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 formulation that can vary by pharmacy and is not reviewed by the FDA for the same safety, quality, and effectiveness standards.[1][3][6]
Here’s the practical breakdown:
-
Wegovy
- Brand-name semaglutide made by Novo Nordisk.[1][3]
- FDA approved for chronic weight management.[1][3][8]
- Uses a standardized semaglutide base and fixed doses.[1][3][6]
- Comes with stronger evidence because it was tested in clinical trials and manufactured under strict quality controls.[1][3]
-
Compounded semaglutide
- Made by a compounding pharmacy for an individual prescription.[1][6]
- Not FDA approved and not required to go through the same testing as Wegovy.[1][3][6]
- May differ in inactive ingredients, concentration, and even the form of semaglutide used; the FDA has said some salt forms like semaglutide sodium or acetate should not be used for compounding.[1][3][6]
- Can vary more in dose consistency, purity, and reliability depending on the pharmacy.[3][6]
The most important clinical point is that they are not interchangeable “generics.” Generic drugs must be FDA-approved and shown to be bioequivalent, and these compounded versions are not.[6] The FDA-approved Wegovy formulation is also designed for predictable absorption, which is not guaranteed with compounded products.[7]
If you’re choosing between them, the decision usually comes down to:
- Wegovy: better studied, more standardized, more regulated.[1][3]
- Compounded semaglutide: sometimes used when cost, access, or individual formulation needs are the issue, but with more uncertainty about quality and effect.[1][3][6]
If you want, I can also give you a side-by-side comparison of cost, side effects, and safety risks in plain English.