Understanding Compounded Medications Compounded medications are prescribed under federal law but are not FDA-approved, meaning they do not undergo the same regulatory review for safety, efficacy, or manufacturing standards. Your healthcare provider at Good Medics may recommend a customized dose of compounded semaglutide based on your medical evaluation and individual health needs.

Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

In laboratory studies, semaglutide—an active ingredient in medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic—was linked to thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer, in rodents. It is not yet known whether semaglutide presents the same risk in humans. Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you develop symptoms such as a lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness, or shortness of breath, as these may indicate thyroid cancer.

Do not use semaglutide if you or a family member has been diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Uses of Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for long-term weight management alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is prescribed for individuals with:

• A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (classified as obesity)
• A BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater (classified as overweight) with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol levels

Limitations of Use

• Semaglutide should not be taken with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or semaglutide-containing medications.
• Its safety and effectiveness in combination with other weight loss products have not been established.
• Patients with a history of pancreatitis should use semaglutide cautiously, as its effects in this population are not well studied.
• Semaglutide is not a treatment for type 1 diabetes.

Who Should NOT Use Semaglutide?

Do not use semaglutide if:

• You or any family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• You have had an allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of its ingredients.

How to Take Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a self-administered subcutaneous injection that can be taken with or without food. It is injected once per week on the same day each week into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your provider will outline a dosing schedule, which may include gradual dose increases every four weeks.

Do not alter your dosage or stop taking semaglutide without consulting your provider.

What to Discuss with Your Provider Before Taking Semaglutide

Before starting semaglutide, inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal products.

Medication Interactions:

• Diabetes medications, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as glimepiride or glyburide), may interact with semaglutide.
• Semaglutide can slow gastric emptying, affecting how other oral medications are absorbed. Your provider can guide you on proper scheduling.
• Other GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, Victoza, Trulicity, and Byetta, should not be taken with semaglutide.
• Weight-loss supplements or other medications intended for weight management may not be safe to use with semaglutide.

Medical Conditions to Disclose

Before starting semaglutide, let your provider know if you have or have had:

• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Thyroid cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney disease
• Diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)
• Depression or suicidal thoughts
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as ileus

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Pregnant women should not use semaglutide. Animal studies suggest potential harm to the unborn baby, and weight loss during pregnancy is not recommended.
• If you are planning to conceive, discontinue semaglutide at least two months before pregnancy, as the drug remains in the body for a long time.
• If breastfeeding, consult your provider, as semaglutide has been found in the milk of lactating animals.

Serious Side Effects

If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Some serious side effects to monitor include:

• Thyroid tumors or cancer (Symptoms: lump in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems)
• Pancreatitis (Symptoms: severe stomach pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting)
• Gallbladder disease (Symptoms: upper abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, pale stools)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in diabetics (Symptoms: dizziness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat)
• Kidney injury due to dehydration from nausea or vomiting
• Severe allergic reactions (Symptoms: facial swelling, difficulty breathing, rash, fainting)
• Diabetic eye complications (Symptoms: vision changes)
• Increased heart rate
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Needle safety: Never share needles to prevent infection risks.

Common Side Effects

Some side effects are mild but should still be monitored:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Headache and dizziness
• Fatigue
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Low blood sugar (in diabetic patients)
• Increased gas (flatulence)
• Gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux)

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience side effects, report them to your healthcare provider or the FDA MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.

This document is not exhaustive. For complete safety information, refer to the official prescribing information or consult your healthcare provider.