Tag: Compounded semaglutide

While compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as FDA-approved versions, it is not an identical or equivalent product. Its quality, safety, and effectiveness are not subject to the rigorous testing and review mandated by the FDA for branded medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.

On February 21, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially declared the national shortage of Ozempic and Wegovy resolved, triggering a cascade of regulatory actions that directly impact what will happen to compounded semaglutide. This decision has led to a major crackdown on compounding pharmacies that have been producing unauthorized versions of the popular weight-loss and diabetes medication.

According to the FDA, compounded drugs pose a higher risk than approved drugs because they are not tested for safety or efficacy. This is a crucial consideration when asking, **what is the difference between oral and compounded semaglutide?**

According to prescribing information, the once-weekly nature of semaglutide is due to its long half-life of approximately one week. The question of 'how long do 200 units of semaglutide last?' is most relevant to compounded semaglutide, as branded products like Ozempic use milligram (mg) measurements, with a 200-unit vial of compounded product potentially lasting anywhere from 5 to 10 weeks, but often limited by its 28-day open-vial shelf life.

Prescriptions for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, surged by 442% between 2021 and 2023 [1.6.1]. This guide addresses the critical question: **Is compounded semaglutide as effective as Ozempic?**

In a study of the FDA-approved drug Wegovy, participants lost up to 20% of their body weight over 68 weeks. This raises a critical question for many: is compounded semaglutide as effective as regular semaglutide, and is it a safe alternative?

Unlike FDA-approved versions, the stability and storage requirements for compounded semaglutide can vary significantly based on the specific formulation and preservatives used by the pharmacy. This makes it crucial for patients to understand exactly how long can compounded semaglutide stay out of the fridge without losing its potency or becoming unsafe.

As of late 2025, there is no FDA-approved generic version of Wegovy (semaglutide) available in the United States, with patents potentially protecting the brand until the 2030s. This makes navigating the high cost of the brand-name drug a challenge for many, forcing them to explore alternatives or cost-saving strategies.

For those without insurance coverage, the full retail price of a one-month supply of Ozempic can range from $900 to over $1,200. Understanding **how much is Ozempic if insurance won't pay** is crucial, but numerous programs exist to help dramatically reduce this high out-of-pocket expense.

Without insurance, the cost for Ozempic can exceed $1,300 per month [1.2.2]. This high price has many asking: **Is there a generic Ozempic for cheap?** Currently, no FDA-approved generic version of Ozempic exists due to patent protections [1.2.2].