Medication Safety Information
Last Updated: April 2026
IMPORTANT — READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:
This page contains critical safety information about medications available through the AvataCore platform. Please read this information carefully and in its entirety before beginning any treatment program. If you have questions, consult your licensed healthcare provider.
Table of Contents
- 1. Important Platform Notice
- 2. Compounded Medication Program Disclaimer
- 3. Branded Medication Trademarks
- 4. About GLP-1 and GIP Receptor Medications
- 5. Medical History You Must Disclose
- 6. Common Side Effects
- 7. Compounded Medication-Specific Risks
- 8. When Compounded Medications May Be Appropriate
- 9. Emergency & Crisis Contacts
1. Important Platform Notice
AVATACORE IS NOT A MEDICAL PRACTICE, HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, OR PHARMACY:
- AvataCore is a technology platform that connects patients with independent, licensed healthcare providers and licensed compounding pharmacies.
- AvataCore does not employ physicians, nurse practitioners, or any licensed clinical professionals to provide medical care.
- AvataCore does not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, or provide medical advice.
- AvataCore does not dispense, manufacture, compound, or distribute prescription medications.
- AvataCore is not a substitute for in-person medical care or an established relationship with a primary care provider.
All clinical services available through the AvataCore platform are provided exclusively by independent licensed healthcare providers who are not employees or agents of AvataCore. Clinical operations are facilitated through the OpenLoop Health network and its affiliated provider network.
All medical decisions — including assessment of eligibility for treatment, diagnosis, treatment planning, dosage determination, and issuance of prescriptions — are made solely by independent licensed healthcare providers exercising their independent clinical judgment. AvataCore makes no guarantee that enrollment will result in a prescription being issued.
Pharmacy fulfillment services are provided by independent, state-licensed 503B sterile compounding pharmacies. AvataCore does not own, operate, or control any pharmacy.
2. Compounded Medication Program Disclaimer
Medications dispensed through the AvataCore platform are compounded medications prepared by state-licensed 503B sterile outsourcing facilities. You should understand the following before starting a compounded medication program:
- Not FDA-Approved as Finished Drug Products: Compounded medications are not individually approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as finished drug products. While the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used may be FDA-recognized compounds, the specific compounded formulations are not subject to the same FDA approval process as commercially manufactured drugs.
- 503B Outsourcing Facilities: Medications are prepared at state-licensed 503B sterile outsourcing facilities, which are registered with the FDA and subject to Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards. These facilities are inspected by the FDA and must meet stringent quality and safety requirements.
- Not Interchangeable with Brand-Name Products: Compounded medications are not the same as FDA-approved brand-name medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. They are not therapeutically equivalent substitutes and should not be treated as such.
- Potency and Composition: Compounded medications may contain different inactive ingredients, excipients, preservatives, or delivery mechanisms than their commercially manufactured counterparts. The clinical effects may differ from branded products.
- Regulatory Status Subject to Change: The availability of compounded GLP-1 medications is tied to FDA shortage designations. If the FDA removes a drug from its shortage list, compounding pharmacies may be restricted from preparing that compound. Your provider will notify you of any changes that affect your treatment.
3. Branded Medication Trademarks
AvataCore references certain FDA-approved branded medications for informational and educational purposes only. The following trademarks belong to their respective pharmaceutical manufacturers. AvataCore is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of these companies:
Novo Nordisk A/S
Ozempic (semaglutide injection) and Wegovy (semaglutide injection) are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. AvataCore is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk.
Eli Lilly and Company
Mounjaro (tirzepatide injection) and Zepbound (tirzepatide injection) are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. AvataCore is not affiliated with Eli Lilly and Company.
References to branded medications on this platform are made solely to provide educational context about the drug classes and active pharmaceutical ingredients involved in treatment programs. AvataCore does not sell, distribute, or represent branded versions of these medications unless explicitly stated and prescribed by a licensed provider.
4. About GLP-1 and GIP Receptor Medications
The medications available through the AvataCore platform belong to a class of drugs that act on hormone receptor pathways involved in blood sugar regulation and appetite control. This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (e.g., Semaglutide)
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists mimic the GLP-1 hormone naturally produced in the gut. They work by stimulating insulin secretion in response to meals, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite signals in the brain. Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist used for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in eligible adults.
GIP/GLP-1 Dual Receptor Agonists (e.g., Tirzepatide)
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 dual receptor agonists act on both hormone pathways simultaneously. Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved dual agonist used for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in eligible adults. The dual mechanism of action may produce different effects compared to GLP-1-only agonists.
Educational Note: The information above is general in nature. Individual treatment decisions, including drug selection, dosage, and titration schedule, are made exclusively by licensed healthcare providers based on your personal medical history, current health status, and clinical judgment. Do not interpret this information as a recommendation for any specific treatment.
5. Medical History You Must Disclose
You are required to provide your complete and accurate medical history during the clinical intake process. Withholding relevant medical information can result in serious harm, clinical errors, or prescribing of medications that are contraindicated for your condition. You must disclose to your provider any personal or family history of the following conditions:
- Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2): GLP-1 medications may significantly affect blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and require close monitoring.
- Thyroid Cancer or Thyroid Nodules: Especially medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) — these are contraindications for GLP-1 medications.
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Including gastroparesis, severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or prior GI surgeries.
- Pancreatitis: History of acute or chronic pancreatitis, as GLP-1 medications have been associated with increased pancreatitis risk.
- Kidney Disease: Including chronic kidney disease (CKD) at any stage, as medication-related side effects such as dehydration may worsen renal function.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Rapid changes in blood sugar control associated with GLP-1 therapy may transiently worsen diabetic retinopathy.
- Depression or Other Mental Health Conditions: Including any history of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or psychiatric treatment.
- Suicidal Thoughts or Self-Harm History: Including any past or current suicidal ideation, self-harm behaviors, or related psychiatric treatment.
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 dual agonists are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Inform your provider immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Including heart failure, history of heart attack, arrhythmias, or other cardiovascular conditions.
- Gallbladder Disease: Including gallstones or prior cholecystectomy, as GLP-1 medications have been associated with gallbladder-related events.
- Eating Disorders: Including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.
This list is not exhaustive. Disclose all current medications (including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products), allergies, and your full medical history to your provider. Your provider may ask for additional information based on your responses.
6. Common Side Effects
GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist medications are associated with a range of side effects. The following information is provided for educational purposes. Your licensed provider will discuss side effects specific to your prescribed medication and dosage.
Most Common Side Effects
These side effects are frequently reported and are often most pronounced during dose escalation periods:
Serious Side Effects — Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Contact your provider immediately or go to an emergency room if you experience any of the following:
- Severe and persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to your back (possible pancreatitis)
- Symptoms of gallbladder problems: upper abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of skin or eyes
- Symptoms of kidney problems: decreased urination, swelling in legs or ankles
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing (possible thyroid tumor)
- Severe allergic reactions: rash, itching, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing
- Vision changes (possible worsening of diabetic retinopathy)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Not all side effects are listed here. Refer to the patient information provided with your medication and consult your licensed provider if you have concerns about any symptoms you experience.
7. Compounded Medication-Specific Risks
In addition to the general risks associated with GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist medications, compounded formulations carry specific risks that distinguish them from FDA-approved commercially manufactured drugs:
- Variability in Quality and Potency: Although 503B outsourcing facilities are subject to CGMP standards, compounded medications may exhibit greater variability in potency, sterility, and ingredient concentration compared to FDA-approved manufactured products. Quality can vary between batches or between compounding facilities.
- Different Inactive Ingredients: Compounded formulations may contain different inactive ingredients, preservatives, buffers, or excipients than commercially available branded medications. These differences can affect drug stability, absorption, tolerability, and the risk of allergic reactions.
- Limited Long-Term Clinical Data: The long-term safety and efficacy data available for compounded GLP-1 formulations is limited compared to FDA-approved products that have undergone extensive clinical trials. Long-term outcomes specific to compounded formulations have not been independently established.
- Not Bioequivalence-Tested: Compounded medications have not undergone formal bioequivalence testing to confirm they produce the same clinical effect as their branded counterparts at equivalent doses. Clinical response may differ from published studies on branded products.
- Regulatory Uncertainty: The legal availability of compounded versions of specific GLP-1 medications is contingent on FDA shortage designations. Changes in regulatory status can affect availability with limited advance notice.
8. When Compounded Medications May Be Appropriate
Compounded medications serve an important role in healthcare when commercially manufactured alternatives are unavailable, inaccessible, or clinically unsuitable for a specific patient. Your licensed provider may determine that a compounded formulation is clinically appropriate in the following circumstances:
- FDA Drug Shortage: When an FDA-approved brand-name version of a medication is on the FDA Drug Shortage List and is unavailable or in limited supply, licensed compounding pharmacies may legally prepare compounded versions of that drug to meet patient need. Semaglutide and tirzepatide have been on the FDA shortage list; availability of compounded versions is subject to current shortage status.
- Allergy to Inactive Ingredients: When a patient has a documented allergy or intolerance to an inactive ingredient (excipient) present in the commercially available formulation, a compounded version without that ingredient may be clinically necessary.
- Specific Dosage Forms Required: When a patient requires a dosage form, concentration, or delivery mechanism that is not commercially available — such as specific titration doses not offered in manufactured products — a compounded formulation may be prepared to meet that clinical need.
- Cost and Access Barriers: When commercially manufactured alternatives are cost-prohibitive or otherwise inaccessible, compounded options may provide a clinically reasonable alternative at the discretion of the prescribing provider.
Provider Determination: Whether a compounded medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made exclusively by your licensed healthcare provider. AvataCore does not make this determination. Your provider will discuss the clinical rationale for prescribing a compounded formulation and will document the medical necessity as required by applicable law.
9. Emergency & Crisis Contacts
AvataCore is a technology platform and is not equipped to respond to medical emergencies or mental health crises. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or mental health crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis line immediately.
Medical Emergency
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, including severe allergic reaction, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, loss of consciousness, or any other serious medical event.
911
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
988
Call or text 988 | Chat at 988lifeline.org
Contact AvataCore (Non-Emergency)
For non-urgent medication questions or concerns, contact us at [email protected]. For urgent medical questions, contact your licensed provider through the patient portal. Response times are not guaranteed and this channel is not suitable for emergencies.