Compounded Semaglutide vs. Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro for Weight Loss Q&A

Semaglutide imitates the Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone in the body, which is the hormone tasked with controlling and stabilizing blood sugar levels and managing our hunger and fullness cues. Compounded Semaglutide, which combines traditional Semaglutide with other body-safe vitamins, such as B6, offers the same results but at a fraction of the cost. It also allows the individual to tailor the medication to their specific needs.

A compounding pharmacy will mix the formula based on the doctor’s prescription. However, it’s essential to make sure that the pharmacy you’re using is FDA regulated, sterile, and meets all safety standards for its products. 

At the current time, only WeGovy is currently FDA-approved for chronic weight management. It can also be used to control blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. 

While Mounjaro, WeGovy, and Ozempic can all lead to weight loss, they are only approved to help control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, they cannot be prescribed for weight loss alone. Ozempic can also be prescribed for those with cardiovascular issues to help regulate their blood pressure. 

Mounjaro, WeGovy, Ozempic, and compounded semaglutide are injected weekly. The dose will be prescribed by your doctor and the injection spot will wither be your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Each of these products is available as injector pens that can be used at home or under the supervision of a medical professional. The doses may vary depending on the individual but are often as follows: 

• Ozempic and Compounded Semaglutide. The initial dose is 0.25 mg, injected once weekly. After 4 weeks, the dose is increased to 0.5 mg per week. The maximum recommended dose is 2 mg per week.
• WeGovy. The initial dose is typically 0.25 mg injected once weekly for 4 weeks. In 4-week intervals, the dose is increased until a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg is reached.
• Mounjaro. The recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg injected once weekly for 4 weeks. The dosage then increases to 5 mg once weekly, with the maximum dosage being 15mg once weekly. 

Compounded Semaglutide costs considerably less than the brand name equivalents Ozempic, WeGovy, and Mounjaro. This is because you’re not paying for injection pens, the large manufacturing facility, and distribution – all of which hike up the cost of brand name weight loss products. Instead, the compounded Semaglutide is sent directly from the compounding pharmacy to the patient which helps minimize the cost. 

On average, compounded Semaglutide costs less than $500 per month. You can expect the first 4 weeks of initial dosages to run you about $350 as the dosage is usually smaller when you’re first starting. This cost may vary slight depending on the dosage you’re prescribed, the shipping cost, and what the Semaglutide is being compounded with. 

Below we have compiled a list of the most popular injectables for weight loss and diabetes management and what you can expect from each. They are: 

Ozempic. Also known as semaglutide, it is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for the management of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular health. It can also be used to help encourage weight loss though it has not been FDA-approved for this at the current time. Ozempic is initially dosed at 0.25mg for the first 4 weeks, then 0.5mg for 4 weeks, and then eventually 1-2mg weekly. On average, it results in a 10-12% decrease in weight over the course of treatment. 

WeGovy. WeGovy and Ozempic are the exact same medication, except WeGovy is FDA approved for obesity and weight loss instead of diabetes. The dosing is also very similar, starting at 0.25mg and then increasing every 4 weeks to a maximum dose of 2mg. 

Mounjaro. This is an injectable medication that has only been FDA-approved for those with type 2 diabetes though it’s expected to receive its approval for weight management in the near future. Mounjaro works similarly to Ozempic and WeGovy except, instead of only acting as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it also contains a GIP receptor agonist. This additional receptor, in addition to higher dosages, has been shown to decrease body weight by 22.5% in clinical trials. Like its counterparts, mounjaro is administered once weekly via injection with a starting dosage of 2.5mg. After 4 weeks, doses are raised in 2.5mg increments. This can continue up until the maximum of 15mg is achieved. 

Compound Semaglutides. This type of injectable works the same as Ozempic and WeGovy but can be purchased at fraction of the cost. This compounded semaglutide can be tailored to fit individual needs and tolerances based on your doctor’s specifications. Benefits include individualization of dosage, combining semaglutide with additional medications for increased efficiency, and reduced side effects. 

If you have questions about Ozempic, WeGovy, Mounjaro, or compounded semaglutide, contact us at Vive Ageless Weight Loss Centers. Our team of dedicated specialists can help you navigate if injectables are the right choice for you and which one would be most beneficial to your unique needs. Compounded Semaglutide, Ozempic, WeGovy, and Mounjaro for Weight Loss are available at Vive Ageless Weight Loss Centers. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Coral Gables, FL, and Pinecrest FL. We serve clients from Coral Gables FL, Miami FL, Pinecrest FL, South Miami FL, Coconut Grove FL, Brickell FL, Kendall FL, Richmond Heights FL, and Westchester FL.