Verbatim response from Claude
Compounded Semaglutide vs. Wegovy: Real Differences
What's Actually the Same
- Active ingredient (semaglutide) works the same way
- Weight loss mechanism is identical
- Similar side effect profile
Real Differences That Matter
Quality & Safety
- Wegovy (Novo Nordisk) is FDA-approved with strict manufacturing standards
- Compounded versions come from 503A/503B pharmacies with variable quality control
- The FDA has flagged counterfeit and improperly dosed compounded versions
What You're Actually Getting
- Compounders often add vitamin B12 or other additives - unstudied combinations
- Some use semaglutide salt forms (not identical to Wegovy's base form)
- Dosing consistency can vary between batches
Cost
- Wegovy: ~$1,300-1,400/month without insurance
- Compounded: $200-500/month - the main appeal
Legal Status
- Compounded semaglutide was legal during the shortage but the FDA declared the shortage over in 2024, making most compounding legally questionable now
My Honest Recommendation
Choose Wegovy if you have insurance coverage or can afford it.
If cost is the barrier, ask your doctor about Ozempic (same drug, different dose approval) or manufacturer savings programs - Novo Nordisk's savings card can bring costs to ~$25/month for eligible patients.
Would you like more detail on any specific aspect?