Compounded semaglutide is a custom-prepared version of the medication, formulated by a specialized pharmacy. Unlike commercially available, brand-name products, compounded versions are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means compounded semaglutide does not undergo the same rigorous testing for stability and efficacy as its brand-name counterparts. Understanding how long a dose remains effective in the body and how long the compounded product retains its potency is important for users.
How Long a Dose Works in the Body
Semaglutide, whether compounded or brand-name, is designed for once-weekly administration due to its prolonged presence in the body. This extended action is due to its long half-life, approximately one week. The half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the medication to be eliminated from the body. For semaglutide, this means that after about seven days, half of the administered dose is still circulating.
Given this half-life, semaglutide takes about four to five weeks to be almost completely cleared from the body after the last dose. This extended half-life allows for consistent medication levels in the bloodstream throughout the week, providing sustained effects like appetite suppression and blood sugar regulation. Compounding does not fundamentally change how the active drug behaves once absorbed, so its physiological duration of action is similar to brand-name semaglutide.
Factors Affecting Compounded Semaglutide’s Stability
The stability of compounded semaglutide, dictating its shelf life, differs from its physiological duration in the body. Compounded medications do not undergo the extensive stability testing required for FDA-approved drugs. Instead, compounding pharmacies assign a “beyond-use date” (BUD), the date after which the preparation should no longer be used. This BUD is determined by the pharmacy based on various factors, unlike an expiration date set by a manufacturer.
Several elements influence compounded semaglutide’s stability and potency, including its specific formulation. Inactive ingredients (excipients) used in compounding affect how long the medication remains stable. Packaging, such as the vial and stopper, also protects the medication from environmental factors. Inappropriate temperatures, particularly heat or freezing, can degrade the semaglutide molecule, making it less effective.
Light exposure, especially UV light, can also degrade semaglutide’s active ingredients. Maintaining sterility is also important, as contamination can compromise integrity and safety. Compounding pharmacies establish a specific BUD for each preparation, which must be strictly followed to ensure integrity. Typically, the BUD for compounded semaglutide ranges from 30 to 90 days when stored under recommended conditions.
Storage and Handling for Optimal Potency
Proper storage and handling maintain the potency and safety of compounded semaglutide until its beyond-use date. Most compounded semaglutide requires refrigeration to preserve stability. The recommended temperature range is 2°C to 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Consistent refrigeration slows chemical degradation and inhibits microbial growth, which can compromise the medication.
Avoid freezing compounded semaglutide, as this can damage its molecular structure and reduce effectiveness. Protecting the medication from light also prevents degradation of active ingredients. Storing it in its original packaging or a dark place shields it from direct sunlight and other light sources. Avoid extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a hot car or direct sunlight, to maintain integrity.
While brief room temperature exposure might occur during administration, prolonged periods outside of refrigeration should be avoided. Users should always adhere to the specific storage instructions and the beyond-use date provided by their compounding pharmacy. If there are questions about proper storage or if the medication appears compromised, consulting the pharmacist is the appropriate step. Any expired or unused medication should be disposed of according to pharmacy guidelines.