Differences Between Compounded Semaglutide and Branded Ozempic: Is It Safe?

How is Compounded Semaglutide Different from Branded Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wevogy, Rebelsus)?

Difference in Form and Dosage

Branded Semaglutide, like Ozempic and Wegovy, are manufactured by Novo Nordisk and come in pre-dosed pens with different colors indicating a dosage similar to EpiPens. These pens have a built-in delivery system for subcutaneous injection. 

Wegovy (semaglutide) comes in once-weekly one-dose pens ranging from 0.25mg/injection to 1.7mg/injection. Each pen has enough medication for one injection. Each injection takes 10 seconds and there are 2 clicks. You would need 1 pen per week or 4 pens per month. 

Ozempic (semaglutide) comes in 3 multi-dose pens, 0.25mg - 0.5 mg red pen, 1mg blue pen, and 2mg yellow pen, with separate needles. Each pen has enough medication for 4 injections (6 injections for red pens). Each Ozempic pen will last you 4-6 weeks.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) also comes in colored once-weekly pre-dosed pens, ranging from 2.5mg/injection to 15mg/injection. Each pen has enough medication for one injection per week.

Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, on the other hand, come in a liquid vial with a specific concentration prescribed by your provider. Because there is no built-in delivery system, you are responsible for dosing and injecting the medication according to provider instructions. 

It is important to note that the amount of liquid you need to withdraw from the vial for injection depends on the medication concentration and your dosage. For example, if the dosage is 0.25MG/week of Semaglutide and the concentration is 1mg/ml, you need 0.25ml or 25 units. 

Difference in Storage

Both compounded and branded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide must be stored at a stable room or refrigerator's temperature, without light and vibration, and cannot be heated or frozen. 

Wegovy pens must be stored between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) and last up to a month or 28 days at room temperature between 46°F to 86°F (8°C to 30°C). 

Ozempic pens must be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) and last up to two months or 56 days at room temperature 59ºF to 86ºF (15ºC to 30ºC). 

Mounjaro pens must be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) and last up to 21 days at room temperature 59ºF to 86ºF (15ºC to 30ºC).

Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide must also be stored in the refrigerator and last up to 29 days. Compounded GLP-1 could be stored at room temperature for transportation in a short amount of time. Recent studies have shown Semglutide's stability at higher temperatures for a short period of time