Is Compounded Semaglutide Safe? How to Know

In the world of weight loss, medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Rybelsus® are the shot callers. These drugs have helped millions of people all over the world lose those extra pounds to feel — and look — their best. 

All the new popularity has created a ton of demand for these medications, and as a result these drugs are currently on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Drug Shortage list. 

That’s where Compounded Semaglutide comes in. 

But what is Compounded Semaglutide, and how is it different from the Brand name? Is Compounded Semaglutide considered safe? What even is Semaglutide compounding? We’re answering all those questions and more, so read on. 

Semaglutide and Compounded Semaglutide: Exploring the Differences

Semaglutide and Compounded Semaglutide are very similar, but they share some important differences worth understanding. 

As we mentioned above, Semaglutide is the active ingredient in brand name, FDA-approved medications Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus. It belongs to a class of medications called Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.¹

What do GLP-1 Receptor Agonists do?

GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking the activity of the GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas. This is important for several reasons in weight management.²

First, they trigger the release of insulin, a hormone that takes glucose out of your blood and moves it into your cells, which use it to produce energy for your body. This keeps your blood sugar levels stable.

Second, GLP-1 receptor agonists slow down your digestive system which in turn reduces your body’s food intake. They also promote satiety by making you feel fuller for longer.

When it comes to weight loss, it’s an effective and powerful combination.

What’s different about Compounded Semaglutide?

Whether you’re using standalone Semaglutide or Compounded semaglutide, they’re both GLP-1 receptor agonist medications and they both work in the same way. Where they differ, however, who manufactures them, their availability and…

… Their price tag. 

While Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus have list prices of $935.77³, $1,349.02⁴, and $935.77⁵ respectively, Compounded Semaglutide is usually a fraction of the cost. 

Henry Meds offers Compounded Semaglutide as part of their GLP-1 Weight Management program for just $297 per month. That price includes meeting with a licensed health professional and, if qualified, an FDA-registered compounding pharmacy will ship the medication straight to your door. 

Another big difference is availability. Several offerings containing Semaglutide are currently on the FDA’s Drug Shortage list and will likely remain there for the foreseeable future. If you’re interested in using Ozempic or Rybelsus off-label to treat weight loss, it may be difficult to access these medications at a price that fits into your budget.

The supply squeeze on branded Semaglutide applies to everyone right now — including people who want to use these drugs for their FDA-approved purpose to treat Type 2 Diabetes. 

Your medical provider may have better odds with Wegovy as it’s approved by the FDA to treat obesity specifically, but even then, the availability is dependent on other factors such as the dose.

Hasn’t the FDA Cautioned People About Compounded Semaglutide?

The short answer? Yes, the FDA has expressed concern about Compounded Semaglutide, but not for the reasons you might think.⁶

According to their initial warning about Compounded Semaglutide and other injectable medications for weight loss, the FDA's concerns were about unlicensed/unregistered manufacturers, manufacturers using salt semaglutide (semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate), and counterfeit or illegally manufactured products.⁷

According to the FDA: 

“Patients should only obtain drugs containing semaglutide with a prescription from a licensed health care provider, and only obtain medicines from state-licensed pharmacies or outsourcing facilities registered with FDA.”

So, it’s not Compounded Semaglutide that the FDA takes issue with as much as it is people risking their health, well-being and safety by using Compounded Semaglutide from unlicensed, unregistered manufacturers trying to capitalize on drug shortages.

Compounded drugs can only be manufactured by either:

• A licensed outsourcing facility that operates under Current Goods and Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards (which are created by the FDA).⁸

• A compounding pharmacy licensed by its state's Board of Pharmacy

When it comes to GLP-1 agonist medications or any kind of compounded medication, it’s important to make sure your provider uses only licensed, U.S.-based compounding pharmacies required to comply with the FDA’s Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act.⁹

It’s for this specific reason that Henry Meds only works with U.S.-based compounding pharmacies.

How Does Drug Compounding Work?

When drugs wind up on the shortage list that the FDA deems as beneficial and necessary, the agency will sometimes allow specially licensed manufacturing facilities to make essential copies of those drugs to help alleviate some of the pressure on the supply chain and get important medications into the hands of the people that need them the most. 

Hence, Compounded Semaglutide. 

What Are People Saying About Compounded Semaglutide

It’s easy for us to tell you that Compounded Semaglutide is an excellent alternative to brand name Semaglutide like Ozempic, Wegovy or Rybelsus. But with all of the buzz surrounding Semaglutide and Compounded Semaglutide right now, you should read for yourself; there are a lot of conversations taking place — a Google search for “Semaglutide reviews” will result in hundreds of Reddit and Quora threads, message boards, blogs and YouTube reviews.

So, what are people actually saying about Semaglutide? 

In a thread on the Reddit Subreddit /r/SemaglutideCompound, one user said:¹⁰

“After a month on Wegovy, the shortage hit, so my PCP wrote me a script to a compounding pharmacy she has used for years and is confident in. I trust my doctor but also verified they were licensed in my state, FDA compliant, etc. I’ve been doing the compound for six months now and have lost 30 pounds.”

In that same thread, another user said:

“I’m down 90 lbs all from a compounding pharmacy. My insurance doesn’t cover this so I had no other choice. It’s honestly been life changing.”

In another thread on that same Subreddit, another user said:¹¹

“I have been on compound Semaglutide for 5 months and have lost 42 lbs. Then, my doctor said he would approve me for Ozempic and so I tried it this week and I have food noise and feel like it doesn’t work. Has anyone had this issue? I am not sure if I should go back to compound Semaglutide.”

It’s important to note that we didn’t want to skew this feedback. None of the users quoted above are Henry Meds customers — they’re people using Compounded Semaglutide from various providers and various compounding pharmacies. Their words haven’t been altered in any way. 

We should also say that while those numbers are definitely impressive, everyone’s experience on Compounded Semaglutide will be different. 

Compounded Semaglutide Safety: Final Words

Though there are several reasons why you might be considering Semaglutide, you may have a hard time finding brand-name Semaglutide in stock. Or maybe you do find a pharmacy who has some inventory, but your insurance won’t cover the hefty price tag. 

If this sounds like you, Compounded Semaglutide may offer an excellent, affordable way to start looking and feeling your best. 

If you’re concerned about the safety of Compounded Semaglutide, make sure:

• You are getting your medications prescribed from a licensed medical  provider.

• The compounding pharmacy which dispenses your medications are either licensed outsourcing facilities operating under Current Goods and Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards, or a compounding pharmacy licensed by their State Board of Pharmacy.

• To follow the medical advice of a qualified healthcare professional. 

If you think you’d like to talk with someone and learn more about whether compounded Semaglutide might be a good option for you, Henry Meds is always there for you. 

Just fill out our online form to connect with a licensed medical provider.

The clinician will speak with you about your medical history, your struggles with obesity and weight management, as discuss your options. If you qualify, they’ll write you a prescription and medication will be sent straight to your door.