Compounded medications are custom-prepared to meet an individual patient's specific needs. For example, they may include a specific dosage strength not available commercially or additional active ingredients clinically indicated for the patient. These medications are created by licensed pharmacies, based on a valid prescription from a licensed provider. While they are not FDA-approved (meaning they haven’t gone through the FDA drug approval process), they are still regulated at the state and/or federal level, and must meet important safety and quality standards.

Naltrexone is a mu-receptor antagonist. This inhibits the effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis from this receptor, and thus suppresses appetite and cravings. Naltrexone has been studied both independently and as a component in Contrave® (8.1-11.5% weight loss when used with bupropion). (Apovian et al., 2013)

Low Dose Naltrexone is used to help manage certain conditions by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. It may also assist in improving overall well-being and may support weight management efforts.

Metformin is a medication that helps manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It works by improving the body's response to insulin and reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver. Additionally, it may assist in weight management for some patients.

Both GLP-1 and GIP receptors work to decrease the rate your stomach empties-keeping you full for longer! They also work to decrease your appetite and cravings. The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed expected weight loss of 22.5%. Additional trials have shown this medication is twice as effective as Semaglutide 1.0mg. (Aronne et al., 2024)

GLP-1 works to increase insulin levels by activating cells in the pancreas. It also triggers hormone release to delay the emptying of the stomach, sometimes causing nausea. When used alongside robust lifestyle management (200 min exercise/week, nutri-system diet, bimonthly nutritionist visits) patients observed 10-14% weight loss, maintained over 2 years (STEP3 Trial, Novo Nordisk). (Wilding et al., 2021)

By activating GLP-1 receptors, this medication works to slow the rate at which your stomach empties, and to send signals to your brain to decrease appetite. The SCALE Trial showed patients can lose 6.2% over 52 weeks (CI 7.5 to 4.6%). (Rubino et al., 2022)

Topiramate alters a variety of GABA and Glutamate channels in the brain to suppress cravings and appetite. Topiramate has independently shown results in meta-analysis of 5.34kg weight loss (95% CI 4.56my-10 lg:-6.12kg). In conjunction with Phentermine, the CONQUER and SEQUEL Trials Showed as high as 10.7% weight loss in low-dose and 14% in high-dose groups maintained over 2 years. (Wilding et al., 2004)

Topiramate is a medication that helps with weight management by reducing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness. It may also assist in managing certain conditions related to weight gain.

Dulaglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps your body release insulin when blood sugar is high, lowers glucagon, and slows stomach emptying. In the REWIND trial, dulaglutide reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 12% compared with placebo over a median of 5.4 years. (Gerstein et al., 2019)

GLP-1 works to increase insulin levels by activating cells in the pancreas. It also triggers hormone release to delay the emptying of the stomach, sometimes causing nausea. When used alongside robust lifestyle management (200 min exercise/week, nutri-system diet, bimonthly nutritionist visits) patients observed 10-14% weight loss, maintained over 2 years (STEP3 Trial, Novo Nordisk). (Wilding et al., 2021)

Orlistat works directly as a lipase inhibitor. By blocking the breakdown of fats in the intestines, fats cannot be absorbed and are excreted in stool. Orlistat is associated with a modest reduction in weight: meta-analysis including 11 randomized control trials using 120mg of orlistat 3 times per day showed 2.9% greater weight loss than placebo. (Khera et al., 2016)

Bupropion works by inhibiting neurotransmitter reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. By holding higher concentrations of these in the brain, neurons increase signaling and alter hunger and mood. Bupropion has been studied extensively, both independently and in conjunction with naltrexone (Contrave®). The COR-I, COR-II, COR-BMOD, and COR-Diabetes trials demonstrated 8.1-11.5% weight loss over 2 years. (Greenway et al., 2010)