{"id":631802,"date":"2025-03-31T11:36:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T15:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631802"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:53:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:53:05","slug":"compounded-semaglutide-with-b12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/compounded-semaglutide-with-b12\/","title":{"rendered":"Compounded semaglutide with B12: Benefits and risks"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the skyrocketing popularity of injectable medications <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a>, a shortage inevitably followed. <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a> (and <\/span>Rybelsus<\/span><\/a>, which is oral semaglutide) are <\/span>GLP-1 receptor agonists<\/span><\/a> (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, commonly referred to as GLP-1s) and are the only FDA-approved drugs that contain the active ingredient semaglutide. <\/span><\/p>\n

These drugs are taken once weekly by subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin) and are used for improving <\/span>blood sugar levels<\/span><\/a>, chronic weight management, and cardiovascular risk reduction, depending on the specific drug. However, due to the shortage, compounding pharmacies and facilities were allowed to temporarily produce compounded semaglutide to meet the high demand\u2014even though compounded semaglutide injections are not FDA approved. Some facilities add B12 to their compounds, in addition to semaglutide. Now that the FDA has confirmed the shortages have been resolved, companies have been informed they can no longer offer compounded semaglutide after a transition period. However, it is unclear whether some facilities will continue to find ways to offer these alternative versions. What is the benefit of adding B12? Does it make semaglutide work better? Keep reading to find out more about compounded semaglutide and B12.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When should you use compounded semaglutide?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using FDA-approved semaglutide products, like <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>Rybelsus<\/span><\/a>, whenever possible. This is because the drug has gone through rigorous testing for safety and efficacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Compounded medications are not subject to the same high standards as FDA-approved prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. While many people achieve success with <\/span>compounded semaglutide<\/span><\/a>, the <\/span>FDA also warns of potential problems<\/span><\/a> with compounded semaglutide products, such as dosing errors that can lead to serious side effects and hospitalization, as well as contamination and inaccurate amounts of medicine in the compound.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s best to use FDA-approved drugs, if you use compounded semaglutide, you should only do so under the guidance of your healthcare provider, using a reputable compounding pharmacy or facility. It remains to be seen how long compounded semaglutide products will be available. The FDA has given compounding pharmacies and facilities a <\/span>deadline<\/span><\/a> of April 22, 2025, or May 22, 2025 (depending on the type of compounding pharmacy or facility) to <\/span>stop offering compounded semaglutide<\/span><\/a>. However, this deadline could be extended, pending the outcome of ongoing court cases. After this time, it is uncertain whether some facilities may seek alternative ways to continue offering compounded versions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another consideration is that not everyone can use semaglutide, whether FDA-approved or compounded. You should not use semaglutide if you are allergic to semaglutide or any ingredient in the medicine. People with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) should not use semaglutide.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the dosing for compounded semaglutide?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dosing for compounded semaglutide is typically the same as dosing for FDA-approved versions of semaglutide\u2014but with varying higher doses, as <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a> have slightly different higher doses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your healthcare provider will determine the best dosing schedule for you. You will start at the lowest dose, gradually increasing the dose as directed by your provider, to a dose that works effectively with the least amount of side effects or adverse reactions. Common <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> of semaglutide include gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, gas, and indigestion. Other side effects are possible, too\u2014you can ask your healthcare provider for a full list of side effects. More serious side effects that require urgent or emergency medical help may include allergic reactions, acute kidney injury, and <\/span>inflammation of the gallbladder<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

A typical dosing schedule would look something like this:<\/span><\/p>\n