In recent years, medications containing semaglutide have gained attention for their use in managing blood sugar levels and supporting weight management in certain individuals. While brand-name injectable products containing semaglutide are FDA-approved for specific uses, some patients and prescribers are exploring compounded alternatives when commercially available options are not suitable or available.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and aims to explain what compounded semaglutide is, how it differs from FDA-approved products, and how compounding pharmacies prepare customized medications under a prescriber’s direction.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which act on naturally occurring receptors in the body that influence insulin secretion and appetite regulation. FDA-approved semaglutide products are available as brand-name injectables and have undergone clinical trials and regulatory review for safety and efficacy.
Compounded semaglutide preparations, however, are not FDA-approved products. They are prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies based on a prescriber’s individualized prescription for a specific patient’s medical needs. These formulations may differ in dosage form, strength, or inactive ingredients from approved products.
What Is a Compounded Sublingual Formulation?
Some prescribers request that semaglutide be prepared in a sublingual (under-the-tongue) form. This type of administration may be chosen for patients who cannot tolerate injections or prefer an alternative delivery route. Sublingual formulations are designed for absorption through the oral mucosa, rather than through swallowing.
At Medicine Center Pharmacy, our PCAB-Accredited Compounding Lab uses FDA-registered ingredients and quality-controlled processes to prepare medications as prescribed. Our pharmacists work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that each compounded medication meets the specific needs of the individual patient.
About SubMagna® HMW Vehicle
For certain prescriptions, pharmacists may use a specialized base such as SubMagna® HMW, a sublingual suspension vehicle developed to help improve dispersion and mucosal contact time for a variety of active pharmaceutical ingredients. This vehicle allows pharmacists to prepare customized sublingual suspensions when requested by a licensed prescriber.
Important Considerations and Disclaimers
Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the FDA for safety or efficacy.
These preparations should only be used when a prescriber determines that a commercially available product is not suitable for a specific patient’s needs.
Patients should not assume that compounded semaglutide products are the same as or interchangeable with FDA-approved versions.
Compounded medications must be dispensed pursuant to a valid prescription for an identified individual.
Our Commitment to Patient Care
Medicine Center Pharmacy is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality, and personalized compounding services. Our mission is to deliver trusted, innovative pharmacy care with a commitment to service, compassion, and clinical excellence. We believe in empowering patients and providers with options when standard therapies are not available or appropriate.
If you have questions about compounded medications, our pharmacists are available to provide educational information and collaborate with your healthcare provider to determine what may best suit your needs.
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