Over the past year, I’ve been able to prescribe compounded semaglutide (brand names: Wegovy/Ozempic) at a lower cost. Normally, compounding this medication isn’t permitted, but due to national shortages, the FDA temporarily allowed it. During this period, we used lower, more frequent doses to minimize side effects like pancreatitis and gallbladder attacks.
However, Novo Nordisk has now expanded production, and the FDA has officially declared the shortage over. As a result, compounding is no longer allowed. Additionally, recent legal action against pharmacies compounding semaglutide has further limited access to microdosing or smaller, customized doses.
Updated treatment plan: Beginning May 2025, treatment will shift to once-weekly dosing of branded Wegovy (semaglutide). The medication will be prescribed directly through Novo Nordisk and shipped to the patient’s home, at a flat cost of $499 per month. Each shipment will include four single-use subcutaneous pens. Follow-up visits will be scheduled every four weeks during the first year of treatment. These visits will be billed through insurance when possible, or at a cash rate of $125 if insurance does not apply. After the first year, we’ll transition to quarterly follow-ups for prescription management. Ongoing counseling will continue to support weight loss and address any treatment adjustments.
