Can you switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic?

In this article:

• Switching from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic
• How to switch
• Side effects
• Can you take compounded semaglutide and Ozempic together?
• The bottom line

In this article

• Switching from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic
• How to switch
• Side effects
• Can you take compounded semaglutide and Ozempic together?
• The bottom line

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a brand-name drug made by Novo Nordisk and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help treat Type 2 diabetes. It is also prescribed off-label for weight loss. “Compounded semaglutide is a medication that’s custom-made for you by a compounding pharmacy. It contains the same active ingredient called semaglutide,” explains  Inna Melamed, Pharm.D., a functional medicine practitioner and author of Digestive Reset. 

Though sometimes marketed as a generic version of Ozempic, compounded versions of semaglutide are not FDA approved. Given that, some may wonder whether switching from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic is possible. The answer is yes, and it may even be recommended.

RELATED: Compounded semaglutide vs. Ozempic

Should you switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic?

You can switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic, though both require a prescription from a medical professional.

“An individual may opt to switch from compounded semaglutide to brand-name Ozempic for improved safety, reduced risk of contaminants, and greater dosage accuracy,” says Jana Mowrer, RDN, MPH, CDCES, a certified diabetes specialist, board-certified health coach, and owner of HealthWins with Jana in Fresno, California.

Safety

“Unlike Ozempic, compounded semaglutide is not FDA approved, which means it may contain impurities,” says Mowrer. Compounded drug formulations should theoretically have the same safety as FDA-approved drugs, but the fact is that compounded semaglutide is “not checked the same way” as Ozempic, says Dr. Melamed. This raises safety concerns for many experts, including the FDA, which explicitly warned against compounded forms of semaglutide. 

An important note: Compounding pharmacies are legitimate and legal. These specialized pharmacies exist to make customized medications for patients with specific needs or allergies—or when there is a drug shortage of specific FDA-approved meds. However, for various reasons, compounded drugs are exempt from FDA approval. Instead, compounded drugs are regulated by state pharmacy boards based on standards created by the United States Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention.

Ultimately, FDA-approved drugs have a more airtight safety profile than custom drugs made in the pharmacy setting. 

RELATED: Is compounded semaglutide safe?

Efficacy

Just as compounded semaglutide may be as safe as Ozempic, it may be equally effective. However, the FDA has only approved Ozempic, not compounded semaglutide, for its safety and efficacy. 

The FDA has expressed concern that some compounded versions contain a salt form of semaglutide, which has not been thoroughly studied. In this case, the efficacy is not known. Because of the unknown strength and efficacy, people wondering why they are not achieving healthy blood sugar levels or weight loss on compounded semaglutide might consider talking to their prescriber about switching to Ozempic. 

Dosage accuracy

Mowrer suggests that compounded medications might present a risk of inconsistent or inaccurate dosing. Again, though compounding pharmacies must still follow strict regulations, they are not scrutinized by the FDA. Less oversight could mean that there is more room for error. In that case, switching from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic might yield better results.

Cost

Unfortunately, the retail cost of Ozempic is typically higher than that of compounded semaglutide. Ozempic without insurance currently costs about $1,334 per 1, 3 mL of 2 mg/3 mL pen. The cost of compounded semaglutide varies, but it is “typically less, even significantly less,” according to Dr. Melamed. A June 2024 NPR report cited a source who paid about $300 per month for injectable compounded semaglutide. However, compounded semaglutide is only meant to be used temporarily when the brand-name version is unavailable. 

Additionally, there are ways to save on brand-name Ozempic, such as SingleCare coupons. Some people might save money by switching from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic if their insurance plan covers Ozempic but not compounded drugs. Regardless, Ozempic will only be covered for Type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. Wegovy is the brand-name version of semaglutide approved for weight loss. 

Bottom line: It’s important for anyone interested in switching diabetes medications to consult their healthcare provider about the risks versus benefits. 

RELATED: What can I take instead of Ozempic?

How to switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic

First things first: Never switch prescription medications without the guidance of a healthcare professional. You will need a prescription for Ozempic, just as you did for compounded semaglutide. The switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic is easy if you follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

Typically, there is no need to taper off compounded semaglutide, especially if you’re using the injection at the standard maintenance dose. However, you may need to start Ozempic at a lower dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of digestive side effects. Both drugs contain the same active ingredient and are classified as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. 

Compounded semaglutide is typically available as a once-weekly injection or once-daily pill, although some pharmacies might produce different forms like nasal sprays and orally disintegrating tablets. On the other hand, Ozempic only comes as a once-weekly injection. Therefore, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for instructions when switching. 

Timing: When to make the switch

Clinical guidelines for switching between GLP-1 receptor agonists are as follows:

• If the discontinued drug (compounded semaglutide) was taken once weekly, the first dose of the second drug (Ozempic) can be administered seven days after discontinuation.
• If the discontinued drug (compounded semaglutide) was taken once daily, the first dose of the second drug (Ozempic) can be administered one day after discontinuation.

Dosing schedules: How much to take

When switching from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic, Dr. Melamed says it’s important for the prescriber to “consider titrating the new GLP-1 agonist from a lower dose.” In other words, your healthcare provider may start Ozempic at the lowest dose, then increase it gradually to match the equivalent of your previous compounded semaglutide dose. As a rule, healthcare providers always aim for the lowest effective dose for each patient’s needs. 

Because compounded semaglutide and Ozempic contain identical active ingredients, their potential drug interactions and side effects are the same. If you have questions about switching from a compounded diabetes drug to an FDA-approved diabetes medication, consult your prescriber for personalized medical advice.

Side effects from stopping compounded semaglutide and starting Ozempic

There are no adverse events linked specifically to stopping compounded semaglutide and starting Ozempic. Compounded semaglutide is intended to be a “copy” of Ozempic, so any potential side effects should be the same. 

Still, everybody is different. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of low blood sugar or worsening gastrointestinal symptoms after switching semaglutide products.

How to minimize Ozempic side effects 

Because these drugs are so similar, you are likely to experience the same side effects on Ozempic as you did on compounded semaglutide. 

Nausea is one of the most common side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Mowrer has a few suggestions for minimizing GI symptoms related to these drugs:

• Hydrate. “Stay hydrated with water, electrolyte tabs, or ginger and peppermint tea,” she says. 
• Adjust your diet and eating pace. If you’re feeling nauseous, small meals every four to five hours are better than a couple of large meals daily. Mowrer also suggests eating slowly—at least 20 minutes per meal—and aiming for protein-rich meals, which may help stabilize blood sugar and minimize nausea. 
• Healthy lifestyle habits. Blood sugar and weight management strategies also include taking good care of your body. You can try including short walks after meals, getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and engaging in weight training two to three times per week.

Can you take Ozempic and compounded semaglutide together?

No, Ozempic and compounded semaglutide should never be taken together. They have the same active ingredient, so taking both can increase the risk of an overdose. Simultaneous use can increase the risk of common side effects and serious complications, including thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, and gallbladder issues.

The bottom line

It is possible to switch from compounded semaglutide to Ozempic. The switch might even be recommended since Ozempic is FDA-approved and considered safer than compounded semaglutide. Regardless of when and why you are considering the switch, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider when weighing the risks versus benefits of a diabetes medication or weight loss drug.