Compounded semaglutide is an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)  prescription drug that can help people with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) to lose weight and keep it off. This medication should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. If a provider decides that a GLP-1 medication is medically appropriate, the sooner a patient joins the program, the quicker our team can work towards assisting you with your weight loss journey. A licensed healthcare provider will provide a custom dosing and treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. We work with state-licensed compounding pharmacies that adhere to strict regulatory requirements to ensure quality medications for our patients. Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Victoza, another blockbuster weight loss medication, “is still listed under the FDA registry as being in short supply and that’s why they can still compound and sell it,” he says.

Alternatives to Compounded Semaglutide

Another workaround appeared when the CEO of Hims & Hers went public with the pronouncement that the company would sell more “personalized” compounded products, such as compounded GLP-1s with vitamin B6 or B12, Amiji says. Don’t expect prices for brand-name GLP-1 drugs to drop dramatically any time soon, Amiji says. Compounding pharmacies were allowed to mix their formulations of semaglutide when demand for the ingredient outstripped supply in 2022. «A lack of active ingredients isn’t necessarily causing the shortage, but a lack of injector pens,» Kaylor revealed.

• The AHSP continues to show both semaglutide and tirzepatide in shortage.
• With Novo’s two flagship products removed from the shortage list, compounders are no longer legally permitted to make and distribute their own versions of semaglutide.
• NiceRx works with state-licensed compounding pharmacies that make compounded semaglutide in compliance with state and federal laws.
• 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.

These issues compounded manufacturing slowdowns and led to sporadic pharmacy stock. It’s a biologic medication, meaning it’s made in tightly controlled environments. This process takes time and requires highly specialized facilities, making it difficult to scale up production quickly — especially for injectable formats. “And I do question whether in resolving the shortage FDA has taken into account demand for the compounded drug,” Brunner stated.

Same-day delivery is free for Sam’s Club Plus Members when ordered by 2 p.m., according to the announcement. Companies like Nurx, Ro, and PlushCare offer legitimate access to Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound via online consultation. While not “cheap,” these platforms often work with manufacturer savings cards, payment plans, or assistance programs. “For example, they may make different doses than are available by the brand. They may attach or combine, let’s say, a vitamin like B12, to the medicine, so it’s something that’s novel,” she said. Recent research on the drugs has shown their potential to reduce stroke risk, treat liver disease and protect heart health.

When prescribed by a licensed provider and prepared by a qualified compounding pharmacy, compounded semaglutide may be considered an option for some patients. At Healthon, every batch is submitted for independent third-party testing focused on potency, sterility, and purity, supporting quality assurance and patient safety under appropriate medical supervision. Compounded tirzepatide is an injectable weight loss medication that activates glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) which are hormones that are involved in controlling blood sugar (glucose). Compounded tirzepatide is used for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. For people starting on compounded semaglutide, the treatment is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased over time until a suitable maintenance dose is reached. If a prescription is approved, the healthcare provider will determine a personalized dosing schedule for you.

Can you take semaglutide without a doctor?

In 2022, a notable increase in demand for semaglutide-based medications led to a significant nationwide shortage. This was largely attributed to the rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, driving more patients to seek these effective treatments. The shortage peaked in early 2023 when patients across the country found it increasingly difficult to access their prescribed medications.

If your semaglutide medication is not covered by insurance, the team can present different options, as well as prescription discount “coupons” that can lower the cost of paying out of pocket. Noom offers a psychology and behavioral-based weight loss program that can be combined with GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy. While Ozempic has become increasingly popular for weight loss, it’s approved only for managing type 2 diabetes. Taking Ozempic for weight loss is still considered an “off-label” use.

In some cases, Import Alerts may be linked to Warning Letters for issues like manufacturing violations. The pharmacies in the Drug Recalls section of this installment are “503A compounding pharmacies.” They are licensed by state boards of pharmacies but are not subject to FDA inspections or “current good manufacturing practice” (cGMP) standards. 503A pharmacies prepare custom prescriptions tailored to the needs of individual patients. With compounded options facing tighter FDA restrictions starting April and May 2025, many patients will need to transition to commercially available versions or explore medically guided alternatives.

More from Health

Novo Nordisk has been busy scaling its manufacturing capacity to maintain meeting demand for its drugs, including $6.5bn in investments to increase production in the US in 2025. Compounders are on alert after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared the shortage of semaglutide –the active ingredient in glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) Wegovy and Ozempic – officially over in the US. With Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drugs Wegovy and Ozempic fella semaglutide cost back in stock, copycat versions of semaglutide are no longer allowed – for now.