Compounded semaglutide is a fantastic option for getting started—it's affordable, accessible, and contains the same active ingredient as brand-name medications. But there are good reasons you might want to switch to FDA-approved Wegovy: insurance coverage kicked in, you prefer the convenience of pre-filled pens, or you simply want the peace of mind of an FDA-approved product.
The good news: switching is straightforward. Since both contain semaglutide, the transition is usually seamless. Here's everything you need to know.
Why People Switch
Insurance Coverage
The most common reason is insurance. If your plan covers Wegovy for weight loss (many now do, especially with prior authorization), your out-of-pocket cost might drop from $200-300/month to $25-100/month depending on your copay structure.
Convenience
Wegovy comes in pre-filled, single-use pens with dialed dosing. No vials, no syringes, no calculating volumes. Just dial your dose and inject. For many people, this simplicity is worth a premium.
Consistency
FDA-approved medications undergo strict manufacturing controls. Every Wegovy pen contains exactly what the label says. If you've experienced batch-to-batch variation with compounded products, brand-name offers guaranteed consistency.
Long-Term Planning
Since GLP-1 medications often work best as long-term therapy, some patients prefer to establish care with FDA-approved products for regulatory stability—no concerns about shortage rules or compounding regulations changing.
Dose Conversion: It's 1:1
Here's the simple part: semaglutide is semaglutide. If you're taking 1mg weekly of compounded semaglutide, you'd take 1mg weekly of Wegovy. The conversion is direct.
| Compounded Dose | Wegovy Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg weekly | Wegovy 0.25mg pen | Starter dose |
| 0.5mg weekly | Wegovy 0.5mg pen | Month 2 dose |
| 1mg weekly | Wegovy 1mg pen | Month 3 dose |
| 1.7mg weekly | Wegovy 1.7mg pen | Month 4 dose |
| 2.4mg weekly | Wegovy 2.4mg pen | Full maintenance dose |
📝 Non-Standard Doses
If you're on a non-standard dose (like 1.25mg or 2mg), work with your provider to find the closest Wegovy strength. You might round to the nearest available dose or take a step back briefly before titrating up.
Timing Your Switch
Same Day of the Week
Semaglutide is dosed weekly. When switching, simply take your Wegovy dose on your regular injection day instead of your compounded dose. No overlap, no gap—just swap the products.
Example Timeline
Let's say you inject every Monday:
- Week 1 (Monday): Final dose of compounded semaglutide
- Week 2 (Monday): First dose of Wegovy
That's it. Continue on your regular Monday schedule with Wegovy.
What About Leftover Compounded Medication?
If you have unused compounded semaglutide, you have a few options. You can dispose of it properly (most pharmacies accept medication for disposal), or if the medication is still within its beyond-use date, some providers suggest keeping it as backup in case of Wegovy supply issues or insurance complications.
Don't double-dose by taking both products in the same week.
Getting Wegovy: The Process
Step 1: Talk to Your Provider
Let your current provider know you want to switch. They may be able to write the Wegovy prescription directly. If your telehealth provider only prescribes compounded medications, you might need to involve your primary care physician or an in-person obesity medicine specialist.
Step 2: Insurance Prior Authorization
Most insurance plans require prior authorization for Wegovy. This typically involves your provider submitting documentation showing you meet criteria for the medication—usually a BMI of 30+ or BMI of 27+ with a weight-related condition (like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea).
Prior auth can take a few days to a couple weeks. Plan ahead.
💡 Pro Tip: Start the Process Early
Begin your prior authorization while you still have a month's supply of compounded medication. This gives time for insurance processing without interrupting your treatment.
Step 3: Fill the Prescription
Once approved, you can fill at your regular pharmacy. Wegovy is typically available at major pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Costco. Some patients prefer specialty pharmacies that offer home delivery and may have better stock availability.
Step 4: Learn the Pen
Wegovy pens are user-friendly, but take a moment to read the instructions. The injection technique is similar to what you've been doing, but the device is different. Key points: remove the cap, place flat against skin, press the button, wait for the second click (indicating complete delivery), then remove.
What to Expect After Switching
Same Effects
Since it's the same medication, you should experience the same appetite suppression and weight loss benefits you've been getting. Most people notice no difference in how they feel.
Possible Variations
Some patients report the brand-name medication feels "stronger" or "more consistent" than their compounded version. This could reflect actual potency differences (if your compounded product had variation) or could be placebo effect. Either way, it's generally experienced as positive.
In rare cases, patients who were on a compounded product that was overpotent might notice slightly reduced effects at the "same" dose of Wegovy. If this happens, give it a few weeks to stabilize before considering a dose adjustment.
If Insurance Doesn't Cover Wegovy
Not everyone gets approved. If your insurance denies coverage, you have options:
Appeal the Decision
Work with your provider to submit an appeal with additional documentation. Sometimes a letter from your doctor explaining medical necessity tips the scales.
Manufacturer Savings Programs
Novo Nordisk offers savings cards that reduce copays for eligible patients. Check the official Wegovy website for current offers.
Continue with Compounded
There's no shame in staying with compounded semaglutide if it's working for you and the cost is manageable. Many patients use compounded long-term with excellent results.
Consider Ozempic
If Wegovy isn't covered but Ozempic is (they're the same medication, different indication), your provider might prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. Insurance coverage for diabetes medications is often broader than for weight-loss-specific drugs.
Still Exploring Options?
Compare compounded providers if you're not ready to switch yet—or need a backup plan.
Compare Providers →Switching Back to Compounded
Life happens. Insurance changes, costs change, or Wegovy becomes unavailable. If you need to switch back to compounded semaglutide, the process is equally straightforward—just reverse the steps above.
The flexibility to move between compounded and brand-name products is one of the advantages of semaglutide therapy. You're not locked into one path.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Confirm your current compounded dose
- ✓ Talk to your provider about switching
- ✓ Start prior authorization early (if needed)
- ✓ Get your Wegovy prescription filled
- ✓ Switch on your regular injection day
- ✓ Learn how to use the pre-filled pen
- ✓ Continue your weekly schedule