Compounded Semaglutide: How and Why?

Compounded Semaglutide vs. Wegovy®: Navigating Your Options for Weight Management

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Background and Introduction

At Eden, we prioritize empowering our patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare journey. With the advent of telemedicine, the availability of weight management solutions has significantly broadened. One such solution that has garnered attention is semaglutide, an active ingredient found in the FDA-approved medication Wegovy®.

We are thrilled to offer our patients an opportunity to speak directly with a prescribing physician to determine if a compounded formulation including semaglutide is right for them. This development is made possible through stringent adherence to regulatory guidelines. We are committed to operating transparently and consistently to ensure ideal patient outcomes. This article aims to elucidate the distinctions between compounded semaglutide available through Eden's partner network and Wegovy®, and the circumstances that have enabled us to provide this option.

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Compounding Pharmacies: Tailored to Your Needs

Compounded medications are customized formulations prepared by licensed pharmacists to meet individual patient needs. Any compounded semaglutide is crafted following the highest standards of quality and safety, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act under Section 503A for compounding pharmacies. If a prescription is provided, it is uniquely prescribed for YOU and is never mass-produced.

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Why Now? The Regulatory Landscape

Recent advancements in the regulatory landscape have paved the way for compounded medications to address drug shortages and specific patient needs. The ability to offer compounded semaglutide is a testament to the evolving healthcare ecosystem that continually strives to meet the diverse needs of patients. Given that Wegovy® has been on an ongoing FDA shortage list since March 2022, there has been a desperate need for patients to identify unique ways to access the API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) that works for them based on a discussion with their prescribing physician.

At Eden, our vision is to help 80 million Americans improve their metabolic health. We are putting the pieces together to help patients navigate these complex regulatory and accessibility challenges. Think of what we're doing as the 'Uber' of accessibility—matching patients who want to learn if a treatment is right for them with knowledgeable physicians capable of understanding their unique health goals and history.

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Compounded Semaglutide vs. Wegovy®: What's the Difference?

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Active Ingredient:

Both compounded semaglutide and Wegovy® contain the GLP-1 agonist, semaglutide, as the active ingredient. Per FDA guidance, it is not advisable for any compounders to utilize the salt form of semaglutide—although some 'bad actors' have dangerously gotten into this practice. It's always best to ask your provider for details if you have any questions or concerns surrounding this!

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Formulation:

While the active ingredient might be the same, the formulation may differ. Compounded semaglutide is formulated in a state-of-the-art compounding pharmacy to meet individual patient requirements, whereas Wegovy® is a commercially available standardized formulation. Your prescribing physician may prescribe a slightly different formulation than what is commercially available, and only if it makes medical sense.

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Prescribing Process:

Compounded semaglutide is prescribed based on a thorough medical consultation to ensure it meets the specific needs and preferences of each patient. Wegovy® goes through a similar process, and ultimately it is up to the discretion of the provider and patient to identify the ideal outcomes from any program, together.

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Ensuring Compliance & Safety

We adhere to a stringent compliance framework to ensure the safety and efficacy of the compounded semaglutide that our preferred partners provide. Our adherence to regulatory guidelines reflects our unwavering commitment to patient safety and compliance with legal standards.

We take this seriously. Our compliance checks ensure that each and every pharmacy we've partnered with is FDA-regulated and meets all requirements from the LegitScript vetting process—and more.

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Transparency is Our Pledge

At Eden, we believe in complete transparency. We encourage our patients to discuss any concerns or questions they may have regarding compounded semaglutide or any other treatment options available through our HIPAA-compliant platform. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to reach out to your medical provider or our top-notch Patient Service team.

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Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. For a full list of important safety information, disclaimers, and terms and conditions of use, please visit tryeden.com/safety-info.

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Key Takeaway

Your health and well-being are our paramount concerns. We are here to support you at every step of your healthcare journey. Explore TryEden.com to learn more about our offerings or contact our dedicated customer service team for personalized assistance.