Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 42 years old and struggling with my weight. I have been restricting my food intake and exercising, but the results have been minimal. A friend of mine mentioned that compounded Semaglutide helped her lose 40 pounds. Is it safe to obtain it from a compounding pharmacy? I am concerned about the quality compared to Semaglutide. What side effects should I be aware of? I do not have any other health conditions.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
I understand your frustration with weight loss despite efforts in diet and exercise. Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) has been effective for weight management, but you are right to be cautious about compounded versions.
Is Compounded Semaglutide Safe?
Compounded Semaglutide is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and its safety and quality can vary. Here’s why:
Quality concerns: Some compounding pharmacies may use Semaglutide sodium or Semaglutide acetate, which are not identical to the FDA-approved version.
Purity issues: There is a risk of contamination or incorrect dosing.
Lack of regulatory oversight: Unlike Wegovy, which is rigorously tested and approved by the FDA, compounded versions are not subject to the same strict regulations.
Side Effects of Semaglutide (Wegovy and Compounded)
Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and loss of appetite.
Less common but serious side effects: Gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, kidney problems, or thyroid tumors (rare).
To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and gradually increase it as prescribed.
When can you take it?
Body mass index (BMI 30 or higher or 27 or higher with weight-related health issues) is the safest option.
If cost or availability is a concern, consult a trusted healthcare provider before using a compounded version.
Would you like help estimating your BMI and potential for weight loss with Semaglutide? Feel free to share your height and weight, and I can calculate it for you.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Georges Hany Kozah
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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