Transdermal "Natural GLP-1" Dietary Supplements Violate Law and Place Patients at Risk.

The Annals of pharmacotherapy2026PMID: 41480958

View on PubMed DOI: 10.1177/10600280251407145

Plain Language Summary

Policy and safety analysis identifying 24 transdermal patch and 1 transdermal gel products marketed as 'natural GLP-1' dietary supplements, demonstrating they violate the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (supplements must be swallowed) and lack FDA oversight. Characterizes ingredients (berberine, glutamine, cinnamon, pomegranate) and safety risks for patients using these as alternatives to prescription tirzepatide or semaglutide. Provides regulatory and clinical evidence that unregulated transdermal 'natural GLP-1' products are both illegal and potentially harmful—warning prescribers about patients self-treating with these products as alternatives to inaccessible or unaffordable prescription incretin therapy.

Abstract

Consumers precluded from obtaining semaglutide or tirzepatide by clinicians or insurers are turning to natural "GLP-1" transdermal patches. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act specifies dietary supplement products must be swallowed, so all these products are illegal. We identified 24 transdermal patch dietary supplement products and 1 transdermal gel product with an average of 7 ± 4 natural ingredients (berberine, glutamine/glutamate, cinnamon, and pomegranate most listed). No certificates of analysis were posted, many products lacked the Food and Drug Administration disclaimer, and many products used deceptive advertising. Several products had 1- to 2-star reviews and consumer comments suggesting lack of efficacy or adverse events.

Authors

White, C Michael; Tai, Zeeya; Nuzi, Klaus

Keywords

GLP-1berberinecinnamondietary supplementpomegranatetransdermal