Is Semaglutide the Same as Ozempic? Understanding the Difference
Complete guide explaining the relationship between semaglutide (the active ingredient), Ozempic (brand name), Wegovy (another brand), and compounded semaglutide—including differences in dosing, FDA approval, cost, quality control, and when to use each option.
The Short Answer
Semaglutide is the active drug ingredient. Ozempic is one brand name for semaglutide. It's like how ibuprofen (drug) is sold under the brand name Advil.
Key facts:
- Semaglutide: The GLP-1 medication (active pharmaceutical ingredient)
- Ozempic: Brand name semaglutide by Novo Nordisk, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (max dose: 2.0mg weekly)
- Wegovy: Same drug (semaglutide), same manufacturer (Novo Nordisk), but higher doses (up to 2.4mg) and FDA-approved specifically for weight loss
- Compounded semaglutide: Same active ingredient, made by compounding pharmacies instead of Novo Nordisk, not FDA-approved but legal, much cheaper ($99-300/month vs $900-1,500)
- They all contain semaglutide—differences are in branding, dosing, approval status, and cost
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is the name of the actual drug molecule—the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
How Semaglutide Works:
Drug Class: GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone your body produces after eating.
Mechanism of Action:
- Slows gastric emptying: Food stays in your stomach longer, keeping you full
- Suppresses appetite: Acts on brain receptors to reduce hunger
- Lowers blood sugar: Stimulates insulin release and reduces glucagon
- Reduces caloric intake: Most people eat 500-1,000 fewer calories per day
Weight Loss Results:
Clinical trials show semaglutide produces 15-20% body weight loss on average (30-40 lbs for a 200 lb person) over 68 weeks.
Analogy to Understand the Relationship:
Think of it like pain relievers:
- Ibuprofen is the drug name (like "semaglutide")
- Advil is one brand name for ibuprofen (like "Ozempic")
- Motrin is another brand name for ibuprofen (like "Wegovy")
- Generic ibuprofen is the unbranded version (like "compounded semaglutide")
The active ingredient is the same—what changes is the manufacturer, branding, and sometimes the dosing.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It's FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss (though weight loss is a common side effect).
Ozempic Details:
Manufacturer:
Novo Nordisk (Danish pharmaceutical company)
FDA Approval:
Approved in 2017 for type 2 diabetes (to improve blood sugar control and reduce cardiovascular risk). NOT approved for weight loss or obesity.
Dosing:
- Starting dose: 0.25mg once weekly (for 4 weeks)
- Maintenance doses: 0.5mg, 1.0mg, or 2.0mg once weekly
- Maximum dose: 2.0mg once weekly
- Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection (stomach, thigh, or upper arm)
Form Factor:
Pre-filled, single-use pen injectors (easy to use, no mixing required)
Cost:
$900-1,000 per month without insurance. With insurance (if covered for diabetes), copays range from $25-100/month.
Typical Use:
Prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes who need better blood sugar control. Many patients lose 10-15 lbs as a "side effect."
Important Note:
Because Ozempic is only FDA-approved for diabetes, insurance typically won't cover it for weight loss alone. If you want semaglutide specifically for weight loss, Wegovy (the higher-dose version) is the FDA-approved option—but it's often not covered by insurance either.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is also semaglutide—same drug, same manufacturer (Novo Nordisk), but formulated at higher doses and FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management.
Wegovy Details:
Manufacturer:
Novo Nordisk (same as Ozempic)
FDA Approval:
Approved in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol).
Dosing:
- Starting dose: 0.25mg once weekly (for 4 weeks)
- Dose escalation: 0.5mg → 1.0mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg (monthly increases)
- Maintenance dose: 2.4mg once weekly (higher than Ozempic's 2.0mg max)
- Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection
Form Factor:
Pre-filled, single-use pen injectors (same delivery system as Ozempic)
Cost:
$1,300-1,500 per month without insurance. Most insurance plans do NOT cover Wegovy for weight loss (considered "cosmetic").
Weight Loss Results:
Clinical trials (STEP 1) showed 15-20% body weight loss on average at 68 weeks (2.4mg dose).
Key Difference Between Ozempic and Wegovy:
- Same drug (semaglutide), different branding and dosing
- Ozempic max dose: 2.0mg (for diabetes)
- Wegovy max dose: 2.4mg (for weight loss—20% higher dose)
- FDA approval: Ozempic (diabetes), Wegovy (obesity)
- Insurance coverage: Ozempic often covered for diabetes; Wegovy rarely covered for weight loss
What Is Compounded Semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide is semaglutide made by compounding pharmacies instead of Novo Nordisk. It contains the same active ingredient but is not FDA-approved as a finished product.
Compounded Semaglutide Details:
What Is Compounding?
Compounding pharmacies are licensed facilities that prepare custom medications by combining FDA-approved active ingredients (like semaglutide powder) with sterile solution.
This is legal under Section 503A/503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act—especially during drug shortages (which Ozempic and Wegovy have experienced since 2022).
Active Ingredient:
Same semaglutide molecule as Ozempic and Wegovy. Compounding pharmacies use pharmaceutical-grade semaglutide (the raw ingredient).
FDA Approval Status:
Compounded medications are NOT FDA-approved as finished products. However:
- The semaglutide ingredient IS FDA-approved
- Compounding pharmacies are regulated by state boards and must follow USP standards
- 503B compounding facilities are registered with FDA and subject to inspections
- Compounding is legal when brand-name drugs are in shortage or for patient-specific needs
Dosing:
Flexible dosing (can match Ozempic or Wegovy protocols, or customize):
- Typical range: 0.25mg to 2.4mg+ weekly
- Some providers offer doses up to 3.0mg or higher
- Dosing is individualized based on response and tolerance
Form Factor:
Usually comes in vials (not pre-filled pens). Patients draw the dose with an insulin syringe and inject themselves. Some compounding pharmacies offer pre-filled syringes.
Cost:
$99-300 per month (much cheaper than Ozempic/Wegovy's $900-1,500). This is the main reason people choose compounded semaglutide.
Who Provides It:
Telehealth weight loss companies (like CoreAge RX, Hims, Ro, Henry Meds, etc.) partner with compounding pharmacies to offer affordable semaglutide.
Quality Control Considerations:
Important: Not all compounding pharmacies are equal. Choose providers that use:
- 503B-registered compounding facilities (FDA-registered, higher oversight)
- USP <797> sterile compounding standards (ensures sterility and safety)
- Third-party testing (certificates of analysis showing purity and potency)
- Proper storage and handling (refrigeration, sterile technique)
Reputable telehealth companies (like CoreAge RX) only work with high-quality compounding pharmacies that meet these standards.
Semaglutide vs. Ozempic vs. Wegovy vs. Compounded: Full Comparison
| Feature | Ozempic | Wegovy | Compounded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk | 503B pharmacies |
| FDA Approval | Yes (diabetes) | Yes (weight loss) | No (legally compounded) |
| Max Dose | 2.0mg weekly | 2.4mg weekly | Flexible (up to 3mg+) |
| Form | Pre-filled pen | Pre-filled pen | Vial + syringe |
| Cost (no insurance) | $900-1,000/mo | $1,300-1,500/mo | $99-300/mo |
| Insurance Coverage | Often (diabetes) | Rarely (weight loss) | No |
| Weight Loss | 10-15% (lower dose) | 15-20% (higher dose) | 15-20% (same as Wegovy) |
| Quality Control | FDA oversight | FDA oversight | State boards + USP |
| Availability | Limited (shortages) | Limited (shortages) | Readily available |
| Best For | Diabetes patients | Weight loss (if affordable) | Affordable weight loss |
When to Use Each Option
Choose Ozempic If:
- You have type 2 diabetes and need better blood sugar control
- Your insurance covers Ozempic with reasonable copay ($25-100/month)
- You prefer the brand-name pen (easier to use than vials)
- Weight loss is a secondary benefit, not the primary goal
- You need cardiovascular protection (Ozempic reduces heart attack/stroke risk)
Choose Wegovy If:
- Your primary goal is weight loss (not diabetes management)
- You have obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related conditions
- You can afford $1,300-1,500/month or have insurance that covers it (rare)
- You want the highest FDA-approved dose for maximum weight loss
- You prefer brand-name medication with full FDA oversight
Choose Compounded Semaglutide If:
- Your primary goal is weight loss and cost is a major factor
- You don't have insurance coverage for Ozempic/Wegovy
- You want the same medication at 1/10th the cost ($99-300 vs $900-1,500)
- You're comfortable with vial + syringe administration (not difficult, just less convenient than pens)
- You want flexible dosing (some providers offer higher doses than Wegovy's 2.4mg)
- Ozempic/Wegovy are unavailable due to ongoing shortages
Important Considerations:
- Same active ingredient: All three contain semaglutide—weight loss results are comparable when dosed equivalently
- Side effects are identical: Nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, etc. are the same regardless of brand
- Quality matters: Choose compounding providers that use 503B pharmacies with third-party testing
- Cost is the main differentiator: For most people seeking weight loss, compounded semaglutide offers the best value
Get Premium Compounded Semaglutide for $99/Month
At CoreAge RX, we provide pharmaceutical-grade compounded semaglutide at an affordable price—same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy, 1/10th the cost.
What You Get:
- ✓ Premium compounded semaglutide for just $99/month
- ✓ Same weight loss results as Wegovy (15-20% body weight loss)
- ✓ 503B-compounded by FDA-registered pharmacies with third-party testing
- ✓ Board-certified providers who manage your entire treatment
- ✓ Flexible dosing up to 2.4mg+ (same as Wegovy)
- ✓ Free shipping directly to your door (refrigerated packaging)
- ✓ Injection training and support (vial + syringe is easy with guidance)
- ✓ Direct messaging with providers for side effect management
Cost Comparison (6 Months):
- Wegovy brand-name: $9,000 (no insurance)
- Ozempic brand-name: $6,000 (no insurance)
- CoreAge RX compounded semaglutide: $594
- Save over $8,400 with compounded semaglutide!
Takes 5 minutes. Most people approved within 24 hours. Same medication, better price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
Semaglutide is the name of the drug (active ingredient). Ozempic is one brand name for semaglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It's like how ibuprofen is the drug name, and Advil is the brand name. Wegovy is another brand name for semaglutide (same drug, higher dose, approved for weight loss instead of diabetes).
What's the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Both are semaglutide made by Novo Nordisk. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (max dose 2.0mg weekly). Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss (max dose 2.4mg weekly—20% higher). They're the same drug, just different branding, dosing, and indications. Wegovy costs more ($1,300-1,500/month vs Ozempic's $900-1,000) and is rarely covered by insurance.
Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
Yes—same active ingredient (semaglutide), but made by compounding pharmacies instead of Novo Nordisk. The semaglutide molecule is identical. Main differences: compounded comes in vials (not pre-filled pens), is not FDA-approved as a finished product (though the ingredient is FDA-approved), costs much less ($99-300 vs $900-1,000), and quality depends on the compounding pharmacy. Choose providers that use 503B-registered facilities with third-party testing.
Is compounded semaglutide safe and effective?
When made by high-quality 503B compounding pharmacies that follow USP sterile compounding standards and provide third-party testing, compounded semaglutide is safe and effective. It contains the same pharmaceutical-grade semaglutide as Ozempic/Wegovy and produces the same 15-20% weight loss results. However, not all compounding pharmacies are equal—choose reputable telehealth providers that partner with FDA-registered 503B facilities.
Can I use Ozempic for weight loss?
Technically yes—Ozempic contains semaglutide and will cause weight loss (typically 10-15% at the 1-2mg doses). However, Ozempic is only FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. If you want semaglutide specifically for weight loss, Wegovy is the FDA-approved option (though expensive and rarely covered). Most people seeking affordable weight loss choose compounded semaglutide ($99-300/month) instead of paying $900-1,000/month for Ozempic out-of-pocket.
Why is compounded semaglutide so much cheaper?
Brand-name drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy include costs for: research & development, FDA approval process, marketing, brand licensing, pre-filled pen technology, and patent protection. Compounding pharmacies buy pharmaceutical-grade semaglutide (the raw ingredient) and prepare it in vials, avoiding all those additional costs. They can't make pre-filled pens (patented by Novo Nordisk), which is why you use vials + syringes. The cost savings is passed to patients: $99-300/month vs $900-1,500.
Will insurance cover Ozempic for weight loss?
Usually no. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, so insurance typically only covers it for diabetes (not weight loss alone). If you have diabetes AND want weight loss, insurance may cover Ozempic. If you want semaglutide purely for weight loss without diabetes, most insurance won't cover it—even Wegovy (the weight loss version) is rarely covered. This is why many people choose compounded semaglutide instead ($99-300/month, no insurance needed).
What happens when Ozempic and Wegovy shortages end?
When the FDA removes semaglutide from the drug shortage list, compounding pharmacies will eventually have to stop producing it (though this process takes time). However, many patients will continue using compounded semaglutide as long as it's available due to the dramatic cost difference ($99-300 vs $900-1,500). Long-term, generic semaglutide may become available (patents expire around 2032), which could lower brand-name prices.
The Bottom Line
Semaglutide is the drug. Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for semaglutide. Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient but is made by compounding pharmacies instead of Novo Nordisk.
Key points:
- Ozempic: FDA-approved for diabetes, max dose 2.0mg, $900-1,000/month, often covered by insurance for diabetes
- Wegovy: FDA-approved for weight loss, max dose 2.4mg, $1,300-1,500/month, rarely covered by insurance
- Compounded semaglutide: Same ingredient, not FDA-approved as finished product, $99-300/month, no insurance coverage but dramatically cheaper
- Weight loss is comparable when dosed equivalently (15-20% body weight loss)
- Side effects are identical regardless of brand or compounding
For most people seeking weight loss:
Compounded semaglutide offers the best value—same medication, same results, 1/10th the cost. Choose a reputable provider that uses 503B-registered compounding pharmacies with third-party testing for quality assurance.