Zappy Health, a telehealth provider, has come under fire after customers discovered that their obesity drugs were sourced from Ousia Pharmacy, which lacked the necessary licensure for sterile compounding.

Despite attracting customers with low prices and a user-friendly app, many Zappy users faced serious safety concerns regarding the compounded drugs they received.

The revelation that Ousia Pharmacy was operating without a sterile compounding license raised significant alarms about the safety of the drugs provided to Zappy's customers.

Following the discovery of Ousia's licensing violation, Zappy ended its partnership with the pharmacy in December 2024, which led to substantial financial and reputational damage for the company.

An inspection by the Florida Department of Health revealed that Ousia had been compounding drugs illegally and had poor storage practices, further complicating the situation.

Customers reported challenges in obtaining refunds or replacements for their orders, with Zappy initially directing them to Ousia for refunds before the pharmacy relinquished its license.

Zappy's terms of service clarify that it serves merely as a platform connecting patients with providers, distancing itself from liability for the medical services offered.

One customer, Laura Franzese, expressed alarm after spending $1,000 on compounded tirzepatide from Zappy, only to learn about Ousia's licensing issues post-purchase.

Patients like Laura and Eric Bishop voiced their fears and confusion after receiving drugs branded by Ousia, which they had ordered through Zappy.

Dr. Michel Choueiri, Zappy's founder, stated that the company was unaware of Ousia's licensing problems at the time of their partnership and expressed disappointment with the Florida Department of Health for not notifying them sooner.

Experts caution consumers to be vigilant when dealing with online pharmacies, emphasizing the importance of verifying licenses and being wary of unusually low prices.

Compounded drugs, which are distinct from generics, have faced scrutiny due to safety concerns, particularly regarding sterilization and contamination.