GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

Compounded
Semaglutide

The same active ingredient as Ozempic® and Wegovy® — clinically proven to reduce body weight by an average of 14.9% at 68 weeks. Prescribed online by licensed providers and delivered to your door.

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Starting at $149/mo
STEP trial proven
Once-weekly injection
Compounded Semaglutide vial and syringe
The Medication

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist — a class of medication that mimics a hormone your gut naturally produces after eating. It was originally developed by Novo Nordisk and approved by the FDA as Ozempic® (for type 2 diabetes, 2017) and Wegovy® (for chronic weight management, 2021).

At AvataCore, we prescribe compounded semaglutide produced at licensed 503B outsourcing facilities — the same active molecule, prepared under strict pharmaceutical-grade standards, at a dramatically lower cost than brand-name alternatives.

Drug class

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Original brand

Ozempic® / Wegovy® (Novo Nordisk)

Administration

Once-weekly subcutaneous injection

Mechanism

How Semaglutide Works

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Appetite Regulation

Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus — the brain's hunger control center — sending satiety signals that meaningfully reduce appetite and food intake.

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Slows Gastric Emptying

By slowing the rate at which the stomach empties, semaglutide prolongs the feeling of fullness after meals, reducing the urge to snack or overeat.

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Reduces Cravings

Beyond physical hunger, semaglutide also acts on reward pathways linked to food cravings, helping patients feel less compelled by high-calorie, high-fat foods.

Protocol

Dosing Schedule

A gradual dose escalation over 16–20 weeks allows your body to adjust, minimizing side effects while building to full therapeutic effect.

1
Weeks 1–40.25 mg weekly

Initiation dose — allows body to adapt

2
Weeks 5–80.5 mg weekly

First escalation — appetite reduction increases

3
Weeks 9–121.0 mg weekly

Therapeutic range for most patients

4
Weeks 13–161.7 mg weekly

Optional escalation if tolerated

5
Week 17+2.4 mg weekly

Maximum dose (Wegovy® equivalent) — per provider discretion

* Dosing is individualized. Your prescribing provider may adjust based on response and tolerability.

Safety

Common Side Effects

Most side effects are gastrointestinal, mild-to-moderate, and temporary — most improving within the first few weeks at each dose level.

Most Common (≥10% of patients)

  • Nausea

    Tip: Eat smaller portions; avoid fatty or spicy foods; take in the evening

  • Constipation

    Tip: Increase fiber and fluid intake; gentle walking helps

  • Diarrhea

    Tip: Usually transient; stay hydrated

  • Fatigue

    Tip: Common early on; improves as body adjusts

Less Common — Seek Care If Severe

  • Vomiting

    If persistent, contact your care team

  • Abdominal pain

    Severe or persistent pain warrants immediate evaluation

  • Headache

    Typically resolves; ensure adequate hydration

  • Heart rate changes

    Inform your provider of any palpitations

Important: Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 syndrome. Always disclose your complete medical history during consultation.
Evidence

Clinical Results

Semaglutide's efficacy for weight management is supported by the landmark STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity) clinical trial program.

14.9%

Mean body weight reduction

STEP 1 trial at 68 weeks

2.4 mg

Weekly dose studied

vs. 2.4% with placebo

1,961

Participants in STEP 1

Adults with obesity or overweight + comorbidity

STEP 1 Trial Summary

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2021), the STEP 1 trial was a 68-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Adults with a BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with weight-related comorbidities) received once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo alongside lifestyle intervention. The semaglutide group achieved a mean weight loss of 14.9% vs. 2.4% for placebo — a statistically significant 12.4 percentage-point difference. Over 86% of participants receiving semaglutide lost ≥5% of body weight.

Reference: Wilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.

Administration

Injection Site Guide

Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) once weekly. Rotate sites with each injection to avoid tissue buildup.

Recommended injection sites: abdomen, thigh, upper arm

Abdomen

Preferred site. Inject at least 2 inches from navel. Easy self-administration.

Outer Thigh

Front of thigh, midway between knee and hip. Good alternative to abdomen.

Upper Arm

Outer aspect only. May require assistance. Slightly less predictable absorption.

Rotate injection sites weekly. Do not inject into skin that is tender, bruised, scarred, or hardened. Your care team will provide step-by-step video instructions.

Starting at $149/month

Everything included — consultation, medication, supplies, and ongoing provider support.

Up to 90% less than brand-name Ozempic® ($1,500+/mo). No hidden fees. Cancel anytime.

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*Results not guaranteed. Provider consultation required. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved; active ingredients are FDA-approved.

FAQ

Semaglutide Questions Answered

What is compounded semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide uses the same FDA-approved active ingredient found in Ozempic® and Wegovy®, prepared by a licensed 503B compounding pharmacy. It is not a brand-name product, but it contains the same molecule at clinically equivalent concentrations.
How is semaglutide different from Ozempic or Wegovy?
Ozempic® and Wegovy® are brand-name products from Novo Nordisk. Our compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient — semaglutide — and is produced in FDA-registered 503B pharmacies. Compounded versions are not separately FDA-approved but are legally available and significantly more affordable.
How quickly will I see results?
Most patients notice reduced appetite within 1–2 weeks. Measurable weight loss (2–5 lbs) typically occurs within the first month. Significant results (10%+ body weight) generally develop between months 3–6 of consistent treatment.
What if I experience nausea?
Mild nausea is the most common side effect, especially during dose escalation. Eating smaller meals, avoiding high-fat foods, and staying well-hydrated significantly reduces discomfort. Most patients find nausea subsides within 1–2 weeks of each dose increase.
Can I stop taking semaglutide once I reach my goal weight?
Many patients maintain their results by continuing at a lower maintenance dose. Stopping abruptly can result in appetite returning to baseline. Your provider will create a long-term plan tailored to your goals, which may include a structured taper or ongoing maintenance dosing.
Is semaglutide safe for people with diabetes?
The active ingredient in semaglutide was originally developed for type 2 diabetes management (as Ozempic®). If you have diabetes or take insulin or other glucose-lowering medications, your provider will carefully review your profile and may adjust your diabetes management as your weight decreases.
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