The Basic Relationship

Think of it this way:

• Semaglutide is the drug molecule—a GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide
• Ozempic is Novo Nordisk's brand name for semaglutide approved for type 2 diabetes
• Wegovy is Novo Nordisk's brand name for semaglutide approved for weight management
• Compounded semaglutide is the same peptide sequence prepared by compounding pharmacies

It's like asking "Is ibuprofen the same as Advil?" Ibuprofen is the drug; Advil is one brand name for it. But with semaglutide, the distinctions matter more because of dosing differences, approval status, and quality control variations.

Ozempic vs. Wegovy: Same Drug, Different Doses

The key difference: Wegovy goes to a higher maximum dose (2.4 mg vs. 2 mg) based on clinical trials showing optimal weight loss at that level. But at equivalent doses, the drug molecule and its effects in your bloodstream are identical.

Compounded Semaglutide: Same Peptide, Different Quality Assurance

When providers like Henry Meds, Gala GLP-1, or Elevate Health offer "semaglutide," they're providing compounded versions of the same peptide sequence. The molecular structure should be identical to Ozempic and Wegovy, but critical differences exist:

The blood chemistry question: If you inject 1 mg of compounded semaglutide, are you getting the same GLP-1 receptor activation as 1 mg of Ozempic? Maybe. Without FDA verification, you're trusting the compounding pharmacy's quality control. Some batches might be right on target; others could be under- or over-potent.

What "Semaglutide" Means on Different Platforms

Pharmaceutical-Grade Providers

Coreage RX (4.7/5 rating) - When they say "semaglutide," they mean FDA-approved Ozempic or Wegovy with guaranteed potency, manufactured under federal oversight. You're getting the exact medication used in clinical trials.

Compounded Medication Providers

• Henry Meds (4.2/5) - Compounded semaglutide from partner pharmacies
• Gala GLP-1 (4.2/5) - Compounded version with modern digital platform
• Elevate Health (4.1/5) - Compounded with enhanced medical support
• Priority Meds (4.0/5) - Reliable compounded option
• Super Healthy RX (4.3/5) - Budget compounded alternative

All these providers offer the same peptide sequence, but quality control, potency verification, and consistency vary. Patient reports suggest better results with providers that partner with higher-quality compounding pharmacies.

The Practical Differences in Your Experience

If Taking Brand-Name Ozempic or Wegovy

• You know exactly what potency you're getting (FDA-verified)
• Batch-to-batch consistency is guaranteed
• The pen delivery system is precisely calibrated
• Your provider can confidently predict your response based on clinical trial data
• Insurance may cover it (though often with high copays or requirements)

If Taking Compounded Semaglutide

• Lower upfront cost in many cases (though not always—Coreage RX starts at $199/mo)
• Potency may vary from stated dose
• Your response might differ batch-to-batch
• Provider titration schedules are based on brand-name data but applied to variable-potency medication
• No insurance coverage (compounded medications aren't covered)

Common Scenarios and What You're Actually Getting

Scenario 1: "My provider prescribed Ozempic for weight loss"

You're getting FDA-approved semaglutide, but Ozempic is technically approved for diabetes, not weight management. This is legal off-label prescribing—common and appropriate when Wegovy is unavailable or unaffordable. The drug entering your bloodstream is identical to Wegovy at equivalent doses.

Scenario 2: "I ordered semaglutide from a telehealth company"

If the provider is Coreage RX, you're getting pharmaceutical-grade Ozempic or Wegovy. If it's Henry Meds, Gala GLP-1, or similar, you're getting compounded semaglutide—same peptide, different quality assurance.

Scenario 3: "My doctor prescribed Wegovy but pharmacy gave me Ozempic"

This shouldn't happen without your knowledge and consent. While the drug is the same, the pen systems and maximum doses differ. Clarify with your pharmacist whether this was an intended substitution or an error.

Scenario 4: "I'm taking compounded semaglutide but want to switch to Ozempic"

The transition should be smooth at equivalent doses, though you may notice the pharmaceutical-grade version is more consistent. Your provider should verify your current dose and switch you to the corresponding Ozempic dose. Coreage RX can help with this transition.

Dosing: Is 1mg of Compounded Semaglutide the Same as 1mg of Ozempic?

In theory, yes. In practice, maybe not exactly. Here's why:

• Ozempic 1mg: FDA-verified to contain 1mg ±3% semaglutide. You're getting 0.97-1.03mg of active drug.
• Compounded semaglutide 1mg: Should contain 1mg, but without independent verification, could range from 0.8-1.2mg or more. Your actual dose is uncertain.

This variability explains why some patients report different effects when switching between providers or even between batches from the same provider. Your GLP-1 receptor occupancy depends on actual drug concentration, not what the label claims.

See our comprehensive Semaglutide Dosage Chart for detailed information about all dose levels.

The Price Question: Why Pay More for Brand Names?

This is where it gets interesting. Many assume brand-name medications are dramatically more expensive than compounded alternatives. But:

• Coreage RX offers pharmaceutical-grade Ozempic/Wegovy starting at $199/month
• Compounded providers range from $199-$549/month
• The price overlap is substantial

When pharmaceutical-grade and compounded options cost the same or similar amounts, choosing compounded means accepting quality uncertainty without financial benefit. Your metabolic health deserves the assurance of FDA oversight.

Our Recommendation

1. First choice: Pharmaceutical-grade semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) from Coreage RX - Same molecule, FDA verification, starting at $199/month (4.7/5 rating)
2. If cost is paramount and pharmaceutical unavailable: Established compounded providers like Henry Meds (4.2/5) or Gala GLP-1 (4.2/5)
3. If you want enhanced support with compounded: Elevate Health (4.1/5) offers better medical oversight

See our complete provider reviews for detailed comparisons.

The Bottom Line

Semaglutide is the drug. Ozempic and Wegovy are FDA-approved brand names. Compounded semaglutide is the same peptide prepared by compounding pharmacies without FDA approval.

Same molecular structure? Yes.
Same quality assurance? No.
Same price? Often similar.
Same effects in your bloodstream? Probably, but not guaranteed with compounded versions.

When your weight loss and metabolic health depend on consistent medication potency, the distinction matters. Choose wisely based on quality assurance, not just cost—especially when prices often overlap.