Compounding Pharmacy Semaglutide Cost: What to Expect

While Semaglutide is usually prescribed to patients with Type 2 Diabetes, it can also assist in weight loss. In fact, a study with name-brand medication showed that users lost 6% of their body fat in 12 weeks when using non-compounded Semaglutide. Semaglutide works by imitating the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone. This hormone stabilizes and controls blood sugar levels, which also helps us feel full and manage hunger.

There are many examples of Semaglutide injectables, but Ozempic is the most recognizable. Ozempic is the drug's brand name, and its main ingredient, Semaglutide, is proven to increase weight loss. 

But there’s a problem: many patients can’t afford their medication. Manufacturers use insulin analogs¹ to create these pharmaceuticals, making diabetes medication more expensive. Because of demand, there’s a shortage of Semaglutide and similar injections.

Because of these pain points, more patients are turning to Compounded Semaglutide. But what’s the compounding pharmacy Semaglutide cost? And, is Compounded Semaglutide worth it?

What Is a Compounding Pharmacy?

Compounding pharmacies mix, combine, or alter ingredients found in prescription medications. Doctors recommend them for many reasons, such as if patients need a custom dosage. Because compounded medications don’t have to go through numerous trials, they’re cheaper and quicker to receive.

Traditional pharmacies differ from compounding ones because they sell pre-made medications made by drug manufacturers. While there are big-chain pharmacies that offer compounding services, patients who want custom and affordable medications should consider compounding pharmacies.

Thanks to the internet, patients can easily find a compounding pharmacy. Online compounding pharmacies can create a customized dosage to your needs and deliver it to your door.

What Is Compounded Semaglutide?

Weight loss patients don’t need to spend money on brand-name medications to help them achieve a healthier weight. Compounded Semaglutide contains the same active ingredient and costs significantly less. Due to the recent drug shortages, more weight-loss patients are also choosing Compounded Semaglutide.

When buying Compounded Semaglutide, the pharmacy will mix the medication based on your custom dosage.

Compounding pharmacies can also customize your Semaglutide injection dosage to your individual needs. For example, they can create a specific dose that may differ from the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Why Choose Compounded Semaglutide?

Compounded Semaglutide is an alternative to brand-name injections. Here are the key reasons for choosing the compounded version of the drug:

• Availability. There are currently Semaglutide shortages, and patients cannot get their prescriptions. Since compounding pharmacies make custom medications, patients can receive their medication quickly.
  
  

• Customizability. Compounding pharmacies can customize Semaglutide in various ways, such as by adjusting the dosage. This provides opportunities for you to discuss any unique needs with your doctor and compounding pharmacist and have a medication that’s more customized to your needs.
  
  

• Affordability. Compounded Semaglutide costs significantly less compared to name-brand injections. With Compounded Semaglutide, you’re not paying for the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing. All compounding pharmacies price their injections differently, depending on your unique prescription. 

What Is the Cost of Compounded Semaglutide?

Compounded Semaglutide is much cheaper than brand-name Semaglutide.

Why is Semaglutide so expensive? Many factors went into putting this medication on the market, and makers must make a return on those costs. Plus, there are some unique factors about this medication not found in other diabetes prescriptions.

For example, Semaglutide manufacturers have a large marketing budget. There is also a huge demand that’s resulting in drug shortages, driving up the price more. And as with all medications, you’re also paying for the production and distribution of the medication.

Other factors affecting the cost of Semaglutide include:

• Years of research and development of the drug

• Series of clinical trials to prove the medication was safe and effective

• Testing was accelerated

• Not covered by most insurance companies for weight loss

Compounding pharmacies can fill this void. Compounded Semaglutide from Henry Meds only costs $297/month. It’s important to note that Henry Meds isn’t associated with Wegovy, Ozempic, or any other brand-name Semaglutide injectables.

Semaglutide Cost

The cost of Semaglutide depends on various factors, including the brand name, dosage, and insurance. Without insurance, patients can pay as much as $66 per injection for Semaglutide.

Is Compounded Semaglutide Cheaper?

Compounded Semaglutide is more affordable than traditional Semaglutide. When a pharmacist compounds a medication, they change the dosage to create a formula unique to your needs.

Compounding pharmacies may charge different prices. But Henry Meds only charges $297 per month, and everything is included.

How Does the Cost of Compounded Semaglutide Compare with Name Brands?

Compounding Semaglutide usually costs less than name brands like Wegovy and Ozempic. When you pay for name-brand drugs, you also pay for the name attached to the medication and all the marketing and advertising.

And, since a pharmacist is compounding the medication for you, you also don’t pay for mass manufacturing and distribution. Still, the final cost depends on your dosage and insurance.

Does Insurance Cover Semaglutide?

Most insurance plans will cover the cost of Semaglutide, but only when used for Type 2 Diabetes treatment. Insurance won’t cover Semaglutide solely for weight loss.

This also depends on the type of insurance you have. Most employers or ACA health insurance won’t cover obesity medication but will cover medical weight-related screening and counseling. If you have Medicare, most plans will cover antidiabetic medication but no obesity prescriptions. And if you’re on Medicaid, every state also has its own rules for drug coverage.

Even if your insurance covers Semaglutide, there may be extra costs. These include copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

Here are other factors that may impact the price you pay for Semaglutide:

• The location of your chosen pharmacy

• Your location

• Dosage

You may also qualify for patient assistance programs. These programs will provide the medication at no cost if you’re underinsured or don’t have health insurance.

I Can’t Afford Semaglutide. What Should I Do?

There’s a chance your doctor prescribed the name-brand Semaglutide, such as Ozempic or Wegovy. You can choose Compounded Semaglutide and save hundreds of dollars every month. For example, Henry Meds offers Compounded Semaglutide for only $297/month.

There are also patient assistance programs available. For example, NovoCare helps patients who are underinsured or uninsured access medication for free or at a significantly lower cost. That said, these programs usually help patients who have Type 2 Diabetes, not those who are using Semaglutide for weight loss.

You can also talk to your doctor or insurance company. They may offer recommendations, such as specific injections, where to pick up your prescription, and any cheaper alternatives. If your insurance has rejected coverage, you can ask your doctor to appeal the decision.

Additional actions you can take are to compare drug prices online, ask around to different pharmacies online and in your area, find prescription drug coupons, and use an HSA or FSA.

How to Get Compounded Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is only available via a prescription. This is a very potent diabetes medication, so your physician needs to monitor you while taking it. Additionally, your physician will consider possible side effects and whether or not Semaglutide is right for your medical condition.

While there are numerous compounded pharmacies you can choose from, Henry Meds offers one of the easiest processes. To get a prescription, you begin by completing a medical intake. If necessary, you will have lab work done. From here, you’ll schedule a telehealth call. Once you connect with your provider and if you are medically eligible, they will prescribe your Compounded Semaglutide, and you’ll receive your medication in the mail.

Compounded Semaglutide from Henry Meds only costs $297 monthly, and telehealth calls are included.

Alternatives to Semaglutide

If you’re struggling with diabetes and weight management, you have other options than Semaglutide. There are other medications, such as Tirzepatide and Liraglutide, that treat Type 2 Diabetes and promote weight loss.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is another medication similar to Semaglutide, but there are some differences. While Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it’s also a GIP receptor agonist.

Because of this additional receptor, Tirzepatide is more effective at weight loss — one study confirms that brand name Mounjaro² offers as much as 15-21% weight reduction in 72 weeks, depending on the dosage used.

That said, Tirzepatide isn’t more affordable. One month’s supply of the branded medication (Mounjaro) is listed at $1,069.08.³

Until then, pharmacies can also compound Tirzepatide, making it more affordable and accessible.

In November 2023, the FDA also approved Tirzepatide for weight loss. Marketed as Zepbound, the medication may become more accessible – though the listed price is still quite high at $1059.87.⁴

To receive a prescription, patients must have a BMI of 30 or a BMI of 27 with one health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.

Like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide is available as a once-weekly injection. You’ll also need to use Tirzepatide alongside diet and exercise for the best results.

Tirzepatide has many of the same gastrointestinal side effects as Semaglutide, but you should also take note of any allergic reactions. If you’re already taking Semaglutide, talk to your doctor before switching to Tirzepatide.

Liraglutide

Liraglutide is another injectable medication prescribed to manage Type 2 Diabetes. Like Semaglutide, Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning this injection can also help users lose weight.

Patients on the highest dose achieved an average of 6% weight loss in 56 weeks.⁵ The FDA has also approved Liraglutide for weight loss,⁶ and that medication is available as Saxenda.

While Liraglutide⁷ can help patients lose weight, studies show that patients must continue taking the medication for the long term to reap the most benefits. In addition, patients must have a diet and exercise plan to achieve weight loss.

Unlike Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, patients take Liraglutide once a day.⁸ That said, every patient’s prescription may vary.

Liraglutide, under the brand name Victoza, costs $815.27⁹ for a three-pen package. The weight loss variation, Saxenda, costs $1,349.02 for a one-month supply.¹⁰ To save money, users can also take Compounded Liraglutide.

Liraglutide has many of the same gastrointestinal side effects as Semaglutide, though patients should always be monitored by their doctor for any severe issues.

Henry Meds Makes Compounded Semaglutide More Affordable

Semaglutide is a Type 2 Diabetes injectable medication that has also been approved for weight loss.

Without insurance, branded Semaglutide can cost $935.77/month for Ozempic,¹¹ and $1349.02/month for Wegovy.¹² If you need to use Semaglutide for weight loss and can’t afford the medication, you can consider the compounded medication.

Don’t let prices or supply issues get in the way of a healthier weight. Sign up with Henry Meds today!