Compounded semaglutide and Ozempic are different products. While both may be used in people with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is approved by the FDA, but compounded semaglutide is not.
Compounded drugs are custom-made medications that are mixed, combined, and altered to help meet a person’s specific needs, such as removing an ingredient they may be allergic to.
Also, compounded drugs may be useful in times of drug shortages. However, compounded drugs do not go through the same quality, effectiveness, and safety checks as drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It’s an FDA-approved injection used in people with type 2 diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels and lowers certain risks in people with heart disease or chronic kidney disease.
This article looks at the difference between compounded semaglutide and Ozempic, as well as the safety and effectiveness of compounded semaglutide.
Compounded semaglutide and Ozempic should contain the same active ingredient: semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
A key difference between compounded semaglutide and Ozempic is the lack of FDA approval for compounded semaglutide. Some compounded semaglutide products
The FDA
The FDA does not assess how effective compounded drugs are, so it is not known if compounded semaglutide is as effective as Ozempic.
In some cases, compounded drugs can be helpful if there is a shortage of FDA-approved drugs or if a drug requires altering to meet someone’s specific needs, such as avoiding an allergen.
Drug shortage
Until recently, there was a shortage of FDA-approved injections that contain semaglutide, such as Ozempic. Compounded semaglutide was available as an alternative for people unable to access semaglutide for their medical needs.
As of March 2025, the FDA considers the semaglutide shortage resolved. The
The FDA has received
The salt forms include semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate. There is no evidence to show that the salt forms of semaglutide are safe or effective or that compounded drugs with semaglutide salts meet federal requirements.
During past shortages, high demand and costs for brand-name semaglutide products have led people to use compounded semaglutide.
Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that currently produces FDA-approved semaglutide products, including Ozempic, does not sell semaglutide for compounding. This has led to concerns over the sources of compounded semaglutide and the use of different formulations, such as semaglutide sodium.
Currently, the FDA has only approved
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Get answers to some frequently asked questions about compounded semaglutide and Ozempic.
Do I need to take compounded semaglutide or Ozempic with vitamin B12?
It’s possible. A small
Semaglutide may cause side effects in the digestive system and may affect the type of foods people eat and the balance of nutrients in the body. Researchers have found that semaglutide increases carbohydrate intake but reduces protein intake. Sources of vitamin B12 in the diet include animal-based products, such as meat and dairy. So a reduction in animal protein may reduce vitamin B12 intake.
These factors may affect how much vitamin B12 people are getting, as well as how the body is able to absorb it. Over time, a lack of vitamin B12 may lead to a deficiency.
Talk with your doctor about whether you need to make any dietary changes or start taking supplements with vitamin B12 while using Ozempic or compounded semaglutide.
Is compounded semaglutide or Ozempic FDA approved for weight loss?
No. Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss, and compounded semaglutide is not FDA approved for any purpose. But compounded semaglutide has been available during shortages of FDA-approved semaglutide drugs.
Ozempic is FDA approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes to help:
- manage blood sugar levels, along with a healthy diet and exercise
- reduce the risk of major cardiovascular (heart or blood vessel) problems in people who also have cardiovascular disease
- reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease and death from cardiovascular disease in people who also have chronic kidney disease
There has been increasing interest in using Ozempic for weight loss, but there is currently not enough evidence to support the safe and effective use of Ozempic for weight loss. Your doctor may prescribe Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic. Wegovy is FDA approved for weight management.
If you have questions about weight loss, talk with your doctor.
During shortages of FDA-approved products containing semaglutide, such as Ozempic, compounded semaglutide has been available as an alternative option. However, the
Compounded semaglutide has not gone through the same review process as FDA-approved drugs, so it is unclear how safe or effective these products are.
It’s important to get a prescription for semaglutide and only get medications from a state-licensed pharmacy or FDA-registered facility. Your doctor or pharmacist will have you take an FDA-approved version of semaglutide, such as Ozempic, instead of compounded semaglutide.