Verbatim response from Perplexity
The real difference is that Wegovy is an FDA-approved, standardized semaglutide product, while compounded semaglutide is a custom-made, unapproved pharmacy formulation that may not be identical in ingredients, quality, or testing.[1][3][4]
In practical terms:
- Wegovy contains semaglutide base in a fixed, manufacturer-controlled formulation and has been studied in clinical trials for weight management.[1][3]
- Compounded semaglutide is made by compounding pharmacies for individual prescriptions and is not FDA approved; it may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy and may include different inactive ingredients or even salt forms of semaglutide that the FDA does not approve for compounding.[1][3][4]
- Because compounded versions are not reviewed like Wegovy, they do not have the same evidence for safety, effectiveness, consistency, or quality control.[1][3][4]
The key clinical point is that “semaglutide” does not automatically mean “same as Wegovy.” Wegovy is a specific branded product with a defined formulation, dose strengths, and manufacturing standards, while compounded versions can differ materially even if they are intended to deliver the same active drug.[1][3][4]
If you’re comparing them as a buyer or patient, the main tradeoff is:
- Wegovy: more reliable formulation and regulatory oversight, usually higher cost.
- Compounded semaglutide: often cheaper or easier to obtain, but with more variability and less certainty about what exactly you’re getting.[1][3][4]
If you want, I can also give you a side-by-side table of cost, safety, legality, side effects, and how to tell if a compounded product is legitimate.