GLP-1 medications are among the most widely discussed prescription treatments in the United States today. This guide explains what they are, which ones are FDA-approved, how they work, and what to know before starting one — written by the pharmacy team at Pharmacy Brasil Las Américas, a Florida-licensed pharmacy with locations in Boca Raton and Pompano Beach.
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medications that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your body naturally produces after eating. By activating GLP-1 receptors, these medications help regulate blood sugar and appetite. They were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, and some have since received FDA approval for chronic weight management in eligible adults.
Which GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved?
Each GLP-1 medication is approved by the FDA for specific uses. The most common ones are:
- Ozempic (semaglutide) — approved for adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) — approved for chronic weight management in eligible adults.
Only a licensed healthcare provider can determine which medication, if any, is appropriate for you, based on your health history and the FDA-approved uses of each product.
How do GLP-1 medications work?
According to their FDA labeling, GLP-1 medications work in several ways: they help the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high, they slow how quickly food leaves the stomach, and they act on areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. Most are taken as a once-weekly injection using a prefilled pen.
Do you need a prescription for a GLP-1 medication?
Yes. Every GLP-1 medication requires a valid prescription from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider. If you don't have a prescription, a telehealth consultation may be an option: a licensed provider evaluates your health history and, if clinically appropriate, can issue a prescription electronically.
Storage, handling, and delivery
Most GLP-1 medications must be kept refrigerated until first use, following the manufacturer's storage instructions. This is one reason where you fill your prescription matters: a licensed pharmacy stores these medications under pharmaceutical refrigeration and ships them in cold-chain packaging designed to protect them in transit. Pharmacy Brasil Las Américas ships refrigerated medications across Florida and also offers pickup at both of its locations.
Why fill your prescription at a licensed pharmacy
GLP-1 medications are in high demand, and unlicensed online sellers have multiplied. A licensed pharmacy dispenses brand-name, FDA-approved medications sourced from licensed manufacturers, with every prescription reviewed by a pharmacist before it is dispensed. Pharmacy Brasil Las Américas is licensed by the Florida Board of Pharmacy and operates two physical pharmacies, in Boca Raton and Pompano Beach.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
They contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but they are different products with different FDA-approved uses and dosing schedules.
Can I get a GLP-1 prescription online?
Through telehealth, a licensed provider can evaluate you remotely and, if clinically appropriate, issue a valid prescription that a licensed pharmacy can fill.
Do GLP-1 medications need to stay refrigerated?
Generally yes, until first use. Always follow the storage instructions on your medication's label and ask your pharmacist if you have questions.
