Compounded Semaglutide

• Medically significant weight loss: One study found that patients taking weekly semaglutide maintained an average weight loss of 15% of body weight after two years.²

• Blood sugar control: Semaglutide helps the body regulate blood sugar levels, supporting overall metabolic health.

• Cardiovascular benefits: For patients who are overweight and have coronary artery disease, semaglutide reduces the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

Compounded semaglutide will only remain available as an alternative to branded Ozempic® and Wegovy® as long as it remains on the FDA drug shortages list. Once there is no shortage, you can ask your doctor about Ozempic® for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy® for weight loss, or other alternative medications.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®, which come as injection pens. Compounded forms of semaglutide usually come in a vial with syringes and are combined with a small amount of vitamin B12.

With our preferred compounding pharmacy, the compounded semaglutide is an exact molecular copy of the semaglutide base. An outside lab also verifies its authenticity and potency. The compounded semaglutide from our preferred pharmacy is not a salt form of semaglutide. The FDA warns the public that products containing salt formulations are not proven to be safe and effective.

It’s essential to be aware of potential semaglutide side effects. These can include:

• Upset stomach

• Nausea and vomiting

• Acid reflux

• Gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis)

Abdominal discomfort is not a typical side effect of semaglutide. Many initial side effects diminish as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. However, if your side effects persist or worsen, talk to your doctor for support.

• Kidney health: Stay hydrated with 1.5-2L fluids to prevent dehydration and kidney issues.

• Gallbladder health: If you experience upper abdominal pain, discomfort on the right side, right shoulder pain, dark urine, or notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek immediate medical attention.

• Pancreatic health: Minimize alcohol consumption while on semaglutide to reduce the potential risks of pancreatitis.

• Thyroid concerns (rare): In the rare event of thyroid enlargement or pain, immediately follow up with your doctor to address any potential thyroid nodules. This medication may not be suitable for people who have had a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia.

• Mental health: While rare, there have been studies that showed patients who have had a history of suicidal ideations start to have recurring thoughts of self-harm while taking this class of medication (GLP-1s). If you experience this, please talk to your physician right away, or in cases of a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): This is more common in diabetic patients taking medication such as insulin or medications that increase insulin secretion (i.e., sulfonylureas like glipizide). Be aware of lightheadedness, fatigue, sweating, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, or headaches indicating low blood sugar. Keep a sugar replacement, such as fruit juice or glucose alternatives, on hand if you experience these symptoms.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding: This medication is contraindicated for people who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant within the next three months.

• Decreased oral birth control effectiveness: GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide, can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraception because the stomach does not empty as quickly. If you are using oral birth control, you should also use condoms or another form of contraception for four weeks after starting the medication and for four weeks after each dose increase. Alternatively, you can talk to your doctor about switching to non-oral contraceptive methods.