The word primer
A care page can feel clear until an unfamiliar word appears. Use these pairs to work out what the offer means and what still needs an answer.
A peptide links tiny parts into a short chain, much like beads threaded on a string.
Insulin is one peptide medicine; proteins contain the same small parts as peptides.
As of September 26, 2026, “peptide therapy” is not a separate category in US drug law.
Ask for the medicine’s full name; “peptide therapy” alone does not tell you what you would receive.
A compounded medicine is prepared for a patient to order, by a doctor or pharmacist.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews a drug product for the uses on its approved label.
A pharmacy’s licence does not give its compounded medicine FDA approval; that medicine remains unapproved as of September 26, 2026.
When approved products cannot address a person’s medical need, compounding may fill that gap.
As of September 26, 2026, pharmacy compounding can be lawful when it meets the federal rules.
A pharmacy licence gives permission to run the pharmacy; it does not mean FDA has approved the medicines it makes to order.
Off-label care uses an approved drug for a purpose outside the uses on its FDA label.
That differs from a product that has never received FDA approval.
As of September 28, 2026, the North Carolina Medical Board expects new or off-label care to rest on sound evidence and a clear explanation of risks and costs.
Ask: What evidence fits my problem, and what remains uncertain?
A state licence gives permission to provide care; FDA approval is a separate check of a medicine.
As of September 26, 2026, FDA registration of a business does not approve the business or its medicines.
Check the person, the pharmacy and the product as separate questions.
A version of a brand-name drug with FDA approval is called a generic medicine.
For weight control, semaglutide is sold as Wegovy; the type 2 diabetes brand is Ozempic.
Mounjaro is the tirzepatide brand for type 2 diabetes; for weight control, tirzepatide is sold as Zepbound.
As of September 26, 2026, no generic semaglutide or tirzepatide can legally be sold in the US.
Liraglutide is another medicine, sold as Victoza for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for weight control.
Unlike semaglutide and tirzepatide, liraglutide has approved generic versions, including some for weight loss.
Get the exact medicine name in writing. Ask what a seller means by “generic,” “custom” or “personalised” for that medicine.
Read FDA’s explanation of compounded-drug claimsTelehealth can be a visit by video or a later review of health information you send to your care provider. An in-person visit puts you both in the same room.
For either route, write down what brought you to care and what an answer would help you decide.
Next: compare care routes and prepare your questions