Semaglutide sodium is a compounded generic form of FDA-approved medications containing Semaglutide (brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy). Semaglutide was approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or obese with one weight-related condition (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol) in June 2021. 

Semaglutide is injected under the skin once weekly and the dose is titrated to effect.

Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.

Semaglutide is sometimes covered by insurance, as is the patient appointment fee. The medication and the appointment fee can be paid for with flex spending or health savings accounts.  

Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal (stomach) pain, headache, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal distension, eructation (belching), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes, flatulence (gas buildup), gastroenteritis (an intestinal infection) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (a type of digestive disorder).

The prescribing information for Semaglutide contains a boxed warning to inform healthcare professionals and patients about the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Semglutide should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with a rare condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).