This article was updated 6/11/2023
Ozempic is the manufacturer's name for the medication Semaglutide, and it is prescribed to help manage diabetes type 2, or some providers choose to prescribe it "off label" for weight loss. Wegovy is the manufacturer's name for Semaglutide and is prescribed for weight loss. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are the same exact medications, but they are prescribed at different doses. Both can be very costly if not covered by insurance and are often difficult to find through pharmacies due to the high demand, so once you do get it, it may be difficult to refill. Ozempic and Wegovy are on a shortage list from their manufacturer, who chooses not to release their patent. Releasing their patent would widely increase the availability of insurance covered semaglutide. Their patent will not expire until 2026. Currently, the shortage has been extended to September 2023 - it is anticipated that the manufacturer will continue to extend the shortage because the demand is only increasing.
Rise Up Health offers compounded Semaglutide, which is made with the active semaglutide ingredient and vitamin B12. NO sodium or acetate is used. Compounded Semaglutide does not impact the supply availability of Ozempic or Wegovy because they come from a different manufacturer and are prescribed differently. Our clients are having very good results with compounded Semaglutide, and the 503A compounding pharmacy we prescribe from has been able to maintain a good supply, although in high demand, and can be much more affordable compared to the brand name.
Is compounded semaglutide illegal or "bootlegged"?
The compounded semaglutide prescribed through Rise Up Health is completely legal and safe. Our compounding pharmacy is federally regulated and approved to compound Semaglutide. NO sodium, acetate, or salt is used.
However, there are companies and individuals that advertise and sell semaglutide on the internet and other locations that are "bootlegged" and in the fine print stated as "not for human use". These companies usually use the word "research" in their ads and do not involve a provider evaluation or prescription. We recommend that you stay away from these forms of semaglutide for a multitude of reasons which include, but are not limited to - concerns that the quality and safety of the medications cannot be ensured, and there are usually no providers involved in the selling of these drugs, therefore, dosing may be incorrect and there is no monitoring of the patient while taking the medication where side effects can occur, and if not managed correctly, can lead to serious health conditions.
Why doesn't my insurance cover compounded semaglutide?
When it comes to medication coverage, insurance policies can be complex and vary significantly. Insurance companies often prioritize medications that have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although brand names Ozempic and Wegovy are FDA approved forms of semaglutide, the compounded forms, do not qualify under the FDA rules without going through the same costly and rigorous testing and approval process. FDA approval is not a realistic expectation of compounding pharmacies. Compounded semaglutide formulations can provide a reliable treatment option. While these formulations do not possess FDA approval, they are prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies adhering to strict quality standards, but unfortunately, most insurance companies choose not to cover them.
If you have any additional questions about this topic, please feel free to reach out to us!
You can read more about compounding pharmacies here: https://www.riseupinfusions.com/post/compounding-pharmacies-and-safety
Want to learn more about Semaglutide?
Here is our website, which includes pricing info
Tirzepatide is a similar medication prescribed for weight loss under the brand name Mounjaro. Check-out our website for more information about Tirzepatide
Here is the link to schedule a free consult call with our provider
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