Med spas and weight loss clinics across Connecticut are now under heightened scrutiny for marketing or administering compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. On May 21, 2025, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong issued a formal warning letter to healthcare providers, raising serious concerns about the legality and safety of these practices. The letter warns that promoting compounded GLP-1 drugs may violate the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and could trigger enforcement actions, including investigations and fines.
At Lengea Law, we are advising all healthcare providers operating in Connecticut—or serving Connecticut patients—to review their weight loss protocols immediately.
What Triggered the Warning?
The warning follows the FDA’s removal of semaglutide and tirzepatide from its drug shortage list earlier in 2025. As a result, compounding pharmacies are no longer allowed to bulk compound these medications under federal law. Despite this, the Attorney General’s Office reports that many Connecticut providers continue to promote and administer compounded versions, sometimes in pill form or with added vitamins—raising both regulatory and safety red flags.
Why These Practices Are Risky
The Attorney General’s letter highlights several areas of concern:
1. Lack of FDA Approval
- Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide—whether injectable, oral, or enhanced with additives—are not FDA-approved.
- Marketing them as “generics” is misleading and potentially unlawful.
2. Quality & Safety Issues
- The FDA has reported:
- Inconsistent dosing
- Unverified overseas suppliers
- Adverse events, including some requiring hospitalization
3. Improper Marketing Practices
- Advertising compounded GLP-1s as “generic Ozempic” or promoting them for cosmetic weight loss may violate both FDA rules and state consumer protection laws.
- GLP-1s are only FDA-approved for patients with obesity or specific comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension.
Legal Risks Under Connecticut Law
The Attorney General warns that offering or advertising compounded GLP-1 drugs may constitute deceptive trade practices under CUTPA, which could lead to:
- Civil fines
- Regulatory investigations
- Cease and desist orders
- Reputational harm and patient distrust
Although the letter does not accuse any specific provider of wrongdoing, it puts the industry on notice. Clinics that continue these practices risk becoming the target of future enforcement.
What Connecticut Providers Should Do Now
If you operate a med spa or weight loss clinic in Connecticut—or market to Connecticut residents—take action now to protect your business.
1. Stop Offering Compounded GLP-1s
Unless you have clear guidance from regulatory counsel, halt all advertising, sales, and administration of compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide.
2. Audit Your Marketing
Remove phrases like:
- “Generic Ozempic”
- “GLP-1 pill”
- “Tirzepatide with B12”
These terms are legally risky and misleading.
3. Educate Your Staff and Patients
Make sure your team understands:
- The difference between FDA-approved and compounded GLP-1s
- Why compounded versions are no longer permitted
- How to answer patient questions without making misleading claims
4. Update Your Protocols
Where appropriate, consider shifting to:
- FDA-approved GLP-1 medications
- Dispensed through authorized pharmacies
- Prescribed only to eligible patients
Will Other States Follow?
Very likely. We anticipate that other state Attorneys General will issue similar warnings as GLP-1 popularity surges and FDA enforcement increases.
If you operate a multi-state telemedicine platform or weight loss business, now is the time to proactively review your legal exposure.
Need Help Navigating This?
Lengea Law has advised hundreds of healthcare providers and med spas on the legal and regulatory landscape for weight loss medications, including GLP-1s. Our attorneys stay ahead of federal and state enforcement actions to help you avoid costly mistakes.
If your clinic is currently offering or advertising compounded GLP-1s in Connecticut, now is the time to reassess.
Contact us before proceeding further.
A quick legal review today could save you thousands in enforcement costs tomorrow.