Is Compounded Semaglutide Safe? What You Need to Know
If you’re considering Compounded Semaglutide to lose weight or treat Type 2 Diabetes, you may be wondering if this medication is safe compared to the branded, FDA-approved versions. We explore.
If you've been looking into prescription weight loss medication, it's likely you've heard of Ozempic. Along with being proven to help treat type-2 diabetes, Ozempic can also aid weight loss. But how can you access it? Our Levity experts cover what Ozempic is, who can take it and how you can get it in this post.
Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It was developed to help people with type-2 diabetes regulate their blood sugar levels, but clinical trials show it's effective at helping you manage your body weight. [1] You take Ozempic as a once weekly injection.
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a hormone in your body that controls insulin release. Ozempic helps you maintain steady blood sugar levels and targets appetite centres in your brian, which curbs cravings and suppresses your appetite. It also slows gastric emptying, or the rate at which food leaves your stomach, which helps you feel full for longer. Taking Ozempic alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise can help you lose up to 7–12% of your body weight [1].
You may be eligible to take Ozempic if you have:
Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine, so it's not available over the counter. GLP-1 medications need to be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider following a consultation about your medical history. This can be done in-person, by your primary care physician, or from the comfort of your home via online pharmacies like Levity.
At Levity, Ozempic costs $1,199 per month. If you go through your healthcare provider, you may be able to access insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications, but only for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.
When you're looking for weight management solutions online, it's important you only purchase medication from legitimate online pharmacies that provide a valid prescription. Here's how you can stay safe:
Increased demand for Ozempic means that, sometimes, there are limited supplies of medication. So, what can you do if there are shortages? At Levity, we also offer several alternatives to Ozempic that are as effective, or even more so, at helping you lose weight.
Our popular GLP-1 medications include:
All of these prescription medications help stabilise your blood glucose levels, regulate your appetite and help you feel full for longer. Apart from Saxenda, which you take daily, they need to be taken as a weekly dose. And because the medications work in similar ways, they have similar common side effects, including: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation. If you’re struggling with side effects, not seeing the desired results from your current treatment or can’t find stock of Ozempic, our Levity team can help you switch to another weight loss medication.
GLP-1 agonists are prescribed by licensed healthcare professionals to ensure treatment is safe and suitable for you. Remember, injectable prescription medicine for weight loss is most effective when taken alongside sustainable lifestyle changes.
Need support reaching your weight loss goals? Our Levity team is waiting to help you. Start a free online consultation to see if you're eligible for treatment today.
1. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2021 Feb 10;384(11):989–1002. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183