Compounded Semaglutide vs Ozempic: Comparing Popular Weight Loss Medications

Since there are several popular weight loss drugs on the market, it can be confusing to understand which medications are the better option and why. Two of the best-known are Semaglutide and Ozempic—and they are the same in many ways. 

Semaglutide is the generic name of the drug while Ozempic is the brand name. Although they work the same way in the body, there are some notable differences when comparing prescribing parameters. This article will delve more fully into the differences and similarities of Semaglutide and Ozempic and how these medications work to help with weight loss. 

Introduction to GLP-1s

Semaglutide and Ozempic fall into the medication category of GLP-1 agonists. GLP-1  stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 which represents the hormone receptors in the body that these medications work on. GLP-1 agonists are traditionally used to help with treating type 2 diabetes by managing blood sugar levels but they have recently started to also be used for weight loss as well. 

GLP-1 agonists stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels. People with type 2 diabetes usually have something called insulin resistance, which is when insulin is made in the body but the body’s cells don’t respond to it as they should. By stimulating your body to release extra insulin, GLP-1 agonists can help to reduce blood sugar levels and keep levels stable in people who have type 2 diabetes. 

In addition to the pancreas, there are several different parts of the body where GLP-1 agonists work, including the brain and the digestive tract. GLP-1s also reduce feelings of hunger and they slow down the digestive tract, helping people eat less while taking it and reducing appetite which ultimately leads to weight loss. Some common GLP-1 agonist medications you may hear of include:

• Semaglutide
• Ozempic
• Wegovy
• Dulaglutide
• Rybelsus
• Liraglutide

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a generic drug name, meaning you may hear of this medication sold under other brand names, such as Ozempic or Wegovy. Semaglutide works to help lower blood sugar levels and support weight loss in people who have type 2 diabetes or who are overweight and at risk of complications due to being overweight. 

Because semaglutide helps with weight loss, it can help to reduce the risk of health complications from being overweight such as heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Semaglutide can be used along with lifestyle changes (such as proper diet and exercise) to help users reduce weight and improve cardiovascular health. 

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand name under which semaglutide is sometimes prescribed. This means that if your doctor prescribes you to take Ozempic, you will be taking semaglutide. For this reason, Ozempic and semaglutide work in the same way. Ozempic is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. Some other brand-name medications that use semaglutide can be prescribed for weight loss without having to be an off-label use. To get prescribed Ozempic for weight loss, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have a BMI of over 30
• Have a BMI of over 27 and a health condition associated with being overweight such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure 

Comparing Compounded Semaglutide and Ozempic: Effectiveness and Safety

Both compounded semaglutide and Ozepmic contain the same active ingredient, which is semaglutide. So they will have similar effectiveness and side effects when compared side by side. The main difference is that compounded semaglutide is a custom-mixed medication that is designed to meet a person’s specific needs. This means that it can be available in different strengths or contain differing ingredients when needed. This is especially helpful if a person has an allergy to a specific ingredient.

Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved while Ozempic is. For this reason, you’ll need to be cautious about where you get compounded semaglutide to ensure that you are getting it from a reliable source since it is less regulated than Ozempic. 

Ahara’s weight loss program combines prescription weight loss medication with nutrition coaching to help you shed weight and transition into a healthy lifestyle. Our program is backed by knowledgeable healthcare professionals, offering compounded semaglutide as one of the medication options. 

Other Brand Names for Semaglutide: An Introduction to Wegovy

Wegovy is another brand name for semaglutide. This means that Wegovy is the same medication as Ozempic, simply sold under a different brand name. For this reason, Wegovy works in the same way as Ozempic and has the same side effects and risks of taking it. Wegovy is also administered as a weekly injection. 

Both Wegovy and Ozempic are started at a low dose and gradually increased. The maintenance dose may vary from person to person but typically, Wegovy is given as a higher dose than Ozempic. For this reason, some studies have found Wegovy to be more effective for weight loss, which makes sense if you’re going to be taking a higher dosage. 

Wegovy vs Ozempic: Cost and Accessibility

Wegovy costs more than Ozempic. Ozempic averages around $900 for a one-month supply, while Wegovy averages closer to $1,300 for the same amount. Many people have to pay for Wegovy and Ozempic without insurance. 

Wegovy may be easier to get than Ozempic during times of drug shortages since weight loss is the prescribed use of Wegovy. For Ozempic, weight loss is an off-label use of the drug. For this reason, if a drug shortage happens, Ozempic will be prioritized for people who have diabetes, not for those who are using the medication for weight loss. 

Ahara’s compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredients as both Wegovy and Ozempic. In addition to getting access to prescription weight loss medication that is custom made for you, you’ll also have ongoing nutritional support from a registered dietitian, helping you move into a healthy lifestyle.  

Potential Side Effects and Risk Evaluation

Because both Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names of semaglutide, they will have the same side effects and risks. Side effects are usually more common when the drug is first started or when increasing your dosage. As your body adjusts to the medications, you may find that side effects become more mild or go away entirely. Common side effects of semaglutide include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Mild pain and swelling at the injection site

As with any medication, there are some more serious risks associated with taking semaglutide. Potential complications from taking semaglutide include:

• Pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas
• Gallbladder issues
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Kidney problems
• Severe allergic reaction

Another serious complication of semaglutide is the risk of thyroid tumors and cancer. For this reason, semaglutide is not recommended for anyone with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer. 

It is important to talk with your doctor at length about the risks of taking any medications beforehand. Do plenty of research and ask questions when you speak with your provider. Also, make sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are on and any health issues you currently have. 

Semaglutide is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding since it is not known if the medication will harm the baby. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have kidney, gallbladder or pancreas issues since semaglutide may not be a good choice for you. 

Off-Label Uses and Alternatives to Semaglutide and Ozempic

Some versions of semaglutide are FDA-approved for weight loss, such as Wegovy. This means that your doctor can prescribe the Wegovy for weight loss and it is not considered an “off-label use”. However, Ozempic is FDA-approved for treating diabetes so using Ozempic for weight loss is considered an off-label use of the drug. 

Semaglutide and Ozempic are not for everyone. You may need to consider alternatives to these medications for several reasons. Some alternatives to semaglutide and Ozempic are listed below.

Saxenda

Saxenda is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This medication is FDA-approved for weight loss in individuals who have diabetes. The active ingredient in Saxenda is Liraglutide which works in the same way as semaglutide since it is also a GLP-1 agonist. The main difference between Saxenda and semaglutide is that Saxenda is a daily injection while semaglutide is usually injected weekly. 

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is sometimes sold under the brand names Zepbound or Mounjaro. Tirzepatide is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide causes the same effects as semaglutide, reducing appetite and slowing the digestive process. In addition to working on the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, it also has an effect on the GIP receptors. 

Compounded tirzepatide offered by Ahara is prescribed in a unique dose and formula that is best for you. Our weight loss program is fully online and will give you all of the support you need to get the most out of your weight loss journey. 

Making the Right Choice for Weight Loss

When comparing semaglutide with Ozempic, the two are the same in many ways. The main difference is that Ozempic is the brand name and semaglutide is the generic name. 

Semaglutide may be sold under other brand names as well like Wegovy. You must work closely with a doctor in order to get prescribed semaglutide and determine if it is a safe choice for you.

Ahara’s weight loss program will provide you with the resources to get prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide. You will start by having a virtual visit with a healthcare provider to determine if you are a good candidate for one of our weight loss medications. In addition to being a source for your weight loss medications, we will also provide ongoing nutritional guidance to ensure that you have all the resources you need to succeed on your weight loss journey.

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