With so much buzz around GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy®, you may be wondering if weight loss medications might be right for you.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is now available in a compounded form. This comprehensive guide will help you learn about compounded semaglutide, and its forms, side effects, efficacy, and cost.
What is compounded semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide has the same active ingredient as name brand medications. The difference is compounded semaglutide is produced by compounding pharmacies instead of manufacturers.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone that is released in the digestive tract as a response to eating. It helps to increase insulin, lower blood sugar, reduce appetite and signal the feeling of fullness. Semaglutide is prescribed to treat type II diabetes and as a weight loss aid.1
Is compounded semaglutide the same as name brands like Ozempic® and Wegovy®?
Compounded semaglutide injections contain the same active ingredient and work similarly to name brands like Ozempic and Wegovy. The most noticeable difference is that compounded semaglutide injections come in a vial, and the user must measure each dose, while the name brands come in an autopen with premeasured dosages.2,3
Semaglutide oral tablets contain the same active ingredient as the name brand RYBELSUS®.4 In the case of compounded oral semaglutide from RedBox Rx, the pills are dissolvable, while RYBELSUS is a tablet that can be swallowed.5
What’s the difference between semaglutide and compounded semaglutide?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in name brands and in compounded versions. Drug compounding is the process of combining, mixing or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Additionally, the FDA approves medications to be compounded when there is a shortage from manufacturers. The FDA has approved semaglutide to be fulfilled by compounding pharmacies due to shortage.6
Is compounded semaglutide safe?
Compounded semaglutide is produced in state-licensed facilities that must follow FDA safety guidelines. As long the medication comes from a licensed compounding pharmacy and is prescribed by a licensed provider, it carries similar safety and risks as name brand semaglutide.7
With RedBox Rx, we ensure that:
Ingredients used in the prescribed GLP-1 compounds are pharmaceutical grade, not research grade.
The compounding pharmacy conducts third-party quality testing to check for potency, sterility and the presence of toxins.
Complete due diligence on the compounding pharmacy, including accreditations, licensures and manufacturing processes.
Achieve your health goals without breaking the bank.
Get compounded semaglutide for $189 per month with a six month subscription. Our monthly subscription includes everything – your medication, injection supplies (if applicable), unlimited provider follow-ups, and more – no intro pricing.
Get StartedIs compounded semaglutide reviewed by the FDA?
The FDA audits compounding pharmacies to ensure safety and compliance. The state boards of pharmacy are responsible for day-to-day oversight.8
Does compounded semaglutide work for weight loss?
Results will vary between individuals. GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide, have been clinically proven to aid in weight loss. In one large study from the New England Journal of Medicine, participants lost an average of almost 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks of semaglutide use.9
What dosages and forms are offered for compounded semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide is available as an injectable and in an oral tablet.
Dosages can vary from person to person. A common course of dosages for injectable semaglutide for weight loss is:10
Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg once a week
Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg once a week
Weeks 9-12: 1 mg once a week
Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg once a week
Week 17 and onward: 2.4 mg once a week
Oral semaglutide comes in 2 mg, 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets.11 RedBox Rx prescribes dissolving oral tablets in 2 mg from a compounding pharmacy. The provider’s prescription will determine the dosage and frequency.
What are the side effects of compounded semaglutide?
Common side effects of semaglutide include:12
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Abdominal pain.
Constipation.
Decreased appetite.
Heartburn.
Burping.
Contact your provider if side effects become too bothersome.
Does compounded semaglutide need to be refrigerated?
Injectable compounded semaglutide should be kept in the refrigerator.13 Oral semaglutide can be kept at room temperature, away from light and heat.14
Does compounded semaglutide expire?
Both injectable and tablet forms of compounded semaglutide will expire. On your prescription label, there is an expiration date. Do not use compounded semaglutide past the date printed on your prescription. Ask your provider if you need help identifying the expiration date.15
How much does compounded semaglutide cost?
The price of compounded semaglutide will vary depending on the provider, medication form and the patient's individual needs. With RedBox Rx, compounded semaglutide in injection or oral dissolvable tablet form costs $189 per month with a six-month subscription. This includes unlimited provider follow-ups through messaging or video, medication and injection supplies (if applicable).
See how RedBox compares to competitors for injectable compounded semaglutide in the chart below.
| Brand & Costs | Total Cost Per Treatment |
|---|---|
RedBox Rx $189 per month (28 days) with 6 month subscription – provider support + compounded semaglutide weekly injections |
$189 per month |
Ro® $145 per month – membership fee (provider support) $299 per month – compounded semaglutide weekly injections |
$444 per month |
Hers® $399 per month (paid monthly) – provider support + compounded semaglutide weekly injections |
$399 per month |
Henry Meds $297 per month – provider support + compounded semaglutide weekly injections |
$297 per month |
How do you get compounded semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide is available by prescription only. You can get a prescription for compounded semaglutide injections or oral dissolvable tablets online from RedBox Rx. Start with a quick online assessment and one of our licensed weight loss providers for your state will review to see if you qualify.
How RedBox Rx can help
RedBox Rx provides convenient, affordable telehealth services and prescription treatments for weight loss.
Benefits of RedBox Rx include:
Compounded semaglutide injections and oral dissolvable tablets starting at $189 per month with a six-month subscription.
Flat-rate, no intro pricing — no cost increase based on dosage.
Online consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional included in subscription price. Unlimited provider follow-ups through messaging or video.
One FREE dietitian discovery session.
No insurance required. HSA and FSA eligible.
Free express shipping — get meds in five to seven days.
Start your weight loss journey today with an easy, quick online assessment for compounded semaglutide to see if you qualify.
