# Millions skip doses of GLP-1 drugs due to cost

> A CDC study finds nearly half of Americans using GLP-1 medications take them differently than prescribed, often using unapproved compounded versions.
- Title: Millions skip doses of GLP-1 drugs due to cost · Ars Technica
- Summary: A CDC study finds nearly half of Americans using GLP-1 medications take them differently than prescribed, often using unapproved compounded versions.
- Keywords: glp-1 medications, cdc study, compounded drugs, medication adherence, drug costs, fda approval, Ars Technica
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/11/millions-in-us-use-unapproved-glp-1s-and-use-them-in-unapproved-ways
- Published: 2026-11-13T21:59:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: glp-1 medications, cdc study, compounded drugs, medication adherence, drug costs, fda approval, technology, science
## One in ten Americans use GLP-1 drugs
A CDC study of over eight thousand US adults found that nine point eight percent used glucagon-like peptide-one receptor agonist medications in two thousand twenty-five, roughly twenty-seven million people.
## Nearly half modify how they take them
Among GLP-one users, forty-four percent reported using their medication differently from how it was prescribed, skipping doses, delaying refills, or taking smaller amounts than directed.
## Cost drives most medication changes
More than half of people modifying their GLP-one use cited cost or availability as reasons.
## Compounded versions carry higher risks
At least twenty-three percent of GLP-one users took compounded versions made by pharmacies to mimic FDA-approved drugs like Wegovy or Ozempic. These unapproved drugs are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality.
## Compounded users skip doses more often
Sixty-two percent of people using unapproved compounded GLP-one drugs were not taking them as prescribed, compared with just thirty-six percent of those using brand-name versions.
## Misleading marketing obscures the risks
A two thousand twenty-five study found that nearly forty percent of websites selling compounded GLP-one drugs stated or implied they were FDA-approved, and nearly eighty percent used brand names in advertising, violating FDA standards.
## Key takeaway

Nearly half of nine point eight percent of US adults using GLP-1 drugs modify their use due to cost, with compounded unapproved versions carrying higher risks.