your state board of pharmacy's license database. Our guide lists the steps FDA and NABP recommend. We do not recommend or link to any seller.