Verbatim response from Perplexity
Compounded semaglutide is a custom-made medication prepared by a compounding pharmacy that contains semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) as the active ingredient, used primarily for type 2 diabetes and weight loss [1][2]. It is not FDA-approved, meaning its safety, effectiveness, and quality have not been verified by the FDA, and it may contain harmful impurities, incorrect dosages, or chemically different salt forms (e.g., semaglutide sodium) that lack safety data [1][4][6].
Where to Get It
You can only obtain compounded semaglutide with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider from a state-licensed compounding pharmacy (including licensed online pharmacies) [2][3]. However, access is now severely restricted:
- Legality: As of February 2025, the FDA resolved the national semaglutide shortage that previously allowed compounding. Consequently, it is illegal to manufacture or sell compounded semaglutide unless a patient has a documented allergy to an inactive ingredient in FDA-approved versions (like Ozempic or Wegovy) [2][4].
- FDA-Approved Alternatives: Authentic, FDA-approved semaglutide products (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) are now fully available nationwide [4].
- Telehealth Services: Some online clinics (e.g., Alloy Health) still advertise compounded semaglutide for ~$70/month, but these may be operating in violation of current FDA restrictions or providing unapproved formulations [3].
Critical Safety Warning
The FDA and medical associations strongly advise avoiding compounded semaglutide due to risks of contamination, potency variability, and harmful ingredients [2][4]. Products sold online as "for research purposes" or without a prescription are often fraudulent or counterfeit and should not be used [2][7]. If you need semaglutide, consult a provider for an FDA-approved prescription.