What Is Compounded Semaglutide?

Compounded semaglutide is a customized formulation of the medication semaglutide, prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy. Semaglutide itself is an FDA-approved active ingredient originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes and, more recently, has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in supporting medical weight management. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body (GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, reduce appetite, and promote a feeling of fullness.

Compounded medications must be tested for potency, sterility, and purity.

How Compounded Semaglutide Differs from Brand-Name Versions

Brand-name medications contain semaglutide in FDA-approved formulations and doses. However, due to supply shortages, accessibility issues, or the need for personalized dosing, some patients may receive semaglutide through a compounding pharmacy.

• Compounded versions are not mass-produced; instead, they are tailored in smaller batches based on a healthcare provider’s prescription.
• They may be formulated in different delivery methods (such as injectable solutions or oral capsules) depending on patient needs.
• Unlike the FDA-approved brand products, compounded semaglutide does not go through the same large-scale FDA approval process, but compounding pharmacies must still follow strict safety and quality standards.