Disclosure: This is an affiliate site. We may earn compensation from partners. Full disclosure | Medical disclaimer
Complete explanation of the relationship between semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, and compounded semaglutide. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right option.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient/drug. Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for semaglutide made by Novo Nordisk. It's like asking "Is ibuprofen the same as Advil?" - Advil is a brand name for ibuprofen. Similarly, Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide. They contain identical medication, but Ozempic is FDA-approved for diabetes (up to 2mg) while Wegovy is approved for weight loss (up to 2.4mg).
Compounded semaglutide uses the same active ingredient from different sources, offering a more affordable alternative. All forms work identically at the same dose.
Semaglutide is the generic name for the actual drug molecule - a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This is what does the work in your body: suppresses appetite, slows digestion, regulates blood sugar, promotes weight loss.
Ozempic is Novo Nordisk's brand name for semaglutide when used for type 2 diabetes. FDA-approved doses: 0.25mg (starter), 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg weekly. Comes in pre-filled injection pens.
Wegovy is also Novo Nordisk's semaglutide, but marketed/approved for weight management. Same medication, goes up to 2.4mg. FDA-approved doses: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg weekly.
Compounded semaglutide is the same active ingredient prepared by specialty pharmacies rather than Novo Nordisk. Much more affordable ($150-300/month vs $900-1,300/month). Same effectiveness at equivalent doses.
| Aspect | Ozempic | Wegovy | Compounded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk | Compounding pharmacies |
| FDA Indication | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management | Not FDA-approved |
| Max Dose | 2 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly | Flexible (2.4mg+ possible) |
| Cost (monthly) | $900-1,000 | $1,300-1,400 | $150-300 |
| Insurance Coverage | Often for diabetes | Sometimes for weight loss | Usually not covered |
| Delivery | Pre-filled pen | Pre-filled pen | Vials (self-inject) |
| Effectiveness | Identical at Same Dose | ||
Yes, many doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss because it contains the same semaglutide as Wegovy. Insurance often covers Ozempic for diabetes but not Wegovy for weight loss, so some providers prescribe Ozempic for weight loss patients. Effectiveness is identical - Ozempic 2mg produces similar results to lower Wegovy doses. The only limitation is Ozempic maxes at 2mg vs Wegovy's 2.4mg.
Compounded semaglutide from reputable 503B FDA-registered pharmacies is generally safe and uses the same active ingredient. However, it's not FDA-approved as a complete product, so quality control varies by pharmacy. Choose providers using established compounding pharmacies with good track records. Effectiveness is identical to brand names at the same dose. Main risks are contamination (rare with good pharmacies) and dosing errors (follow instructions carefully).
Yes, absolutely! They're the exact same medication. If you're stable on Ozempic 1mg, you can switch directly to Wegovy 1mg (or compounded semaglutide 1mg) without re-titrating. Your body won't know the difference. People switch based on insurance coverage, cost, or availability. Continue your same weekly injection schedule. The only change is the brand name/source - the medication and effects are identical.
Marketing and FDA indication pricing. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss (a cosmetic/lifestyle indication) while Ozempic is for diabetes (medical necessity). Pharmaceutical companies charge more for weight loss drugs because people are willing to pay out-of-pocket. The medication itself costs Novo Nordisk the same to produce. Insurance companies also more readily cover diabetes medications than weight loss drugs, so Novo Nordisk prices Wegovy higher for self-pay market.
No! Never take Ozempic AND Wegovy simultaneously - they're the same medication. Taking both would be double-dosing semaglutide, causing severe side effects (extreme nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia) and potentially dangerous complications. If you want to switch from one to the other, stop the old one entirely and start the new one at equivalent dose. You can only take ONE form of semaglutide at a time.
Whether you choose Ozempic, Wegovy, or compounded semaglutide, find trusted providers for your weight loss journey.
Explore more expert guides and reviews to help you on your weight loss journey
Complete guide to Jardiance weight loss: how much to expect, mechanism, and comparison to GLP-1 medications.
Top compounding pharmacies offering tirzepatide for weight loss.
Top-rated online tirzepatide programs for weight loss with licensed providers.
Compare top GLP-1 medication providers with expert reviews, pricing, and user ratings.
Compare top online GLP-1 medication programs for convenient weight loss.
Understanding weight set point science and timeline for establishing permanent weight loss with GLP-1s.