Made by a pharmacist, a compounded semaglutide is a customized formulation of an existing brand-name or generic drug intended to fulfill a patient’s particular need. Compounded medications are also designed to offset drug shortages. Compounding pharmacies may make identical, or duplicate, prescription medicine to cover shortages when there is insufficient supply to fulfill patient demand.
Because some compounding pharmacies are inappropriately distributing the medication or utilizing prohibited components to meet demand, healthcare professionals have expressed concerns about compounded semaglutide. This compounded semaglutide has emerged as an alternative to popular weight loss drugs.
Because semaglutide is a biologic medication, it cannot be lawfully duplicated in compounded form, unlike standard small-molecule pharmaceuticals. The FDA has issued cautions about reports of adverse events associated with compounded semaglutide, such as severe gastrointestinal difficulties and unanticipated side effects.
Though it helps patients save money and lessens the burden of supply shortages, compounded semaglutide has generated ethical and safety issues in the medical field. Paunel Vukasinov, MD, internist and obesity medicine specialist with Medical Offices of Manhattan, offers his opinion on the concerns with compounded versions of semaglutide. Read the article.
Would you like to make an appointment with Dr. Vukasinov?
