Important safety information
What you should know before taking compounded semaglutide.
In stock via Ro
Compounded Semaglutide
Same active ingredient as Ozempic® and Wegovy®
Ships free in 1-4 days, if prescribed
No insurance required
Lab tested for quality to promote patient safety
What is compounded semaglutide?
Compounding is the process of creating a medication that’s tailored to the needs of an individual patient. For example, some patients may need a medication in liquid form when the FDA-approved drug comes in a pill. Additionally, a pharmacy can compound medications of FDA-approved drugs that are in shortage.
Compounded drugs are prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies that meet FDA and state requirements, including quality standards. When compounding in compliance with federal law, compounded drugs are not subject to FDA approval and do not have to undergo safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review.
Ro is partnering with compounding pharmacies to offer compounded semaglutide that uses the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy. In addition, Ro only offers a compounded product that contains semaglutide base (the same active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and not semaglutide salts (which are not the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy).
Where is compounded semaglutide made?
Ro works with state-licensed compounding pharmacies to produce compounded semaglutide. Compounding is regulated by both FDA and state boards of pharmacy. A licensed compounding pharmacy must comply with both federal and state laws, which include administrative requirements and quality standards.
How does Ro ensure quality and safety?
We extensively vet our partners to ensure quality medication for our patients. Ro only works with state-licensed compounding pharmacies, and each batch of medication undergoes extensive quality checks by an accredited third-party lab. Ro patients can also request a Certificate of Analysis that walks through the detailed testing results of their own medication.
Is compounded semaglutide offered in my state?
Compounded semaglutide through Ro is available in 41 states. It’s not currently offered in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Safety info: Compounded semaglutide may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors. Do not use if you or your family have a history of a type of thyroid cancer called MTC or MEN 2. Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Get started with GLP-1 medication
Compounded semaglutide is a weekly shot that uses the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy.
As an alternative to FDA-approved branded products, where appropriate, a provider may prescribe a compounded drug, which is prepared by a state-licensed sterile compounding pharmacy partner. Although compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law, they are not FDA-approved and do not undergo safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review.
Medication is not included in the cost of the Body membership.
Compounded semaglutide
injection
Ro's commitment to quality medication
We extensively vet the partners that we work with to produce compounded semaglutide. We also work with a certified third-party lab to run 9 quality control tests on each batch of medication. Only medication that passes every one of the tests is sent to patients.
Ro patients also get access to a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) on request to walk through their own testing results. Learn more about our quality and safety practices here.
How it works
We’re pushing every day to get medication to our patients faster. Right now, it takes 4-6 weeks to start treatment with compounded semaglutide. This timing includes provider reviews pharmacy fulfillment. If your provider orders a lab test, it may extend the timeline depending on how quickly you complete the labs.
Get started
Answer health questions and complete your online visit
Share your health history and weight loss goals with us online to get started. A Ro-affiliated provider will review your answers and get back to you within a few days. Depending on your health review, a provider may order a metabolic lab test before moving forward with treatment.
Provider writes an Rx (if appropriate)
After reviewing your results, your provider will determine if you’re eligible for medication. If you are, they’ll tailor a program with prescription treatment best suited to your unique biology.
Ongoing monthly care
Receive medication
If you move forward with treatment, our partner pharmacy will ship out your medication in 1-4 days.
Ongoing care and support
You’ll have everything you need during treatment, including on-demand provider access via video or messaging, medication management, and ongoing refill support.
Meet our expert
From diagnosis to delivery, our healthcare providers are with patients every step of the way.
Questions we hear every day
Are there foods to avoid while taking compounded semaglutide?
In general, there aren't foods you must avoid while taking compounded semaglutide. However, everybody reacts differently to medication, so it's important to listen to your body and change your diet if you're experiencing side effects.
It's a good rule of thumb to avoid foods that make you feel gassy or bloated, especially on the days when you increase your dose.
What are the most common compounded semaglutide side effects?
Semaglutide’s most common side effects often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. Some of the most common side effects include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Upset stomach
Stomach pains
Constipation
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Acid reflux
Belching and gas
Dizziness
Headaches
Fatigue
More severe side effects are rarer but possible. Serious side effects include:
Thyroid cancer—The FDA has issued its most serious warning (called a Boxed Warning) that GLP-1s may be associated with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma. So far, this side effect has primarily been seen in laboratory studies using rodents, so the risk to humans has not been determined.
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease
Rapid heartbeat
Severe allergy (hypersensitivity)
Low blood sugar
Vision problems (diabetic retinopathy)
Kidney disease
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
For complete safety information, including the boxed warning, please see full Important Safety Information.
How much does metabolic testing cost?
If your provider orders a metabolic health test, testing at any Quest location is included in the cost of the Body Program. Or you can purchase an at-home blood collection kit through Ro for $75.
If you live in a state where Quest is not available, we’ll automatically send you an at-home collection kit for no charge.
How do I schedule a video call with my provider?
It's simple — just send a message in your provider chat requesting a video call, and your provider will send you a link to schedule a video visit.
Compounded semaglutide 101
What is compounded semaglutide?
Compounding is the process of creating a medication that’s tailored to the needs of an individual patient. For example, some patients may need a medication in liquid form when the FDA-approved drug comes in a pill. Additionally, a pharmacy can compound medications of FDA-approved drugs that are in shortage.
Compounded drugs are prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies that meet FDA and state requirements, including quality standards. When compounding in compliance with federal law, compounded drugs are not subject to FDA approval and do not have to undergo safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review.
Ro is partnering with compounding pharmacies to offer compounded semaglutide that uses the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy. In addition, Ro only offers a compounded product that contains semaglutide base (the same active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and not semaglutide salts (which are not the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy).
Where is compounded semaglutide made?
Ro works with state-licensed compounding pharmacies to produce compounded semaglutide. Compounding is regulated by both FDA and state boards of pharmacy. A licensed compounding pharmacy must comply with both federal and state laws, which include administrative requirements and quality standards.
What is the dosing for compounded semaglutide?
Dosing starts low, then gradually increases over the first few months until a steady dose is reached. If prescribed, your Ro-affiliated provider will work with you to find the right schedule and dosing for you.
How do you take compounded semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide offered by Ro comes in small glass vials that you must carefully prepare to self-administer the injectable medication.
To prepare each dose, clean the top of the vial with an alcohol wipe, and draw the appropriate amount of medication into the syringe. Like Wegovy and Ozempic, compounded semaglutide is injected weekly in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Potential risks of self-prepared dosing:
Administering a higher dose than recommended can lead to unwanted effects such as severe nausea, severe vomiting, and severe hypoglycemia.
Administering a lower dose than recommended can lead to inadequate treatment.
Improper cleaning can lead to infection.
If you’re prescribed medication, you'll receive additional training to guide you on safely preparing your dose for self-administration to minimize these risks.
Will my insurance cover compounded GLP-1s?
Compounded GLP-1s prescribed by Ro-affiliated providers are not covered by insurance.
Is compounded semaglutide offered in my state?
Compounded semaglutide through Ro is available in 41 states. It’s not currently offered in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
How much does compounded semaglutide through Ro cost?
Your first month on the Body membership will total $249, inclusive of both the medication and membership fee. After your first month, you’ll pay $299 for medication and $145 for your ongoing membership.
Your membership includes medication, initial health and medication consult, lab test (if required), ongoing personalized treatment support and unlimited provider messaging.