Compounded Semaglutide for Weight Loss & Diabetes
Dr. Sam Kalou offers appointments to discuss using compounded semaglutide, found in Ozempic® and Wegovy®, to treat diabetes and weight-related conditions. This active ingredient helps regulate blood sugar levels and can lead to significant weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. Start working towards your long-term health goals by scheduling an appointment today.
Self-administered injectable prescription
Shipped to your doorstop if prescribed
12% decrease in body weight when paired with changes in diet and exercise
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a critical component in both Wegovy® and Ozempic® as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is used for managing diabetes and weight since it helps control hunger and regulate blood sugar levels.
Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 kg/m² or those with a BMI of over 27 kg/m² and at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea, can benefit from semaglutide.
When combined with a healthy, calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise, semaglutide has shown promising results, including improved blood sugar control and significant weight loss. However, individual responses may vary, and it's essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle for long-term effectiveness.
Some of the benefits of semaglutide include medically significant weight loss of 15% of body weight after two years, improved blood sugar regulation, and reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes for overweight individuals with coronary artery disease.
While compounded semaglutide is currently available as an alternative to branded Ozempic® and Wegovy®, it is only temporary until the drugs become available again, and it's important to discuss alternatives with your doctor.
Semaglutide is typically administered through injections with pen or syringe forms, and compounded semaglutide from a preferred pharmacy is an exact molecular copy of the base ingredient and is verified by an outside lab. It is not a salt formulation, as the FDA warns against the use of these products due to safety concerns.
Semaglutide Side Effects and Risks
Possible side effects of semaglutide to be aware of
Gastrointestinal discomfort: Some people may experience an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation while taking semaglutide.
Headaches and fatigue: These commonly reported side effects may occur in the beginning but often decrease as the body adjusts to the medication.
Mood changes: In rare cases, patients may experience depression while taking semaglutide. If you experience any changes in your mental health, it's important to speak to your doctor for support.
Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying): This is a potential concern with this medication, but it's not a typical side effect. Speak to your doctor if you experience this issue.
Be mindful of these potential risks while taking semaglutide
Kidney health: To prevent dehydration and kidney problems, it's recommended to stay hydrated with 1.5-2L of fluids daily.
Gallbladder health: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience upper abdominal pain, discomfort on the right side, right shoulder pain, dark urine, or notice yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Pancreatic health: Limit alcohol consumption while taking semaglutide to lower the risk of pancreatitis.
Thyroid concerns (rare): If you have a history of thyroid issues or a family history of thyroid cancer, you may need to follow up with your doctor regarding any potential thyroid nodules while taking semaglutide.
Mental health: While uncommon, there have been reports of patients having recurring thoughts of self-harm while taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide. If you experience this, please notify your physician immediately.
Low blood sugar: Be cautious of symptoms such as lightheadedness, fatigue, sweating, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, or headaches as they may indicate low blood sugar. Keep a sugar replacement, such as fruit juice or glucose alternatives, on hand in case of low blood sugar.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Semaglutide is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals or those planning to become pregnant in the next three months.
Decreased effectiveness of oral birth control: If you take oral contraception, be aware that semaglutide may decrease its effectiveness due to delayed stomach emptying. Consider using non-oral forms of contraception or speaking to your doctor about other options.
How to Take Semaglutide:
Dr. Kalou will give you detailed instructions on how to take your semaglutide prescription. To administer the medication, you will use sterile insulin syringes and needles to measure the correct amount. Semaglutide is injected under the skin once a week, at any time of day, with or without food. It should be injected on the same day each week. Unlike pre-filled brand name medications, compounded semaglutide must be drawn from a vial using small syringes and needles that will be provided with your prescription.
The dosage of semaglutide may increase over time. Currently, compounded semaglutide is only available in doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2 mg, as these are the doses currently on the FDA shortage list.
Some general instructions for using semaglutide may include:
Store the medication in its original packaging in the refrigerator
Label the date you opened the medication, as it is only good for 28 days after opening
Use a syringe to draw the correct amount of medication from the vial
Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into your skin (usually in the abdomen or thigh)
Slowly push down the plunger until it reaches the bottom of the syringe, then carefully withdraw the needle
Properly dispose of the used needle and syringe in a sharps container
For more detailed instructions on administering the medication, you can refer to the guide provided by our pharmacy provider. Once the medication is prescribed, your Dr. Kalou will tell you how much to administer each week.
Questions Our Patients Ask About Wegovy®
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Our compounded semaglutide is available for cash purchase at $200 for one month, $300 for two months, $400 for three months, and $500 for four months. If you order this medication during your appointment, the specified amount will be charged to your card on file. Please ensure that you have a current address and an active card on file to avoid any delays with your prescription.
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This is a payment option for cash only and does not involve insurance. It will not be applied to a pharmacy deductible. Patients may request reimbursement through their HSA/FSA, but we do not currently accept these cards.
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After being prescribed, you can anticipate receiving your semaglutide shipment within one week. As a long-acting medication, if there is a delay in shipping, you can wait up to two weeks before taking your next dose without any safety concerns.
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There is variation among compounding pharmacies in their production of compounded semaglutide. Dr. Kalou has collaborated with our pharmacy partner to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards. Additionally, our pharmacy partner complies with all federal and state laws and FDA regulations. We specifically choose a preferred compounding pharmacy, as their compounded semaglutide is an exact molecular replica of the semaglutide base, not a salt formulation. The accuracy and strength of this compounded semaglutide are verified by an external laboratory. The FDA has cautioned against the use of semaglutide products containing salt formulations, as their safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Our clinic is dedicated to providing accurate information. The information provided is based upon studies published in JAMA Network Open, Nature Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Ozempic, Wegovy, National Center for Biotechnology Information, American College of Cardiology.