Approved primer

FDA approves one product for one use, not a whole ingredient

A familiar ingredient name is not enough. Form, label and reason for use stay attached.

NAME BOTH

The medicine’s own name first, the brand beside it

As of September 2026, semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) had FDA-approved products on the US market.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) had FDA-approved products for US patients too, as of September 2026.

A brand can have more than one form. Ask whether the product is a tablet or injection and what the label is for.

APPROVAL DOES NOT CARRY OVER

An approved ingredient does not approve every version

As of September 2026, a compounded (made-to-order) medicine remained unapproved even when it used an ingredient also found in an FDA-approved medicine.

The same is true of a research-labelled chemical. The approved product’s record does not transfer to a different source.

USE THE FULL NAME

Ask a complete question

“What is the medicine’s own (generic) name, the brand if any, form, maker or pharmacy, and reason this is being considered?”

That answer is specific enough to check.