Home / Weight Loss / Semaglutide
Semaglutide
A GLP-1 medication that acts on appetite signals. Shot or tablet.
- Weekly shot or daily tablet
- Dose rises gradually
- Pharmacy on your label
Compounded GLP-1 · injection or dissolving tablet
Compounded semaglutide acts like a hormone your gut releases after eating, which signals fullness to your brain. Individual results vary.
- Form
- Injection or dissolving tablet
- How often
- Weekly shot or daily tablet
- Dosing
- Starts low, increases gradually
- Made by
- State-licensed compounding pharmacy
Choose your plan
No charge unless a provider approves · Start assessment
12-month price lock · Licensed providers · Pharmacy named on every label
Quick answer
Semaglutide at a glance
Semaglutide acts like a hormone your gut releases after eating.
How it’s taken: injection or dissolving tablet, weekly shot or daily tablet.
It starts at $109/mo at Surna, with provider care included.
A prescription from a licensed provider is required. It’s compounded by a state-licensed pharmacy and is not FDA-approved.
Compare: Semaglutide vs. tirzepatide · Compounded vs. brand-name · Injection vs. tablet
Updated
How Semaglutide works
GLP-1 is a natural hormone that signals fullness to your brain and slows how quickly your stomach empties. Semaglutide mimics that signal for a full week from a single dose.
Your provider starts you on a low dose and raises it every few weeks. Going slowly gives your body time to adjust and keeps side effects like nausea more manageable.
What to expect
Everyone responds differently. Your provider checks in and adjusts your plan along the way.
Weeks 1–4
Starting dose. Many people notice less interest in food. Mild nausea is common while your body adjusts.
Months 2–3
Your dose increases as tolerated, and appetite changes usually become more noticeable.
Months 4+
Your provider adjusts toward a maintenance dose based on your progress and side effects.
Is it right for you?
Your provider makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Often a good fit
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher plus a weight-related condition, like high blood pressure
- People whose cravings make healthy habits hard to keep
Usually not a fit
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2
- Pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- History of pancreatitis
- Type 1 diabetes
Not a complete list. Tell your provider about all health conditions and medications.
Possible side effects
Most side effects are mild. Your care team is a message away if something doesn't feel right.
More common
Get medical help right away for
- Severe stomach pain that won't go away, with or without vomiting
- A lump or swelling in your neck, trouble swallowing, or hoarseness
- Pain in your upper right belly, fever, or yellowing skin or eyes
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like swelling of your face or trouble breathing
For a medical emergency, call 911.
How to take it
Always follow the directions on your label and from your provider.
Injection: pick your day
Inject once a week on the same day, under the skin of your belly, thigh, or upper arm, rotating spots.
Tablet: let it dissolve
Place the tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve fully, following the timing on your label.
Store it properly
Follow the storage directions on your label. Injectables usually need to be refrigerated.
Semaglutide questions
Injection or dissolving tablet?
The weekly injection is the most common form. The orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) dissolves in your mouth each day, so there are no needles. Doses are not interchangeable, and your provider will explain what to expect with each.
How is compounded semaglutide different from Wegovy®?
Wegovy® is FDA-approved. Compounded semaglutide is prepared by a state-licensed pharmacy for individual patients and is not FDA-approved or reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. They are not the same product.
How long will I stay on it?
That’s up to you and your provider. Many people need ongoing treatment to maintain results, since appetite often returns after stopping.
Related treatments
See if Semaglutide is right for you.
Answer a few questions and a licensed provider will review your options.
Important safety information
Last updated
GLP-1 medications may cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, based on studies in rodents; it is unknown whether this happens in people. Do not use if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma or if you have MEN 2. Other serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar when used with other diabetes medicines, kidney problems from dehydration, serious allergic reactions, increased heart rate, and changes in vision for people with diabetic retinopathy. Watch for changes in mood or thoughts of self-harm and tell your provider right away.
Compounded medication, prepared by a state-licensed pharmacy for individual patients. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. Prescribed only if your provider determines it is clinically appropriate for you.
This is not a complete list of risks. Talk with your provider and read the full prescribing information or medication guide.