Is Compounded Semaglutide Effective?

Is compounded semaglutide effective for weight loss? Here’s the short version: Compounded semaglutide isn’t approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), so it hasn’t been proven effective in clinical trials.

However, it contains the same active ingredient — semaglutide — as Ozempic^® and Wegovy^®. Ozempic and Wegovy^® are FDA-approved, and studies show they’re effective for weight loss.

The long version? Read on. We’ll dive into what compounded semaglutide actually is, how effective semaglutide can be, and whether compounded semaglutide is safe.

Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy^®, but it hasn’t been approved or evaluated by the FDA. Drugs are compounded when people can’t take the brand-name version for some reason. For example, when someone who can’t swallow needs a liquid version of a medication, someone with an allergy needs a dye removed, or someone has unique dosing needs that aren’t available commercially. 

Compounded versions of a drug also help fill a gap when a medication is in short supply.

Check out our guide to compounded GLP-1s to learn more. 

Compounded Semaglutide vs. Ozempic and Wegovy^® 

So, what’s the difference between compounded semaglutide and Ozempic and Wegovy^®?

Well, Ozempic and Wegovy^® are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, respectively. FYI, Rybelsus^® also contains semaglutide and is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. 

Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, Wegovy^®, and Rybelsus, but it hasn’t been FDA-approved. That means the FDA hasn’t verified that it’s safe or effective.

If you’re considering compounded semaglutide as a weight loss treatment, it’s important to get it from a reputable source known for safety and transparency.

But these aren’t your only options if you’re looking for affordable weight loss treatments. Alternatives include oral weight loss medications, for example. 

There are no clinical trials on compounded semaglutide, so we can’t say for sure that it’s effective.

There are plenty of clinical trials on Ozempic and Wegovy^®, though, and these studies show that semaglutide can be an effective weight loss treatment for people with and without diabetes.

Research and Studies on Semaglutide Effectiveness

For instance, a 2021 study funded by Novo Nordisk (the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy^®) included almost 2,000 people with overweight or obesity who didn’t have type 2 diabetes.

Alongside diet and exercise changes, participants took a once-weekly semaglutide injection or a placebo for 68 weeks. Participants took a 2.4-milligram (mg) dose of semaglutide, which is the dose used in Wegovy^®.

Participants taking semaglutide lost almost 15 percent of their body weight. Those taking the placebo lost about 2.5 percent. 

More recent papers back this up and show benefits beyond weight loss. 

For example, a 2024 analysis — also funded by Novo Nordisk — included almost 18,000 people with cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity, but not diabetes.

The results showed that people taking Wegovy^® experienced weight loss over 65 weeks, and this weight loss was sustained over four years on the medication. Plus, there was a 20 percent reduction in cardiovascular events.  

Just to hammer it home: These trials are on branded semaglutide — there are no official compounded semaglutide results.

Studies on Ozempic and Wegovy^® show that it’s safe for most people, and that side effects tend to be mild to moderate and clear up with time.

Since it’s not an FDA-approved drug, compounded semaglutide isn’t subject to the same rigorous safety standards as non-compounded, FDA-approved Ozempic and Wegovy^®. 

This means you need to take extra care if you’re considering a compounded version of semaglutide.

Avoid dodgy websites and online pharmacies that don’t require a prescription. Instead, make sure you get compounded semaglutide products from reputable companies that are committed to safety and transparency. 

The ingredients in compounded semaglutide can differ depending on where you get your medication, so side effects may vary. This is another reason to get your medication from a trusted source.

To give you an idea, Wegovy^® side effects include: 

• Nausea

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Constipation 

• Stomach pain 

We’ve also covered the potential long-term effects of Wegovy^® if you’re interested.

No matter which type of weight loss drug you’re taking, don’t be afraid to reach out to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing worrying side effects. 

Compounded drugs sound shady, but they’re perfectly legal and help fill a gap when there are drug shortages or address individual dosing needs. But effectiveness? It’s tricky. 

So, is compounded semaglutide effective for weight loss? Here are some final points to keep in mind:

• The FDA doesn’t guarantee the effectiveness of compounded drugs. We can’t say for sure if compounded semaglutide works. But it contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy^®, which studies show are effective for weight loss and weight management.

• Take extra care if you’re considering compounded semaglutide. Get your medication on prescription from a licensed healthcare professional and through a reputable compounding pharmacy based in the U.S. Shady websites and pharmacies may sell compounded semaglutide that won’t work and might not be safe.

• Don’t panic if compounded semaglutide doesn’t work straight away. It may take some time to adjust to the medication and start feeling the effects. Speak to your prescribing healthcare provider for medical advice, like what to do if you’re still hungry on semaglutide.

If you’re considering prescription weight loss treatment, get started with our free online assessment. You’ll answer a few questions with a licensed healthcare provider who can let you know which treatments could be right for you. 

If suitable, you can access a range of weight loss treatments through Hers, so you can find an option to suit your needs and budget. That includes oral weight loss medications and injections. 

Curious about tirzepatide (Mounjaro^® and Zepbound^®) GLP-1 receptor agonists? Our blog compares tirzepatide versus semaglutide.