The landscape surrounding compounded semaglutide is evolving rapidly, and while access may be changing, your commitment to a healthier lifestyle does not have to waver. Understanding these developments is essential for making informed choices about your weight loss journey. In this blog post, we will delve into the current status of compounded semaglutide, the implications of recent regulatory changes, and what it means for those who rely on these medications for their weight loss journey. By the end, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the situation and actionable insights to navigate this evolving landscape. Lower starting doses (like 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg pens) ran out first, leaving patients stuck at the titration phase.

Secure Your Supply of Compounded Semaglutide Before It’s Too Late

It meant compounding pharmacies had to stop making copies of the drugs. The FDA gave small pharmacies until February 18 to stop making tirzepatide, while larger outsourcing facilities had until March 19. For semaglutide, small pharmacies had to stop production by April 22, while large compounders have until May 22. Copies of brand-name medications can be compounded only if there’s a nationwide shortage. In the case of Ozempic and Wegovy, the shortage began in 2022 when the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, could not supply adequate quantities of the drug to meet demand.

Primack said either Congress or the FDA should allow broader use of compounded obesity medication. Otherwise, he said, many people in need “will not be able to afford the drug.” Wegovy, for example, had a $328 monthly list price in Germany and $1,349 in the United States, according to a KFF analysis of weight-loss drug prices released in August 2023. “The medication has been life changing” for his customers, said Navarra, pointing to how after losing weight, some have been able to come off drugs for heart problems, diabetes and joint pain. The organization also is suing the FDA over compounding restrictions for semaglutide.

• This date is determined based on stability studies, compounding conditions, and regulatory guidelines, typically ranging from 90 days from the date of compounding depending on storage conditions and specific formulation factors.
• We wanted to observe the vetting process for potential patients and see what sort of documentation someone who wants to purchase these medications needs to produce.
• Compounding pharmacies prepare compounded semaglutide to meet individual patient needs, and are not reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.
• You can book your online telehealth consultation anytime to get a prescribed treatment plan.
• Our compounded medications are prepared in U.S.-based FDA-registered and state-licensed pharmacies.

How to Safely Switch to Ozempic or Wegovy

Semaglutide / Cyanocobalamin Injection is a compounded medication that combines semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, with cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in a single injectable formulation. Compounded medications are prepared for specific patients based on physician determinations of patient need. Compounded medications provide for customization of strengths and volumes, as determined necessary by the prescribing physician for the identified patient, that may not be available in commercial products. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist marketed by Novo Nordisk with the brand name drugs Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in obese and overweight patients.

How much does semaglutide cost?

While some healthcare professionals may prescribe semaglutide off-label or for people who don’t meet the criteria above, such as for weight loss in individuals without diabetes, those prescriptions will not typically be covered by insurance. Patients may already be deciding that paying a couple of hundred dollars extra each month to get FDA-approved medications is worth it. If pricing comes down further, pharmacies and companies selling compounded versions will be squeezed more.

Savings card programs

With his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to providing evidence-based solutions, he is a highly sought-after speaker and a leader in his field. However, this doesn’t include the cost of medications or labs, which will vary based on your insurance. We found that K Health seemed very streamlined and easy to use for most people using the Medical Weight Management Program.

If compounded semaglutide is no longer available to you, it’s essential to explore alternative options to support your weight loss efforts. While the brand-name versions of semaglutide are considered effective, there are other medications and supplements that may assist in weight management. On February 21, 2025, the FDA announced that semaglutide has been removed from its drug shortage list after determining that supply levels of Ozempic® and Wegovy® are now stable. As a result, compounding pharmacies will no longer be legally permitted to manufacture compounded versions of semaglutide after April 22, 2025.

K Health physicians can also manage other medical conditions in addition to obesity, so you could, for example, use your K Health membership for both weight loss and mental health care. When drugs are officially in shortage, the US allows pharmacies to make their own “compounded” versions of them. And there’s no need to wait for any patents to expire to sell off-brand options of GLP-1 meds. Telehealth startups have jumped into the GLP-1 marketplace to sell these compounded drugs, offering easy-to-access copies at a far more affordable price.

The FDA gave compounding pharmacies and patients time to transition to FDA-approved options. IVY RX offers premium medical care with thorough evaluations and ongoing support. Unless you need intensive medical oversight, MEDVi provides better value for most people. Good Life Meds offers flexibility in medication choices and payment options, which can be helpful for people with specific needs or budget constraints. It works with licensed physicians who follow standard medical protocols.

Compounded semaglutide is a customized version of the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medication semaglutide, made … Many unauthorized websites are selling illegal and fake semaglutide, which contains little or no semaglutide at all. That is why you should always be conscious about choosing an online pharmacy. You can apply medvi semaglutide tablets reviews for the PAP online or contact Novo Nordisk directly for assistance. You’ll need to provide information about your household income, insurance status, and medical condition. Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news.

It’s crucial to stick to the prescribed timing once you switch, as erratic injection schedules can reduce the drug’s effectiveness or increase side effects. If you’ve been using a compounded version of semaglutide and are now considering a switch to a name-brand option like Ozempic or Wegovy, it’s important to know the transition isn’t always one-to-one. Because compounded and FDA-approved versions can differ in formulation, strength and how they’re absorbed, making the change should always be done with medical guidance.

The collapse of the Novo Nordisk deal comes as less-expensive compounded versions of semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy — come off the market, leaving consumers in a frantic search for replacements. The shortages of semaglutide and tirzepatide were primarily caused by unexpected demand and limited manufacturing capacity. Initially designed for diabetes management, these GLP-1 receptor agonists became popular for their effectiveness in weight loss, increasing prescription rates. With something as sensitive and tricky as weight loss and medications, you want to know that you’re working with a company that has excellent customer service at every stage of the process. Henry starts out strong but seems to fall down on the job after the initial consult and treatment.

The program is expensive but provides extensive support and education that can lead to lasting results. Instead of charging you directly for medications, it focuses on getting these medications covered by your insurance. That’s part of its model, prescriptions are only written after confirming insurance eligibility, and it handles the prior authorization process for you. The doctor will evaluate your medical history, current health status, and any existing medications.

But she doesn’t know what option she’ll have if she can’t take compounded semaglutide. She didn’t realize that some doses of compounded GLP-1s wouldn’t be available to her once the semaglutide shortage ended. Brunner says that prescribers may argue this is a custom formulation their patients need. Hims & Hers hinted that the company’s providers may utilize that approach.

This regulatory action follows the FDA’s February 2025 declaration that the semaglutide shortage is officially “resolved.” For compounded tirzepatide (Zepbound®), the deadline was earlier – March 2025. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of semaglutide now says all doses are “continuously shipped” to meet U.S. demand, removing the legal basis for compounding these medications under current regulations. Bonello says she’s hearing from more and more patients who are turning to the gray market.