In recent years, semaglutide has become a game-changer in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. But as demand for GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide continues to rise, so too do the challenges in accessing and affording them. For many Americans, compounded semaglutide is an alternative worth considering—but it’s essential to understand what that means for your health.
Dr. Katrina Mattingly, Chief Medical Officer at Options Medical Weight Loss and a board-certified obesity medicine specialist, recently addressed the growing interest in compounded semaglutide and shared her insights into its safety, efficacy, and appropriate use.
What Is Compounded Semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide refers to a version of the medication prepared by a compounding pharmacy. These pharmacies create custom medication formulas when commercial versions are inaccessible or unaffordable. However, not all compounded medications are created equal.
Dr. Mattingly warns that some compounded versions of GLP-1 medications may include “semaglutide salts” like semaglutide sodium or semaglutide acetate—forms that the FDA has not approved for weight loss or diabetes treatment. “The FDA does not have information on whether these salts have the same chemical and pharmacological properties as the active ingredients in approved drugs,” Dr. Mattingly explains. “We’re not aware of any lawful basis for their use in compounding.”
When evaluating a compounded GLP-1 medication, it’s important to review the pharmacy’s formulary and confirm whether the ingredients are safe and effective. Look specifically for mentions of “semaglutide base,” which most closely resembles the FDA-approved version. Options Medical Weight Loss sources compounded semaglutide from FDA-regulated pharmacies that produce the same “semaglutide base” that is FDA-approved.
Are Compounded Medications Safe?
While the ingredients in compounded medications might not be FDA-approved, the pharmacies themselves are regulated by the FDA. However, it’s your responsibility (or your provider’s) to ensure the pharmacy is reputable.
Here are Dr. Mattingly’s top tips for evaluating a compounding pharmacy:
-
Check certifications to ensure proper sterile handling.
-
Request a certificate of analysis to know exactly what’s in your medication.
-
Search for any FDA citations or violations.
-
Use websites like LegitScript or the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding to verify licensing.
Many major chain pharmacies also compound medications, often for treatments ranging from pain creams to pediatric formulas. “Compounding isn’t new,” Dr. Mattingly reminds us. “It’s been used for decades to personalize care.”
Why Choose Compounded Semaglutide?
For patients who qualify under FDA guidelines—BMI of 30+, or 27+ with a weight-related condition—but cannot access name-brand semaglutide due to cost or shortages, compounded options can be a lifeline.
While insurance typically doesn’t cover compounded semaglutide, it may still be a more affordable route than brand-name alternatives.
Dr. Mattingly notes: “If you qualify but face barriers, it’s worth a conversation with your provider. The Obesity Medicine Association has even published guidelines for discussing the risk-benefit ratio of compounded GLP-1s.”
Final Thoughts
Compounded semaglutide can be a safe and effective option when prescribed under the supervision of a qualified provider and filled through a trusted, FDA-regulated compounding pharmacy. At Options Medical Weight Loss, we help patients navigate these choices with expert guidance, personalized care, and access to vetted pharmacy partners.
If you’re exploring semaglutide and want to understand your options, we’re here for you.
Interested in learning more about compounded semaglutide or other GLP-1 medications?
📅 Book Your Free Consultation Today!