Is Semaglutide Safe and Effective for Weight Loss?

Please note: Henry Meds does not offer Ozempic® or Wegovy®, which are only available from the Novo Nordisk company. Compounded Semaglutide is a patient-specific medication created in a state Board of Pharmacy or FDA licensed compounding facility per a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. Compounded drugs are required to exclusively use ingredients from FDA-licensed facilities, and test sterile compounds for potency, sterility, and purity. While compounded drugs are legal they do not undergo pre-market approval from the FDA as they are not made in large batches for the public, compounds are made based on specific orders from a medical professional. Because of that, the dose, route of administration, safety, and efficacy may differ from commercially available, brand-name, drugs. Henry Meds exclusively works with licensed sterile compounding pharmacies in the United States. 

Semaglutide’s popularity has exploded, as the medication that was first approved as a Type 2 Diabetes treatment has also been found effective for weight loss.¹ For those who have been unable to shed the pounds with diet and exercise alone, Semaglutide has become the support they need to move the scale in their favor. 

Semaglutide’s popularity has also led to some concerns over its possible adverse effects. Are these side effects common? Is Semaglutide safe and how do you know if the medication you receive will be safe and effective in helping you achieve your weight loss goals? 

The FDA has approved some forms of Semaglutide for weight loss, indicating they are both safe and effective.² The FDA has also provided guidelines to ensure that other forms of Semaglutide, like Compounded Semaglutide offered by Henry Meds, are developed under strict compliance, and these forms may be easier to find and just as effective as the brand-name medications on the market today. 

By understanding what name-brand Semaglutide and Compounded Semaglutide are, and what your options are, you can rest assured the medication you’re prescribed is the right one for you.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide and Compounded Semaglutide are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone that’s produced naturally by the body. The GLP-1 hormone has multiple metabolic functions, including the stimulation of insulin secretion.³

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose levels in the blood. High blood glucose levels can lead to damage to blood vessels and some organs, so insulin’s job of maintaining lower glucose levels is essential to our health.   

Studies on name-brand Semaglutide show that it can be a safe and effective medication for treating Type 2 Diabetes and supporting weight loss.

The high demand for Semaglutide for both Type 2 Diabetes and weight loss has led to shortages, leaving many people who could benefit from them scrambling to find medication. Fortunately, Compounded Semaglutide is available in both injectable and oral forms.  

How Semaglutide Treats Type 2 Diabetes

In patients with Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin, which causes blood glucose levels to rise. Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes targets insulin production to create healthier blood glucose levels. 

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide trigger the body to produce more insulin. Some of these medications are used to treat Type 2 Diabetes due to their ability to restore insulin levels and stabilize blood sugar.⁴ When used as a diabetes treatment, these medications come in both injections and oral forms. 

How GLP-1 MedicationSupports Weight Loss  

Research has also shown that some GLP-1 receptor agonists can be effective in treating obesity.⁵ In addition to increased insulin secretion, these medications may also interact with parts of the brain to suppress appetite and signal you to feel full, reducing your calorie consumption.

For example, name-brand Semaglutide has been studied as a weight loss medication, with specific studies showing positive results as an obesity treatment after just a few months.⁶

A review of 12 clinical studies on name-brand Semaglutide in 2022 determined that Semaglutide is “safe and effective” for treating obesity, with most side effects consisting of gastrointestinal events like mild to moderate nausea in some patients.⁷

Is Semaglutide Safe?

The FDA has approved injectable Semaglutide under the brand name Ozempic® for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, and Wegovy® for the treatment of obesity. Rybelsus® is the brand name of once-daily oral Semaglutide that the FDA has approved to treat patients with Type 2 Diabetes.⁸ All three of these brand-name medications are manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

While both a once-weekly injectable and once-daily oral Semaglutide has been approved for treating people with Type 2 Diabetes, only the injectable form is currently approved for weight loss. FDA approval means that the agency has determined that the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks for its intended application. 

FDA approval isn’t the only criterion to determine whether a medication is safe. It is possible the agency has not yet approved oral Semaglutide for weight loss due to insufficient clinical evidence up to this point. This could change in the future as more studies are performed, but the current status is that only injectable Semaglutide is approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity.

What Is the Safest Way to Take Semaglutide for Weight Loss? 

Name-brand and Compounded Semaglutide comes in injectable and oral forms. The injectable medication is designed to be used once per week, while oral tablets are taken daily. 

The once-weekly injectable medication is easy to use for many patients. The medication can be administered in the privacy of your own home, with detailed instructions available for the injection process. However, the injection medication does need to be refrigerated until it is ready for use, unlike the oral version.  

For people squeamish about needles, the oral form of name-brand and Compounded Semaglutide is an appropriate alternative. This once-a-day medication is issued by Henry Meds as Compounded Semaglutide in liquid form that is placed under the tongue.

How Effective Is Semaglutide for Weight Loss?

Numerous studies have shown that name-brand Semaglutide injections can be an effective treatment for obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. 

One study showed that patients experienced an average weight loss of 5.9% at 3 months and 10.9% at 6 months after name-brand Semaglutide treatment. A few of the patients that were followed for six months achieved weight loss of 20% or more by the end of that timeframe.⁹

Another study followed participants for 68 weeks to determine long-term weight loss results for patients taking injectable name-brand Semaglutide once a week for 68 weeks. This study found that patients achieved an average weight loss of 14.9% over a 68-week period, compared to just 2.4% with a placebo.¹⁰

The dosing amount and length of time taking the medication also have a direct correlation with the amount of weight lost.¹¹

Losing 5 to 10% of total body weight can have a positive impact on obesity-related comorbidities.¹² All of the studies cited here show an average weight loss that would fall into the range of improving obesity-related comorbidities, with average weight loss ranging from 5.9% to 17.4% overall.

Adverse Events in Semaglutide-Treated Patients 

Nearly all medications, including name-brand and Compounded Semaglutide, have the potential for adverse effects. Patients should weigh possible side effects against the adverse effects of leaving obesity untreated. Most of the side effects associated with name-brand and Compounded Semaglutide are mild and temporary, particularly when compared to the comorbidities connected to obesity. 

However, it is important to know what to expect when determining whether Semaglutide or Compounded Semaglutide is safe for weight loss. The FDA lists these adverse effects related to Semaglutide, based on clinical studies:¹³

• Nausea

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea 

• Abdominal pain

• Constipation 

Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common complaint. Side effects are more often seen in patients who start with a higher dose of the medication. The FDA recommends beginning with a lower dose of Semaglutide and gradually increasing the dosage as needed. This could alleviate potential side effects while ensuring patients find the dosing amount that works best for them. 

Other side effects that may occur when taking Semaglutide include:¹⁴

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Gassiness 

More serious adverse events are rare when taking Semaglutide, particularly when you are doing so under the guidance of a practitioner. Your provider should collect a full medical history before prescribing Semaglutide to ensure you are not taking other medications that could counteract Semaglutide or that there are no medical conditions that could make Semaglutide contraindicated for you. You also want to work with a provider who will be available to answer any questions or concerns that might arise as you begin your Semaglutide regimen. 

Who Should Not Take Semaglutide?  

This medication is not a substitute for insulin. It should not be used for patients with Type 1 Diabetes or who have been diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis since the medicine would not be effective in treating these conditions. 

Despite the overall safety of Semaglutide, there are some individuals who should not take this medication. The following medical conditions may prohibit you from taking Semaglutide for weight loss, according to FDA recommendations:¹⁵

• Pancreatitis

• Kidney disease

• Thyroid cancer 

• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2)

Semaglutide is also contraindicated for patients with a family history of MEN 2. Women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing should not take Semaglutide. Make sure you include your full medical history during your initial consultation to ensure Semaglutide is a safe option for you. 

How to Get Safe Compounded Semaglutide 

The popularity of brand-name Semaglutide has made the medication hard to come by for many people, giving it a place on the FDA’s drug shortages list.¹⁶ Fortunately, there are alternatives that are more readily available and less expensive. One alternative, Compounded Semaglutide, offers people a safe and effective weight loss treatment option when it is produced according to proper guidelines. 

What Is Compounding?

The FDA created a compounding program when medication shortages occur. Shortages might be due to increased demand, manufacturing delays, or other factors. When shortages occur, it can make it difficult for people to get the medication they need to treat a condition like obesity. To ensure no one has to go without the necessary medication, a compounding program was established. 

When a medication appears on the FDA’s Drug Shortages list, eligible pharmacies may create compounded versions. This provides a supply to people who need the medications and can’t find brand-name options.¹⁷ These drugs may be similar to the brand-name medications, but are created to the precise needs of a patient, accounting for medical history, current health conditions and allergies, and other factors.

Why Choose a Compounded Medication?

Compounded medications are a good choice because they make medications facing shortages accessible to people who need them. Compounded medications can also be personalized to a patient’s unique needs. Finally, because of improved supply availability, compounded medications are usually more cost-effective than their name-brand counterparts. 

The FDA has also issued guidelines to help people know that the compounded medication they receive is both safe and effective. First, always get your prescription from a licensed provider, who prescribes medication based on your medical history, health conditions, and specific concerns. Make sure the compounding pharmacy is FDA-registered to compound or is licensed by the state. 

How to Get Injectable Semaglutide for Weight Loss Through Henry Meds 

Henry Meds offers Compounded Semaglutide to medically eligible patients at an affordable price. 

First, visit our website to choose a program and select your location and appointment time.  You’ll then be invited to create an account where you’ll subscribe with your payment information. 

Before you can book your appointment, you’ll need to fill out some basic information about your health status and verify your email address. 

After verifying, you’ll receive an email with your appointment date and time and the link to the doxy video platform where your appointment will take place.

Next, you will meet with your provider during a telehealth visit. This is an opportunity for you to share your concerns and ask questions. Your provider will then prescribe Compounded Semaglutide if it is appropriate for your situation. 

You will receive your medication in the mail with free shipping directly to your door. Your provider can answer any questions and address any  concerns you may have during the process. 

Safe and Effective Compounded Semaglutide Delivered to Your Door

When your weight is affecting your health but you can’t get the pounds off with diet and exercise alone, Compounded Semaglutide may provide the support you need to tip the scale in your favor. 

The process at Henry Meds is easy to follow, with simple pricing that prevents any unwelcome surprises when the bill arrives. For a $297 monthly membership fee, you receive your medication delivered to your home as well as access to an experienced provider. Even shipping to your door is free. 

Are you ready to see if Compounded Semaglutide is the right choice for you? Schedule your online visit now. 

Disclaimer:

Please Note: Henry Meds does not offer Ozempic® or Wegovy®, which are only available from the Novo Nordisk company. Compounded Semaglutide is a patient-specific medication created in a state Board of Pharmacy or FDA-licensed compounding facility per a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. Compounded drugs are required to exclusively use ingredients from FDA-licensed facilities, and test sterile compounds for potency, sterility, and purity. While compounded drugs are legal they do not undergo pre-market approval from the FDA as they are not made in large batches for the public, compounds are made based on specific orders from a medical professional. Because of that the dose, route of administration, safety, and efficacy may differ from commercially available, brand-name, drugs. Henry Meds exclusively works with licensed sterile compounding pharmacies in the United States.