Did you recently come across the term compounded semaglutide and are considering the safety of compounded semaglutide for weight loss?
Semaglutide has changed the weight loss game and has emerged as one of the best options for drug-induced weight loss. Semaglutide is generally available under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus in the USA. While the stated brand names are FDA-approved, compounded semaglutide is not.
Let us understand more about compounded semaglutide and discuss if semaglutide is safe in this blog.
What Is Compounded Semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutides are generic medications that are prepared by either mixing or altering the drug. Generally compounded medicines are not approved by the FDA as they compounded medicines do not undergo rigorous safety and effectiveness testing. This may cause compounded drugs to be prone to mislabeling and contamination.
Before buying compounded semaglutide you must understand that it is not FDA-approved. Consuming compounded semaglutide could pose some risks, which may sometimes lead to adverse effects on your health.
How Safe Is Compounded Semaglutide for Weight Loss?
FDA advises against using compounded semaglutide. There have been instances where the FDA has received reports of people having adverse effects of compounded semaglutide.[1] You must understand that compounded semaglutide is not approved by the FDA and may not be at par with branded and FDA-approved semaglutide on the basis of safety, effectiveness, or quality.
Is It Safe To Get Semaglutide From A Compounding Pharmacy?
No, it is not safe to get semaglutide from a compounding pharmacy as compounding pharmacists tend to use the salt form of semaglutide including semaglutide sodium or semaglutide acetate. However, the salt forms of semaglutide used in FDA-approved drugs are different. Furthermore, the compounding pharmacies are not aware of any basis for compounding using the salt forms. Also, compounded drug drugs do not qualify for FDA standards.
What Is The Difference Between Compounded And Standard Semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutides are customized medications that contain the same active ingredient as branded drugs. However, the compounded drug is not regulated for safety and efficacy as advised by the FDA.
Generally, compounded semaglutide cheaper alternative to FDA-approved branded semaglutide. Yet you should not compromise your health by choosing cheaper semaglutide as it may pose a serious threat to your overall health.
On the other hand, standard semaglutides are FDA-approved and are processed while maintaining the standards set by the FDA to determine a drug’s safety, efficacy, and quality. While several sites claim that they have the same composition as FDA-approved semaglutide you must be cautious in trusting them,
What Are Some Common Side Effects Of Compounded Semaglutide?
Some common side effects of semaglutide include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in abdomen
- Indigestion
- Sometimes constipation
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Rash at the site of injection
- Hair loss
Some other serious complications associated with semaglutide are:
- Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose levels
- Pancreatitis
- Gall bladder disorder
- Hypersensitivity reaction
- Diabetic retinopathy
Additionally compounded semaglutide may cause additional side effects as the drug is compounded without observing the rigorous guidelines of the FDA.
Conclusion:
Compounded semaglutide may seem like a cheaper alternative to FDA-approved branded semaglutide, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with these customized medications. Compounded semaglutide is not regulated for safety and efficacy by the FDA and may pose serious health risks such as mislabeling and contamination.
It is always safer to opt for standard semaglutide which has undergone rigorous testing for safety, efficacy, and quality. Your health should never be compromised by choosing a cheaper alternative. It is always better to opt for FDA-approved medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, which have been proven safe and effective in clinical trials.
Remember that your health should never be compromised for a cheaper alternative. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about using compounded semaglutide.
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