The Ozempic® Hype vs. Semaglutide’s Lower Price: What’s the Better Choice?
The secret’s out – everyone and their mother have turned to brand name weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy® to shed pounds fast.
But is this popular brand name drug worth its price tag?

Inside this read:
A brief overview of Ozempic & semaglutide
Semaglutide vs Ozempic comparison table
The safety of compounded semaglutide
Key benefits of semaglutide and Ozempic
In recent years, Ozempic has made its claim to fame as the top choice for quick and effective weight loss among thousands of individuals who have struggled with obesity. Many celebrities such as Kelly Clarkson, Oprah Winfrey, and Tracy Morgan have shared their stories of success after taking the popular drug and dropping pounds like flies. But while the brand name drug has made the number on the weighing scale go down for many users, it seems that its price tag has only skyrocketed.
Unlike American Idol’s sweetheart or the inspiring and beloved talk show host, an overwhelming majority of Americans simply cannot afford the exorbitant cost of Ozempic. Without insurance, a 30-day supply costs roughly $1,000; and even with health coverage it falls around $300 per month. Needless to say, it’s not an affordable medication.
Before we dive into the semaglutide vs Ozempic debate, let’s go over why the former is a critical game-changer in the weight loss industry.
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How Semaglutide Has Revolutionized The Weight Loss Industry
The high price of brand name weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, have introduced a barrier to the health goals of countless individuals. But when semaglutide came on the scene, these same individuals realized they could lose weight as effectively as with Ozempic–at a fraction of the price.
They had found the semaglutide loophole.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide contains the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) as the brand name drugs getting all the hype right now–Ozempic and Wegovy. Recognized as an effective anti-obesity medication, it has done wonders for helping individuals with weight management.
Alright, let’s get down to the science behind it. Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels by boosting insulin secretion, reducing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. For those of us who didn’t go to med school and have no clue what that means, here’s the spark notes version: it gets rid of the “food noise” in our brains and makes us feel full quicker so we don’t over consume calories.
Let’s address what you might already be thinking–if semaglutide does the same thing as Ozempic and yields the same results, why doesn’t it cost an arm and a leg?
How is Semaglutide So Affordable?
Semaglutide is available as a compounded option which makes it cheaper than its brand name counterparts. The competitive landscape of the pharmaceutical market drives prices way down for compounded medications, making them more accessible to a wider audience. It’s crucial to note here that this affordability does not compromise effectiveness, as the compounded version contains the same active ingredient and offers the same therapeutic benefits. This enables individuals to manage their weight without breaking the bank.
Price
Efficacy
Administration
Side Effects
Compounded Semaglutide
$
around $300/month
Clinically-proven efficacy in glycemic control and weight loss.
Once weekly injection
Semaglutide side effects have been reported as the same as Ozempic.
Ozempic
$$$
around $1,000/month
Clinically-proven efficacy in glycemic control and weight loss.
Once weekly injection
Common Ozempic side effects include nausea, upset stomach, and constipation.
As noted in the table above, the only stark difference between these two weight management medications is the price tag. This said, there are a few concerns about the difference between semaglutide and brand name drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy when it comes to FDA-approval.
So, let’s take a moment to clarify and alleviate these concerns.
How Do I Know Semaglutide Is Safe?
As of now, there’s no FDA-approved compounded version of semaglutide available on the market. While semaglutide itself is the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy, these brand-name medications are currently the only FDA-approved options.
So why isn’t compounded semaglutide approved by the big, health watchdogs? A huge chunk of the reasoning has to do with the market dynamics. There’s no question that brand-name drugs often have substantial marketing and development investments, leading to a much higher focus on their approval. Whereas when compoundeds can enter the market, the process for approval isn’t always viewed as high-profile by the FDA.
While it has not yet completed its FDA approval process, below are reasons why compounded semaglutide is a very safe medication to take for weight management.
1. Regulated Pharmacies
Compounded medications are prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies that adhere to state and federal regulations, ensuring quality and safety standards.
2. Qualified Pharmacists
Compounding is performed by expertly-trained pharmacists who understand the specific needs of patients and follow precise protocols to create the medication.
3. Established Ingredients
Semaglutide as an active ingredient has a well-documented safety and efficacy profile from its brand-name counterparts.
4. Patient-Centric Approach
Compounding pharmacies often focus on patient-specific formulations, which can address allergies or intolerances that commercially available medications may not accommodate.
5. Transparency
Reputable compounding pharmacies usually provide detailed information about their processes, ingredients, and safety measures.
6. Ongoing Quality Assurance
Many compounding pharmacies implement quality control measures, including testing and verification of ingredients, to ensure the safety of their products.
Semaglutide Benefits vs Ozempic Benefits
The benefits of taking Ozempic versus semaglutide are pretty similar when it comes to shedding pounds quickly and effectively. Both formulations contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide–which we now know works wonders for regulating blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing appetite. Patients using either option can experience dramatic weight loss, improved glycemic control, and reduced risk of diabetes-related complications.
Likewise, both Ozempic and compounded semaglutide are administered via a convenient once-weekly injection, simplifying the treatment routine. Plus, healthcare providers often monitor patient progress closely with both options. This ensures that individuals receive personalized support and adjustments to their treatment plans as needed.
At the end of the day, the benefits of Ozempic for weight loss are essentially the same for compounded semaglutide.
Semaglutide vs Ozempic: Making the Right Choice For Your Weight Loss
In wrapping up the debate on semaglutide vs Ozempic, it’s clear that the best choice really just depends on your individual situation. Ozempic is a brand name drug that’s getting a lot of hype from celebrities, yet its cost can certainly put a dent in your wallet. On the other hand, there’s no doubt that compounded semaglutide is the much more budget-friendly option that still brings the same benefits as Ozempic.
Our team at Remote Pharmacy is excited to get you one step closer to reaching your health goals and winning the battle with weight loss. Sign up with us today!
At Remote Pharmacy, we offer both compounded semaglutide and Ozempic, as well as other effective and safe prescriptions for weight loss. We cut out the middleman to simplify the healthcare process and make your weight loss journey as easy and stress-free as can be.
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Multi-Drug Disclaimer
A healthcare provider may prescribe a compounded drug if determined that it is medically appropriate and necessary for you. Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide, including Remote Pharmacy products (pictured above), are not FDA-approved or evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality by FDA. Wegovy® (semaglutide), Ozempic® (semaglutide), and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) are not compounded. Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) are FDA-approved for weight loss. Ozempic® (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes treatment but may be prescribed off-label for weight loss at a healthcare provider’s discretion.
Ozempic & Wegovy Disclaimer
Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk. Remote Pharmacy is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk. Actual medication appearance may differ. A prescription from a licensed medical professional is required.
Compounded Semaglutide Disclaimer
*In a 68-week clinical trial studying once-weekly semaglutide (2.4mg) in patients without diabetes and with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition, the average weight loss was 15% when paired with lifestyle intervention (compared to 2.4% with lifestyle intervention alone).
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