Medication · Weight management

Compounded semaglutide

Not yet medically reviewed. Fact-checked against the sources listed below on 2026-10-07.

Compounded semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonistprepared by a licensed pharmacist for one named patient, on a licensed doctor's prescription. It is distinct from Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Rybelsus®. At Obra, a PRC-licensed doctor reviews your free assessment first and decides whether it is appropriate for you.

Patient-specific prescription required

This page explains the medicine. It is not an offer to sell it. Trial results describe the medicines that were studied and should not be assumed for compounded preparations.

How it works

How semaglutide works

How the molecule works, as described in the branded medicines' prescribing information.

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

It is a GLP-1 analogue with 94% sequence homology to human GLP-1 that selectively binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor.

It lowers blood glucose by stimulating insulin secretion and lowering glucagon secretion, both in a glucose-dependent manner; a minor delay in gastric emptying in the early postprandial phase also contributes.

Its long half-life comes mainly from albumin binding, which reduces renal clearance and protects it from metabolic degradation; it is also stabilized against degradation by the DPP-4 enzyme.

GLP-1 is a physiological regulator of appetite and caloric intake, and the GLP-1 receptor is present in several brain areas involved in appetite regulation. Semaglutide decreases calorie intake, likely by affecting appetite, and lowers body weight with greater fat mass loss than lean mass loss.

It acts like the natural hormone GLP-1 and helps regulate appetite by increasing feelings of fullness while reducing food intake, hunger and cravings.

ClassGLP-1 receptor agonist

Branded products (not the same as compounded)Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®

PrescriptionPatient-specific, from a licensed doctor

Prepared byA licensed pharmacist

Philippine registrationregistered

What the research shows

Specific branded semaglutide products are approved for specific uses in the places named below. Those approvals do not cover compounded semaglutide. The trial below studied branded semaglutide.

STEP 1 (Wilding et al., NEJM 2021; PMID 33567185)

Randomized, double-blind trial in 1961 adults with obesity or overweight without diabetes, randomly assigned 2:1 to 68 weeks of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo, plus lifestyle intervention. Mean change in body weight from baseline to week 68 was -14.9% with semaglutide vs -2.4% with placebo (estimated treatment difference -12.4 percentage points; 95% CI, -13.4 to -11.5; P<0.001). Weight reduction of 5% or more: 86.4% vs 31.5%; 10% or more: 69.1% vs 12.0%; 15% or more: 50.5% vs 4.9%. Change in body weight was -15.3 kg vs -2.6 kg. Nausea and diarrhea were the most common adverse events, typically transient and mild to moderate. Discontinuation owing to gastrointestinal events: 4.5% vs 0.8%.

STEP 1 extension (Wilding et al., Diabetes Obes Metab 2022; PMID 35441470)

Off-treatment extension of STEP 1: at week 68 all treatment, including the lifestyle intervention, was stopped, and a representative subset was followed for one more year (exploratory analyses). Among 327 participants, mean weight loss from week 0 to week 68 was 17.3% with semaglutide and 2.0% with placebo. After withdrawal, semaglutide and placebo participants regained 11.6 and 1.9 percentage points of lost weight by week 120, giving net losses of 5.6% and 0.1% from week 0 to week 120. Cardiometabolic improvements seen with semaglutide reverted towards baseline at week 120 for most variables. The authors concluded participants regained two-thirds of their prior weight loss one year after withdrawal.

These results come from trials of the studied medicines. They should not be assumed for compounded semaglutide, and individual results vary.

What branded semaglutide is approved for

Regulators approve specific branded products for specific uses. These approvals do not cover compounded preparations.

Philippines (FDA Philippines Verification Portal, searched 2026-10-07): Ozempic (semaglutide) solution for subcutaneous injection is registered as a prescription drug (Rx) under BR-1326 (1 mg/0.74 mL), BR-1327 (0.5 mg/0.37 mL), BR-1346 (0.25 mg/0.19 mL) and BR-1328 (0.25 mg/0.19 mL). Importer and distributor: Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals (Philippines), Inc.; manufacturer Novo Nordisk A/S. BR-1326, BR-1327 and BR-1346 are valid until October to November 2027; the record for BR-1328 shows issuance on 29 September 2026 and expiry on 15 October 2026.
Philippines (FDA Philippines Verification Portal, searched 2026-10-07): Wegovy (semaglutide) solution for subcutaneous injection is registered as a prescription drug (Rx) under ten records. BR-1468 to BR-1472 (0.25 mg/0.37 mL, 0.5 mg/0.37 mL, 1 mg/0.75 mL, 1.7 mg/0.75 mL and 2.4 mg/0.75 mL; manufacturer Novo Nordisk A/S) were issued on 28 February 2024 and are valid until 28 February 2029. BR-1473 to BR-1477 (0.25 mg/0.5 mL, 0.5 mg/0.5 mL, 1 mg/0.5 mL, 1.7 mg/0.75 mL and 2.4 mg/0.75 mL; manufacturers Novo Nordisk A/S and Catalent Belgium) were issued on 17 September 2024 and are valid until 22 May 2029. Importer and distributor: Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals (Philippines), Inc.
Philippines (FDA Philippines Verification Portal, searched 2026-10-07): Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) tablets are registered as a prescription drug (Rx) under BR-1413 (3 mg), BR-1411 (7 mg) and BR-1412 (14 mg), issued on 18 August 2022 and valid until 18 August 2027. Importer and distributor: Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals (Philippines), Inc.; manufacturer Novo Nordisk A/S.
Philippines (Ozempic): an FDA Philippines spokesperson said Ozempic is registered with the FDA with the indication of treatment for type 2 diabetes and is approved as a prescription drug (GMA News, 2024-02-09).
Philippines (Wegovy): approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration as a prescription medicine (BusinessWorld, 2026-04-24). The approved Philippine indication text was not verified.
EU (Wegovy): weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, in adults with an initial BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 (obesity), or 27 kg/m2 to under 30 kg/m2 (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
US (Wegovy injection): to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 and older with obesity, or adults with overweight and at least one weight-related comorbid condition; to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight; and to treat noncirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (stages F2 to F3) in adults, under accelerated approval. All in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
US (Ozempic injection): as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes; to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease; and to reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
US (Rybelsus and Ozempic tablets, oral semaglutide): as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for these events.
US (Wegovy tablets, oral semaglutide): in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight, and to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity, or adults with overweight and at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
Philippine label (Ozempic package insert linked from the FDA Philippines Verification Portal for BR-1326; the same indication text appears in the inserts linked for BR-1327 and BR-1328; opened 2026-10-07): "Ozempic® is indicated for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise • as monotherapy when metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications • in addition to other medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes. Ozempic® is indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease." This Philippine insert has no chronic kidney disease indication and no weight management indication.
Philippine label (Ozempic package insert linked from the FDA Philippines Verification Portal for BR-1346, 0.25 mg/0.19 mL; opened 2026-10-07): the indication section contains only the type 2 diabetes indication ("Ozempic® is indicated for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise • as monotherapy when metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications • in addition to other medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes.") and does not include the cardiovascular risk reduction indication found in the BR-1326, BR-1327 and BR-1328 inserts.
Philippine label (Wegovy package insert linked from the FDA Philippines Verification Portal for BR-1468; the same file text is linked for BR-1469 to BR-1472, the FlexTouch pens; opened 2026-10-07): "Wegovy® is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, in adults with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of • ≥30 kg/m2 (obesity), or • ≥27 kg/m2 to <30 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity e.g. dysglycaemia (prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus), hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease." Adolescents: "Wegovy® is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management in adolescents ages 12 years and above with • obesity* and • body weight above 60 kg." The insert refers to cardiovascular risk reduction and heart failure only as trial results in section 5.1, not as indications.
Philippine label (Wegovy professional leaflet linked from the FDA Philippines Verification Portal for BR-1473; the same file is linked for BR-1474 to BR-1477, the single-dose pens; leaflet marked "EN-Jan-2022" and "Based on EU text: 20211111"; opened 2026-10-07): adults only. "Wegovy® is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, in adults with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of • ≥30 kg/m2 (obesity), or • ≥27 kg/m2 to <30 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity e.g. dysglycaemia (prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus), hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease."
Philippine label (Rybelsus package insert linked from the FDA Philippines Verification Portal for BR-1411; the same indication text is in the inserts linked for BR-1412 and BR-1413; date of first authorization 18 August 2022; opened 2026-10-07): "Semaglutide (Rybelsus®) is indicated for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycaemic control as an adjunct to diet and exercise • as monotherapy when metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications • in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes." The insert carries the caution "Foods, Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics Act prohibits dispensing without prescription."

Risks and side effects

What the prescribing information for the branded medicines says. These are not instructions: your doctor reviews your history against them and decides.

The label says: Wegovy label: most common adverse reactions (incidence of 5% or more) in adults or pediatric patients aged 12 years and older are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, dysesthesia, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal distension, eructation, hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, flatulence, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hair loss.
The label says: Ozempic label: the most common adverse reactions reported in 5% or more of patients are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.
The label says: Boxed warning: in rodents semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether it causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans.
The label says: Contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of MTC, in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), and in people with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any of the excipients.
The label says: Acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Wegovy. If pancreatitis is suspected, the label says to discontinue Wegovy.
The label says: Gallbladder disease: treatment with Wegovy is associated with an increased occurrence of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. In adult weight reduction trials, cholelithiasis was reported by 1.6% of Wegovy injection-treated patients vs 0.7% on placebo injection; cholecystitis by 0.6% vs 0.2%.
The label says: Patients taking insulin or an insulin secretagogue (for example a sulfonylurea) may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. The label says to consider reducing the dose of the insulin or insulin secretagogue when starting semaglutide.
The label says: Postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury, in some cases requiring hemodialysis, mostly in patients with gastrointestinal adverse reactions leading to dehydration; renal function should be monitored in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion.
The label says: Diabetic retinopathy complications have been reported in trials with semaglutide. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored for progression.
The label says: Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions: use has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. Ozempic is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis.
The label says: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (for example anaphylaxis and angioedema) have been reported.
The label says: Pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures; patients should tell their healthcare providers about any planned surgery or procedure.
The label says: Heart rate increase: mean increases in resting heart rate of 1 to 4 beats per minute were observed in Wegovy injection-treated adults compared to placebo in weight reduction trials.
The label says: Pregnancy: may cause fetal harm. Discontinue in pregnant patients using it for weight reduction, and discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy because of the long half-life of semaglutide.
The label says: Semaglutide delays gastric emptying and may affect absorption of oral medicines taken at the same time.
PubMed record (US National Library of Medicine) (PMID 33667417) reported: STEP 2 (adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes, 68 weeks): gastrointestinal adverse events were reported in 63.5% with semaglutide 2.4 mg vs 34.3% with placebo, and were mostly mild to moderate.
PubMed record (US National Library of Medicine) (PMID 33625476) reported: STEP 3 (with intensive behavioral therapy, 68 weeks): gastrointestinal adverse events were reported in 82.8% with semaglutide vs 63.2% with placebo.
PubMed record (US National Library of Medicine) (PMID 36216945) reported: STEP 5 (104 weeks): gastrointestinal adverse events were reported in 82.2% with semaglutide vs 53.9% with placebo, and were mostly mild to moderate.
The label says: Wegovy label, limitations of use: using Wegovy tablets or Wegovy injection together with other semaglutide-containing products or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended.

Tell your doctor about every medicine you take, including diabetes medicines and birth control, and if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

If you have severe stomach pain, signs of an allergic reaction, or other severe symptoms, seek urgent medical care.

How Obra connects you

Assessment first. Prescription only if it is right for you.

You see your full total before you pay, and you may fill your prescription at any pharmacy you choose.

See compounded semaglutide pricing by dose

Starting totalFrom ₱3,190 every 4 weeks

IncludesThe ₱500 Obra care fee

Changes withYour prescribed dose

The assessmentFree

01
Free assessment
Answer questions about your health, goals and current medicines.
02
Doctor review
A PRC-licensed doctor decides whether treatment is appropriate, or asks for more information.
03
Prepared for you
If prescribed, a licensed pharmacist prepares your medicine for you by name.

Common questions

Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Rybelsus®?

No. Compounded semaglutide is prepared for one patient by a licensed pharmacist. It is distinct from Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Rybelsus®, and those brands' approvals and trial results do not transfer to it.

Do I need a prescription?

Yes. Every preparation starts with a prescription a licensed doctor writes for you after reviewing your health information.

What are the common side effects?

The branded medicine's label says: Wegovy label: most common adverse reactions (incidence of 5% or more) in adults or pediatric patients aged 12 years and older are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, dysesthesia, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal distension, eructation, hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, flatulence, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hair loss. Your doctor talks you through side effects before you start.

Who should not take it?

The branded medicine's label says: Contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of MTC, in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), and in people with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any of the excipients. Your doctor reviews your history before deciding.

Can I use a different pharmacy?

Yes. You may fill your prescription at any pharmacy you choose.

Sources

This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed doctor before starting any treatment.

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