Due to the wordwide shortage of Wegovy (which is semaglutide), the FDA has issued an emergency decree allowing for compounding pharmacies to pick up the slack. This allows these highly specialized pharmacies to take the generic compound semaglutide, and formulate it into an injectable solution that has similar properties to brand-name Wegovy. This will only be allowed until the FDA removes semaglutide from the shortage list, at which time patients will only be able to use Wegovy for weight loss and Ozempic for diabetes treatment.
We partner with University Compounding Pharmacy in Troy, Michigan to provide our patients with a more affordable, compounded form of semaglutide (with B12 added also) which will be available during the shortage only. This compounded semaglutide is roughly 80% cheaper than brand-name Wegovy.
After a patient is seen in the office and deemed a candidate to start the medication, we will electronically transmit a prescription to University Compounding Pharmacy. You will pay for your medication at JourneyLite Physicians and we will reimburse the pharmacy. A shipment will arrive in 5-7 days with syringes, needles, and a vial of medication. This initial vial of semaglutide will be enough for your first month of treatment.
We require monthly visits for the first 4 months. The initial consultation must be a live, in-office appointment. The 2nd and 3rd visits may be either in-office or virtual. The 4th and 5th visits must be in-office also, as we will need to be monitoring your dosage increase.
Once the first vial is depleted at around 30 days, you will need a new vial of semaglutide. You will have an office visit that corresponds with every vial through month 5, so you will be able to order pay for your medication and syringes in the office each time. If your visit is virtual you can pay over the phone or order it on our eStore.
Weeks 1-4 (Month 1)
- You will receive a 1ml vial of semaglutide with B12. This is enough for the first month of your treatment.
- Do not inject more than the recommended amount of medication or you will run out and we will not be able to prescribe more!
- Please watch the video below to learn how to do your injections.
- In weeks 1-4, you will inject 12.5 units once a week:
- As one of the biggest side effects of semaglutide is nausea and vomiting, starting with a low dose will help minimize these issues and help your body get used to the medication.
- On a 50 unit syringe, you will draw up your medication to the 12.5 unit mark (pictured below).
What's Next?
You will need a new vial of semaglutide for next month. You will receive injection instructions for month 2 after your live or virtual appointment.
IMPORTANT: You will need to provide your own alcohol prep pads (similar to these available on Amazon) to clean your skin and the top of the vial of medication before inserting the needle. You can also purchase these at your local pharmacy.
Sharps Disposal
IMPORTANT: DO NOT DISCARD USED NEEDLES/SYRINGES DIRECTLY IN THE TRASH. Place your used needles and syringes into a thick plastic container (such as an empty bleach bottle). Use a sharpie to mark “SHARPS” on the bottle. Once it is full, or when you are done with the program, use tape to secure the lid and place it in a trash receptacle.
Passwords are required to access the injection instructions for each month below. These will be given to you at the corresponding office visits!
