About Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a type of medication called a GLP-1 receptor agonist. (That’s a fancy way of saying it works like a natural hormone in your body.)
The FDA has approved several GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications for diabetes and weight management:
Semaglutide:
- Ozempic® – for Type 2 diabetes
- Wegovy® – for weight management
Tirzepatide:
- Mounjaro® – for Type 2 diabetes
- Zepbound® – for weight management
All of these products have been tested in large clinical trials and reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.
Important: Sprout Health Offers Compounded Semaglutide
What this means:
- Compounded semaglutide is prepared by state-licensed pharmacies for individual patients
- It has NOT been approved by the FDA
- The FDA does not check the safety, effectiveness, or quality of compounded semaglutide
- It should ONLY be used when FDA-approved medications can’t meet your specific medical needs
Compounded medications are prepared by state-licensed pharmacies following a prescription from your licensed healthcare provider. Although these medications have not undergone FDA approval, they are prepared under state and federal regulatory oversight and must adhere to established safety and quality standards.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide works like a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone helps control hunger and blood sugar. The medication:
- Helps you feel full longer after eating
- Reduces hunger signals in your brain
- Helps keep blood sugar levels steady
When Compounded Semaglutide May Be Appropriate
Your provider may determine that compounded semaglutide is appropriate if you have:
- A documented allergy to inactive ingredients in FDA-approved semaglutide products
- A need for a dosage strength not commercially available in FDA-approved products
- Specific formulation requirements not available in FDA-approved products
Cost alone is not a valid reason for compounding. During your medical evaluation, your provider will determine whether an FDA-approved semaglutide product can meet your needs or if you have specific medical circumstances requiring compounded semaglutide.
FDA-Approved Alternatives
FDA-approved semaglutide products (Ozempic® and Wegovy®) are available through traditional healthcare providers and pharmacies.
If you’re interested in an FDA-approved option, discuss this with your clinician.
Common Side Effects
Side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Injection site reactions
This is not a complete list. Discuss all potential risks with your clinician. If you experience severe or concerning symptoms, contact your clinician immediately or seek emergency medical care.
Reporting Adverse Events
If you experience an adverse event or product quality issue, you can report it to:
- Your clinician through the medical portal
- FDA MedWatch: www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088
- Your compounding pharmacy (see “Compounding Pharmacy Information”)