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Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which is released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to food consumption. This hormone triggers the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood glucose levels. It also interacts with the brain to reduce appetite and instill a feeling of fullness.
Semaglutide is commonly prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss. However, compounded versions have entered the market with the continual increase in demand for these medications. This brings us to the question: what is compounded semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide is a custom-prepared version of the drug, mixed specifically for a patient by a compounding pharmacy. This practice of creating tailored medicine is regulated, safe, and common—and can be beneficial for patients with specific needs. For more information on how effective compounded semaglutide is, look no further.
Is compounded semaglutide the same as brand-name GLP-1 medications?
To address this, we must delve into the composition of these drugs. Brand-name GLP-1 medications contain the base form of semaglutide, which has been clinically tested and approved. However, some compounded semaglutide may include salt forms such as semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate. These salt forms are different active ingredients and are not FDA-approved. Leading compound semaglutide providers such as Willow use only the base form of semaglutide—identical to that used in commercially available versions.
So, is compounded semaglutide safe? A variant that has gained attention is semaglutide compounded with B12. This formulation is often marketed as a powerful solution for weight loss and diabetes treatment. B12 is thought to increase energy and is often used as a safe way to enhance the effectiveness of medication. As with any medication, patients should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
When formulated correctly, compounded semaglutide is chemically identical to commercially available semaglutide and can potentially cause the same side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, the occurrence and severity of these side effects can vary due to the different active ingredients in some compounded versions.
Common Side Effects
Serious Side Effects
Note: These are very rare and are thought to be associated with the weight loss itself, not the medication.
An aspect of compounded semaglutide that comes up often is its regulatory status. So, is compounded semaglutide FDA-approved? The answer is technically no. With this said, compounding pharmacies are highly regulated by government organizations other than the FDA. Furthermore, the FDA has authorized compounding pharmacies to produce semaglutide in light of ongoing drug shortages.
Compounded semaglutide offers a great solution to patients struggling to obtain commercially available GLP-1 medications due to high costs, shortages, or difficulty of access. Compounded versions are a safe, effective, and reliable alternative when made using the appropriate base form of semaglutide. Patients must obtain semaglutide through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.
To learn more about the science behind compounded semaglutide for weight loss, click here.
