Understanding Compounded Weight Loss Drugs: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Grace Naturale
May 1
4 min read

May 1, 2025

In recent years, a lot of people have been talking about new medications that help with weight loss. Two of the most popular ones are called semaglutide and tirzepatide. You might have heard of brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. These medicines were first made to help people with diabetes, but doctors noticed that they also helped people lose a lot of weight. Now, more and more people are using them to help manage their weight in a safe and healthy way.

But what happens when people can't get the brand-name drugs? That’s where compounded medications come in. Let's break down what these drugs are, how they work, and what compounded versions mean.

What Are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are medicines that help control blood sugar levels and appetite.

Semaglutide works by acting like a hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone helps control blood sugar, slows down digestion, and makes you feel full longer after you eat.
Tirzepatide is even more powerful because it acts like two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These hormones work together to control blood sugar and curb your appetite even more.

Because they make people feel full faster and longer, these medicines help many people eat less without feeling miserable. Over time, this leads to weight loss.

Why Are These Medicines So Popular?

In clinical studies, people who took semaglutide or tirzepatide lost a significant amount of weight—sometimes 15–20% of their total body weight. That’s a huge difference compared to older weight loss drugs that only helped people lose a small amount.

These medicines are also popular because they:

Help control cravings
Help people feel fuller with smaller meals
Have been proven safe when used correctly
Can help with other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease

For many people who have struggled with weight for years, these medications offer a real solution that finally works.

What Does "Compounded" Mean?

When a medicine is compounded, it means a pharmacy specially mixes it up for a patient. Compounding can be important when:

There are shortages of a medicine
A patient needs a different dose
A patient has allergies to ingredients in the original medicine
A doctor wants to customize the medication for a specific need

Right now, because semaglutide and tirzepatide are so popular, some people can’t find them at regular pharmacies. Some insurance plans also don’t pay for these expensive brand-name drugs. Compounding pharmacies have stepped in to help by making versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide that are still effective but can sometimes cost less or be more available.

Important: Compounded medicines are not exactly the same as the brand-name versions. They are not FDA-approved (meaning they haven’t gone through the same strict testing), but the ingredients they use usually come from FDA-approved sources. It's important to use a trusted, licensed compounding pharmacy.

How Are Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Made?

Pharmacies that compound semaglutide or tirzepatide get the raw active ingredient (the chemical that makes the drug work) and mix it into a new form, like:

A small shot you give yourself once a week
A nasal spray (although this is less common)
Sometimes even a tablet (though this is newer)

The goal is to make it work in a similar way to the brand-name versions. Pharmacies must be careful to measure the doses correctly and keep everything sterile and safe.

Are There Any Risks with Compounded Versions?

There are a few things to keep in mind:

Quality Control: Not every compounding pharmacy is the same. Some are better than others. It’s important to make sure the pharmacy you use is licensed and trusted.
Different Formulas: Some compounded versions may use slightly different ingredients (like salts or bases), which could affect how the medicine works.
Side Effects: Just like the brand versions, compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and sometimes headache or fatigue.
Laws and Rules: Not every state allows pharmacies to compound these medications. Rules can be different depending on where you live.

Always talk to your doctor about where to get your medicine and what to watch out for.

How Do You Take These Medicines?

Most of the time, semaglutide and tirzepatide are taken by a tiny injection under the skin once a week.

Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose to help your body get used to it.
Over time, the dose may be increased to help with weight loss and blood sugar control.
You’ll also want to eat a healthy diet and stay active. These medicines work best when combined with good habits!

It’s important not to skip doses or change how you take the medicine without talking to your doctor.

Who Should Not Take These Medicines?

While semaglutide and tirzepatide are great for many people, they aren’t for everyone. You should not take them if you:

Have a personal or family history of a rare type of thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma)
Have a disease called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2)
Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon
Have had serious allergic reactions to similar medicines

Always tell your doctor about your full medical history before starting any new medication.

Final Thoughts

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are exciting new tools that are helping many people lose weight, get healthier, and feel better. Compounded versions offer more options for people who can’t get the brand-name drugs.

But, like any medicine, they should be used carefully and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you’re thinking about trying a compounded weight loss drug, talk to your doctor to find out if it’s right for you. And always make sure the pharmacy you use is trustworthy and follows all safety rules.

Weight loss is a journey, and there’s no "one-size-fits-all" solution. But with the right tools, support, and healthy habits, you can reach your goals safely and successfully!