Semaglutide

Overview

Semaglutide is an innovative medication primarily used to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs work by mimicking incretin, a natural hormone that stimulates insulin release, helping to regulate blood sugar. The major advantage of semaglutide is its convenience — it’s administered just once a week through an injection, making it a simpler option compared to other diabetes medications that require multiple doses throughout the day.

What Is Compounded Semaglutide?

Compounded semaglutide is a form of the diabetes medication semaglutide that is custom-prepared by compounding pharmacies. This service has become especially important due to frequent shortages of GLP-1 medications, including well-known brands like Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®. Such shortages are often caused by manufacturing delays, rising demand and disruptions in the supply chain, leaving many patients without essential treatment. Compounded semaglutide offers a reliable alternative when these name-brand medications are not available.

With state-of-the-art 503A and 503B facilities, Olympia Pharmaceuticals can tailor patient-specific prescriptions and office-use preparations of GLP-1 medications. Our adherence to stringent national and state regulations ensures that healthcare providers and their patients can maintain uninterrupted treatment.

What Is Compounded Semaglutide Prescribed For?

Compounded semaglutide is primarily prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood glucose control. Additionally, it may be used for weight management in individuals who are either overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension or dyslipidemia.

Clinical trials have proven that semaglutide is effective in weight management when combined with a proper diet and exercise plan. It works by regulating blood sugar and digestion, curbing appetite, slowing the rate at which the stomach empties, and increasing feelings of fullness after meals. These effects collectively reduce total caloric intake, which is crucial for weight management.

It is important to use compounded semaglutide under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The benefits and risks of this medication should be carefully weighed on an individual basis. For lasting weight loss results, it is recommended to adopt a holistic approach that includes both medication and lifestyle changes.

What Is Office Use Semaglutide?

“Office use semaglutide” is a term used to describe the administration of semaglutide within a healthcare setting under the supervision of healthcare professionals. This form is typically utilized in medical facilities such as clinics, hospitals, or doctors’ offices, where it can be prepared in larger quantities and administered to multiple patients. This practice allows for the efficient management of conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity in a controlled environment. Using semaglutide in this way ensures that it is handled and administered correctly, dosing schedules are followed accurately, and any potential side effects are managed promptly.

Dosage, Concentration and Route of Administration

Dosage: Seek advice from a licensed physician, medical director or other healthcare provider

Concentration (per mL): 5mg/mL, 3mL fill

Route of Administration: For SQ injection only

Precautions/Side Effects

Like all medications, compounded semaglutide can cause side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation. In some cases, more severe side effects may occur, such as pancreatic inflammation, vision changes or low blood sugar, especially when taken with other diabetes medications.

Semaglutide is not suitable for:

• Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
• Those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
• Patients with a history of severe gastrointestinal disease, including gastroparesis, as semaglutide can slow gastric emptying.
• People under 18 years of age, as its safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.

It is crucial to discuss all potential risks with a healthcare provider before starting treatment with semaglutide.

Storage

Store compounded semaglutide at controlled room temperature.

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