Semaglutide, originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes, has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in medically supervised weight loss. Compounded semaglutide is a customized version prepared by FDA-registered compounding pharmacies to allow for greater dosing flexibility and affordability compared to brand-name medications. While compounded medications do not go through the same FDA pre-market approval process as commercially manufactured drugs, they must meet strict safety and quality standards and be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. If you’re considering compounded semaglutide for weight management, this guide will help you understand how it works, the importance of proper dosing, and why medical supervision with lifestyle modifications is key to sustainable success.
Semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate both digestion and metabolic processes, contributing to improved blood sugar within a healthy range, appetite control, and a balanced digestive process.1 Semaglutide and compounded semaglutide medications are commonly used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management because they2:
✔ Reduce hunger and cravings
✔ Increase feelings of fullness
✔ Slow gastric emptying (i.e., delaying food leaving the stomach)
✔ Improved blood sugar regulation
By targeting these key mechanisms, semaglutide and compounded semaglutide promote weight loss and metabolic health, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle choices for sustained results.2
Compounded semaglutide is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.3 To reduce irritation, rotate injection sites each week. Recipients of compounded semaglutide will receive the injectable medication as a vial and syringe. Because of this, it’s crucial to carefully measure the correct dose when filling the syringe for administration. Store the vial in the refrigerator according to pharmacy guidelines to maintain effectiveness.
If you are also using insulin, do not mix the two medications in the same syringe or inject them at the exact same site. Consult your primary healthcare provider before using semaglutide alongside insulin. If you miss a dose of compounded semaglutide, take it within five days. If more than five days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.3
A gradual dose increase helps your body adjust while minimizing potential side effects.3 Here’s a general dosing schedule, though adjustments may be necessary based on your individual needs:
A clear, step-up approach to starting compounded semaglutide involves gradually increasing the dosage to help the body adjust and minimize side effects. Typically, the regimen starts with 0.25mg (5 units) once weekly for the first four weeks, followed by an increase to 0.5mg (10 units) for the next month. Starting at week nine, the dose increases to 1mg (20 units) weekly.
The goal is to reach an effective maintenance dose for weight loss or blood sugar control while minimizing adverse effects. If the weekly maintenance dose of 1mg does not provide adequate control, the dose maybe increased up to 2.0 mg per week, based on the patient’s response and tolerance.4-6 Your provider at Newman Clinic will monitor your progress and adjust your dose as necessary for optimal health. This dosage chart is a tool for monitoring progress.
To qualify, patients must:
• Be 18 years or older, non-pregnant
• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m², or
• Have a BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m² with at least one obesity-related risk factor (e.g., hypertension, diabetes)
While semaglutide is an effective weight management tool, it is not for everyone. You should not take semaglutide if you have3
🚫 Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or other active thyroid cancer
🚫 Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
🚫 Known allergy to semaglutide or its components
Compounded semaglutide is contraindicated for individuals with certain conditions, including kidney disease, an unknown cause of pancreatitis, active gallbladder disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, type 1 diabetes, pregnancy or plans to become pregnant, suicidal ideation, or diabetic retinopathy. If you have type 2 diabetes and use a sulfonylurea (e.g., glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide) or insulin, then consult your primary healthcare provider and/or endocrinologist to ensure the treatment is safe for you with careful monitoring.
Most side effects are mild and improve over time. However, it’s important to be aware of possible reactions,3 including:
⚠ Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain
⚠ Less common but serious risks: Severe gastrointestinal reaction, pancreatitis, acute kidney injury, hypoglycemia (especially if taken with insulin), visions changes (i.e., decreased/blurred vision), mental mood changes (i.e., depression, thoughts of suicide). Seek medical help immediately if you experience severe symptoms. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.5
As well, GLP-1 medications may lead to injection site reactions or affect the absorption of other oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying. Achieving the right balance is essential when using semaglutide for optimal results. To minimize side effects, follow a slow and steady dosage increase and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider.4
Weight loss is not one-size-fits-all. Factors such as age, medical history, genetics, and metabolic health influence how your body responds to compounded semaglutide.7 That’s why self-adjusting your dose is not recommended—too much too soon can lead to unnecessary side effects, while too little may not provide the desired results.8 Semaglutide is most effective when combined with a structured exercise, behavior change, and reduced-calorie diet program. Losing weight and maintaining it can reduce the health risks associated with being overweight, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life expectancy.7
At Newman Clinic, your treatment is supervised by Dr. Donna Newman, DMSc, PA-C, ensuring a personalized, safe, effective approach.However, your pre-existing medical conditions could require close monitoring by your primary healthcare provider, who may adjust your dosage as needed to prevent any complications.3
Due to high demand, brand-name semaglutide medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy® are often in short supply. Compounded semaglutide, prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies, can be a legally available alternative when prescribed by a healthcare provider.6
Compounded Semaglutide (active ingredient in Ozempic™️) is prepared in licensed, FDA-regulated compounding pharmacies in the U.S.5 Newman Clinic works exclusively with trusted 503(a) Compounding Pharmacies and503(b) Outsourcing Facilities that adhere to strict federal quality standards and regulations, ensuring the highest level of care.
Important Notice to Review:
Compounded semaglutide is a patient-specific medication prepared in a licensed compounding pharmacy based on a prescription from a healthcare provider. While compounded medications follow strict quality standards, they do not undergo FDA pre-market approval. The only FDA-approved semaglutide products are Rybelsus®, Ozempic®, and Wegovy®, manufactured by Novo Nordisk Inc. Newman Clinic works exclusively with U.S.-licensed compounding pharmacies that adhere to safety, sterility, and potency testing requirements.
At Newman Clinic, we prioritize accuracy and transparency in every blog article we provide. Our content is based on peer-reviewed research, medically reviewed data, and trusted clinical references to ensure reliability and relevance. We are committed to delivering clear, evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions about your health.
Important Disclaimer:
The information in this blog article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting a new diet, exercise plan, or medication. Our medically supervised weight management programs are designed to provide personalized care, but this article is not an advertisement for any specific drug.
Written by Donna Newman, DMSc, PA-C
PA Newman is a board-certified physician assistant with a Doctorate in Medical Science (DMSc), specializing in personalized virtual healthcare. As the founder of Newman Clinic, she focuses on providing expert care in weight loss management, hormone therapy, and concierge wellness services. With a patient-centered approach, Donna delivers compassionate, evidence-based care that is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, helping them achieve long-term health and wellness.
REFERENCES
1. Chao AM, Tronieri JS, Amaro A, Wadden TA. Semaglutide for the treatment of obesity. Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2023 Apr;33(3):159-166. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2021.12.008
2. Friedrichsen M, Breitschaft A, Tadayon S, Wizert A, Skovgaard D. The effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly on energy intake, appetite, control of eating, and gastric emptying in adults with obesity. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2021 Mar;23(3):754-762. doi:10.1111/dom.14280
3. U.S. Food and DrugAdministration. (n.d.-a). HIGHLIGHTSOF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: OZEMPIC (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf
4. Frías JP, Auerbach P, Bajaj HS, Fukushima Y, LingvayI, Macura S, Søndergaard AL, Tankova TI, Tentolouris N, Buse JB. Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 2·0 mg versus 1·0 mg inpatients with type 2diabetes (SUSTAIN FORTE): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3B trial. LancetDiabetes Endocrinol. 2021 Sep;9(9):563-574. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(21)00174-1
5. Pavlovic N, Tcheugui JE, &Ndumele CE. High DoseSemaglutide for Weight Loss and Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction inOverweight/Obesity. American College of Cardiology; 2021 July 21. Retrieved from https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2021/07/21/14/06/high-dose-semaglutide-for-weight-loss-and-cardiometabolic-risk-reduction
6. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.-b).Compounding and FDA: Questions and Answers. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/compounding-and-fda-questions-and-answers
7. Bailey K. Physiological factors affecting drug toxicity. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. 1983;3(4):389–398. doi.org/10.1016/0273-2300(83)90009-0
8. Kaiser Permanente. (n.d.). Semaglutide weight loss 1mg/0.5 mL subcutaneous pen injector. Retrieved from https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/drug-encyclopedia/drug.semaglutide-weight-loss-1-mg-0-5-ml-subcutaneous-pen-injector.606762?utm_source=chatgpt.com
