Rx safety information
Compounded medications are permitted under federal law but are not FDA-approved and do not go through the FDA's standard review for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing. A licensed SD Clinic provider determines whether compounded semaglutide, and at what dose, is appropriate for you based on a full medical evaluation.
In animal studies, semaglutide (the same active ingredient found in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused thyroid tumors, including a form of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Whether this occurs in humans isn't yet known. Tell your provider right away if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath, since these can be early signs of thyroid cancer. Semaglutide should not be used by anyone with a personal or family history of MTC, or with an endocrine condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It's prescribed for long-term weight management, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, for adults with:
Semaglutide should not be prescribed to anyone who:
Semaglutide can be taken with or without food. It's self-administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection into the stomach, thigh, or upper arm, on the same day each week. Your provider will walk you through exact administration instructions as part of your treatment plan, and doses are typically increased gradually over the first several weeks. Don't change your dose or stop treatment without talking to your provider first.
Semaglutide can interact with other medications, so it's important to share a complete list of everything you're taking — prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Pay particular attention to:
Also let your provider know if you have, or have had, any of the following: type 1 or type 2 diabetes, thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or a bowel obstruction (ileus).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Semaglutide should not be used during pregnancy — animal studies suggest possible risk to a developing baby, and there's no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy. If you could become pregnant, plan to stop semaglutide at least 2 months before trying to conceive, since it stays in your system for a long time. Semaglutide has been found in the milk of nursing animals in studies — tell your provider if you're breastfeeding before starting treatment.
Giving inaccurate or incomplete health information to obtain treatment can result in serious harm.
If you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, watch for the following, especially early in treatment or after a dose increase:
To report side effects, you can contact FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at fda.gov/medwatch.