Verbatim response from Perplexity
Compounded semaglutide is a custom-made, unapproved version of the weight-loss and diabetes medication semaglutide (the active ingredient in FDA-approved brands like Wegovy and Ozempic) that is produced by a licensed compounding pharmacy rather than a pharmaceutical manufacturer[1][2]. It is not FDA-approved, meaning its safety, effectiveness, and quality are not verified by the agency, and it may contain different salt forms or nonstandard additives that differ from the approved drug[3][15].
Where to Get It
You can only obtain compounded semaglutide legally in the United States through a state-licensed compounding pharmacy or an FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider[2][3].
- Legitimate Access: It is typically prescribed only when an FDA-approved product is unavailable due to a documented shortage or if a patient has a specific medical need (e.g., an allergy to an inactive ingredient in the branded drug) that the approved version cannot meet[2][4].
- Important Warning: As of July 2026, the manufacturer Novo Nordisk states that authentic Wegovy and Ozempic are fully available nationwide, which makes it illegal to make or sell compounded semaglutide except for rare circumstances like a documented allergy[17].
- Avoid Illegal Sources: Do not purchase from online retailers that do not require a prescription, "research" labs, or websites selling it without a doctor's oversight, as these products are often illegal, unsafe, and may not contain the correct active ingredient[2][3].
Before considering compounded semaglutide, consult your doctor to confirm if you qualify for an exception due to a shortage or allergy, and verify that the pharmacy is state-licensed[2].