{"id":630767,"date":"2025-01-06T09:30:50","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T14:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630767"},"modified":"2025-03-04T11:29:37","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T16:29:37","slug":"switching-from-compounded-semaglutide-to-ozempic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/switching-from-compounded-semaglutide-to-ozempic\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ozempic<\/span><\/a> (semaglutide) is a brand-name drug made by Novo Nordisk and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help treat<\/span> Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>. It is also prescribed<\/span> off-label<\/span><\/a> for<\/span> weight loss<\/span><\/a>. \u201cCompounded semaglutide is a medication that\u2019s custom-made for you by a compounding pharmacy. It contains the same active ingredient called semaglutide,\u201d explains\u00a0 Inna Melamed, Pharm.D., a functional medicine practitioner and author of <\/span>Digestive Reset.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Though sometimes marketed as a <\/span>generic version of Ozempic<\/span><\/a>, compounded versions of semaglutide are not FDA approved. As of February 2025, announced that the semaglutide shortage was over, giving compounding pharmacies a deadline to stop distributing compounded semaglutide that\u2019s essentially identical to FDA-approved versions. Given that, some may wonder if it\u2019s possible to switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic. The answer is yes, and it may even be recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Compounded semaglutide vs. Ozempic<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Should you switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic?<\/span><\/h2>\n

You can switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic, though both require a prescription from a medical professional.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn individual may opt to switch from compounded semaglutide to brand-name Ozempic for improved safety, reduced risk of contaminants, and greater dosage accuracy,\u201d says Jana Mowrer, RDN, MPH, CDCES, a certified diabetes specialist, board-certified health coach, and owner of HealthWins with Jana in Fresno, California<\/span>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Safety<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cUnlike Ozempic, compounded semaglutide is not FDA approved, which means it may contain impurities,\u201d says <\/span>Mowrer<\/span><\/a>. Compounded drug formulations should theoretically have the same safety as FDA-approved drugs, but the fact is that compounded semaglutide is \u201cnot checked the same way\u201d as Ozempic, says <\/span>Dr. Melamed<\/span><\/a>. This raises safety concerns for many experts, including the FDA, which explicitly warned <\/span>against compounded forms of semaglutide<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In February 2025, the FDA gave a deadline for pharmacies to stop producing compounded semaglutide, because there is no longer a drug shortage of Ozempic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An important note:<\/span> Compounding pharmacies<\/span><\/a> are legitimate and legal. These specialized pharmacies exist to make customized medications for patients with specific needs or allergies\u2014or when there is a drug shortage of specific FDA-approved meds. Until February 2025, there was a shortage of Ozempic. But now that the medication is back in supply, the FDA has limited the production of compounded semaglutide.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For various reasons, compounded drugs are<\/span> exempt from FDA approval<\/span><\/a>. Instead, compounded drugs are regulated by state pharmacy boards based on standards created by the<\/span> United States Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention<\/span><\/a>. Ultimately, FDA-approved drugs have a more airtight safety profile than custom drugs made in the pharmacy setting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Is compounded semaglutide safe?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Efficacy<\/span><\/h3>\n

Just as compounded semaglutide may be as safe as Ozempic, it may be equally effective. That said, it won\u2019t be available after May 2025. What\u2019s more, the FDA has only approved Ozempic, not compounded semaglutide, for its safety and efficacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The FDA<\/span> had expressed concern<\/span><\/a> that some compounded versions contain a salt form of semaglutide, which has not been thoroughly studied. In this case, the efficacy is not known. Because of the unknown strength and efficacy, people wondering why they are not achieving<\/span> healthy blood sugar levels<\/span><\/a> or weight loss on compounded semaglutide might consider talking to their prescriber about switching to Ozempic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage accuracy<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mowrer suggests that compounded medications might present a risk of inconsistent or inaccurate dosing. Again, though compounding pharmacies must still follow strict regulations, they are not scrutinized by the FDA. Less oversight could mean that there is more room for error. So, making the switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic might yield better results.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost<\/span><\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, the retail cost of Ozempic is typically higher than that of compounded semaglutide.<\/span> Ozempic without insurance<\/span><\/a> currently costs about $1,334 per 1, 3 mL of 2 mg\/3 mL pen. The cost of compounded semaglutide varied, but it is \u201ctypically less, even significantly less,\u201d according to Dr. Melamed. A<\/span>\u00a0June 2024 NPR report<\/span><\/a> cited a source who paid about $300 per month for injectable compounded semaglutide. However, compounded semaglutide will no longer be available since the brand-name version is back in stock.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If brand-name Ozempic is out of your budget, there are ways to save, like using <\/span>SingleCare coupons<\/span><\/a>. Some people might even save money by switching from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic if their insurance plan covers Ozempic but not compounded drugs. Regardless, Ozempic will only be covered for Type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. Wegovy is the brand-name version of semaglutide approved for weight loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bottom line: It\u2019s important for anyone interested in switching<\/span> diabetes medications<\/span><\/a> to consult their healthcare provider about the risks versus benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What can I take instead of Ozempic?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How to switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic<\/span><\/h2>\n

First things first: Never switch prescription medications without the guidance of a healthcare professional. You will need a prescription for Ozempic, just as you did for compounded semaglutide. The switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic is easy if you follow your healthcare provider\u2019s instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Typically, there is no need to taper off compounded semaglutide, especially if you\u2019re using the injection at the standard maintenance dose. However, you may need to start Ozempic at a lower dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of digestive side effects. Both drugs contain the same active ingredient and are classified as<\/span> glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Compounded semaglutide was typically available as a once-weekly injection or once-daily pill, although some pharmacies might produce different forms like nasal sprays and orally disintegrating tablets. On the other hand, Ozempic only comes as a<\/span>\u00a0once-weekly injection<\/span><\/a>. Therefore, it\u2019s best to consult a healthcare provider for instructions when switching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Timing: When to make the switch<\/span><\/h3>\n

Clinical guidelines<\/span><\/a> for switching between GLP-1 receptor agonists are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n