Can Semaglutide be used by anyone with prediabetes and PCOS?

Question

Hello doctor,

I heard about Semaglutide for weight loss and really want to try it. I have prediabetes and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). My insurance will not cover Semaglutide because my BMI is not high enough, but a wellness clinic nearby offers compounded Semaglutide monthly for less cost compared to Semaglutide without a prescription. They claim it is the same medication, just made in a special pharmacy. I am desperate to lose weight after trying everything else over the past decade. Is compounded Semaglutide safe? Does it actually work the same as the FDA-approved versions? I have read about shortages of the real medication - is this just a way around that, or should I be concerned?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Compounded Semaglutide differs from FDA-approved (Food and Drug Administration) versions like Wegovy (Semaglutide) or Ozempic (Semaglutide) in that it is mixed by a pharmacy to create a custom formulation. While FDA-approved versions undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, compounded versions may not have the same level of oversight, potentially leading to variability in dosage and purity.

The safety and efficacy of compounded Semaglutide can be uncertain. There are risks involved, including potential contamination and incorrect dosing. To ensure you are getting legitimate and properly dosed medication, it is best to obtain Semaglutide from a reputable pharmacy and consult your healthcare provider.

Reported adverse effects from compounded Semaglutide can include unexpected side effects due to variability in formulation.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.