When it comes to managing your health and weight, you may encounter both brand-name medications and compounded medications. While they may serve similar purposes, there are key differences between the two that can affect your treatment choices. Here’s what you need to know:
What Are Compounded Medications?
Compounded medications are formulations prepared by a licensed pharmacist based on a doctor’s prescription. These medications are often tailored to meet specific needs when an FDA-approved drug may not be suitable. For example, if a patient has allergies to certain ingredients in a brand-name medication, a compounded version can be created without those allergens. Compounded medications for weight loss, like compounded semaglutide, often incorporate additional ingredients, such as vitamin B6, to help minimize side effects like nausea.
How Do They Differ from Brand-Name Medications?
Brand-name medications are mass-produced by pharmaceutical companies and approved by the FDA for safety and efficacy. Compounded medications, while not FDA-approved, are regulated at the pharmacy level to meet strict professional standards. Medications like Ozempic or Wegovy are widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight management, but compounded versions with the same active ingredients may offer similar benefits, often with adjustments or availability that better suit patient needs.
When Are Compounded Medications Used?
Compounded medications are prescribed when patients require a dosage or formulation not commercially available. They might be an option for patients with allergies, sensitivities, or difficulty swallowing pills. Compounding is also used to combine medications into one dose for easier administration. Additionally, compounded medications may be prepared in response to shortages of brand-name drugs, ensuring patients can continue treatment without interruption.
Why Choose a Compounded Medication?
Patients might opt for a compounded medication because it offers more flexibility. If the dosage form, strength, or ingredients in a brand-name medication doesn’t work for you, compounding can provide a customized alternative. Additionally, compounded medications may be more cost-effective, especially if insurance does not cover a similar brand-name medication.
Which Treatment Option Is Right for You?
At OVYVO, we understand that every patient’s weight loss journey is unique. Choosing the right medication is a key part of that process. We prescribe both brand-name medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and compounded medications that address specific needs or shortages of commercially available drugs.
During your visit with us, we’ll take the time to assess your health history, goals, and any specific concerns, such as allergies, sensitivities, and even out-of-pocket costs. Together, we’ll determine which treatment option is most appropriate for your situation, ensuring you receive a solution that fits your lifestyle and supports your success.
Schedule an appointment today to discuss your treatment options and find the solution that’s right for you: Schedule Online or Call 1-888-WTLOSS1
Disclaimer: Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients based on a valid prescription. These preparations are tailored to meet the unique needs of patients when commercially available medications do not suit their specific requirements or when there is a shortage of commercially available drugs. OVYVO Medical Weight Loss distributes compounded medications in accordance with state and federal regulations. Details about the pharmacy and the compounding process are available upon request. It is important to note that compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy, and we make no claims regarding their safety or effectiveness for any particular condition. The safety and quality of compounded medications are regulated by state boards of pharmacy and other relevant authorities.