Overview
Semaglutide is approved, as specific FDA-approved products, for adults and pediatric patients 12+ with obesity, or adults with overweight and at least one weight-related condition, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in certain adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight. Evolo Health offers compounded semaglutide, which is not FDA-approved and is not equivalent to an approved product.
How it works
Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. It slows stomach emptying and acts on appetite centers in the brain, helping many people feel full sooner.
Potential benefits
- Meaningful weight reduction in clinical trials when combined with diet and activity
- Cardiovascular risk reduction in specific eligible adults (FDA-approved semaglutide products)
- Once-weekly dosing
Individual results vary. Outcomes are not guaranteed.
Who may qualify
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition
- No personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2
- A licensed clinician must determine whether treatment is appropriate
Important safety information
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Known serious hypersensitivity to semaglutide
Warnings & precautions
- Boxed warning: risk of thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents
- Acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, hypoglycemia (especially with insulin or sulfonylureas)
- Acute kidney injury from dehydration, diabetic retinopathy complications, increased heart rate, suicidal thoughts
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- Abdominal pain, headache, fatigue
- Dizziness, bloating, heartburn
Drug interactions
- Insulin and sulfonylureas (hypoglycemia risk)
- Oral medications may be absorbed differently due to delayed gastric emptying
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy. Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
Monitoring
Regular follow-up for side effects, weight, dose adjustments, and relevant labs as determined by your clinician.
This summary is not complete. Review the full prescribing information and discuss risks with your clinician.
Treatment process
01
Evaluation
Secure assessment and clinician review.
02
Prescribing
Issued only if clinically appropriate.
03
Fulfillment
Through a licensed pharmacy, subject to availability.
04
Follow-up
Ongoing monitoring and support.
Frequently asked questions
Will I definitely be prescribed semaglutide?
No. Completing an assessment does not guarantee a prescription. A licensed clinician decides based on your medical history and eligibility.
Is a compounded version the same as the FDA-approved product?
No. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality, and are not equivalent to approved products. They may only be prescribed when legally permitted and clinically appropriate.
How long does treatment last?
Weight management is typically long-term. Your clinician will discuss duration, dose escalation, and what to expect if treatment stops.
