45,46 As shown in Figure 2 , GLP-1RAs penetrate the blood-brain barrier and directly activate GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus, especially within the ARH nucleus, a key center for appetite regulation
Beverly Tchang, MD, DABOM , Ro Obesity Medicine Advisor and endocrinologist, sums this up well: Compounded semaglutide is not standardizedone compounded semaglutide is not the same as another compounded semaglutide, and none of them have been tested in clinical trials for safety or efficacy. Compounding pharmacies also prepare compounded semaglutide to meet demand and patient needs during drug shortages, which have affected Ozempic and Wegovy on an on-and-off basis since March 2022
Your clinician may choose a different dose, recommend monitoring with an ECG or a wearable, or select another treatment if the balance of risk and benefit is unfavorable
Maintaining adequate hydration is paramount, particularly given semaglutide's gastrointestinal side effects