A copy with an approval pathway
Generic and compounded mean different things
In a few words
An approved generic has been reviewed as a copy of a named brand’s drug. Compounding follows a different route.
Check the word against the product
In September 2026, the US had no generic semaglutide or tirzepatide cleared to be sold. One semaglutide copy had tentative approval: it met the government’s approval standards but still could not be sold. There was no generic application for tirzepatide in the record.
The semaglutide brands include Ozempic and Wegovy; the tirzepatide brands include Mounjaro and Zepbound.
Liraglutide did have approved generic versions, including ones for weight management.
That does not tell you what is on a pharmacy’s shelf. Get the proposed product’s name from whoever would write your prescription.
Check the product’s approved use“Same ingredient” leaves a question open
FDA means Food and Drug Administration. This agency reviews drugs in the US.
In September 2026, FDA treated “generic” wording for a compounded version of an approved drug as false or misleading.
An offer can use a familiar ingredient name without answering how that preparation was reviewed. Ask for the product name and the reason for that particular version.
Write “generic?” as a question in your notes until the product is clear.
Read the word “compounded” alongside it