How to Reconstitute Semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide comes as lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution, unlike the pre-filled pens of brand-name Ozempic/Wegovy. Proper reconstitution ensures accurate dosing across the titration schedule from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg.
Key Points
Step-by-Step Guide
Verify Vial Contents
Compounded semaglutide vials typically contain 3 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg. Confirm the total amount before calculating water volume for your target concentration.
Calculate for Titration
For a 5 mg vial at 1 mg/mL: add 5 mL BAC water. This gives convenient volumes: 0.25 mL = 0.25 mg, 0.5 mL = 0.5 mg, 1.0 mL = 1.0 mg across the titration schedule.
Reconstitute Slowly
Inject BAC water against the vial wall. Semaglutide may take longer to dissolve than simpler peptides (2-5 minutes). Do not shake—swirl gently and be patient.
Verify Solution Clarity
The solution should be completely clear and colorless. Slight foaming from gentle swirling is normal and will settle. Any persistent cloudiness or particles means the peptide should not be used.
Store Refrigerated
Store at 2-8°C. Compounded semaglutide may have shorter stability than pharmaceutical pens. Use within 4 weeks of reconstitution. Do not freeze.
Warnings & Precautions
- !Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved—quality varies by compounder.
- !Double-check vial concentration against your prescription.
- !Weekly dosing means one vial lasts multiple weeks—sterile technique is critical.
- !Brand-name semaglutide pens do not require reconstitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
Same active molecule, but compounded versions are not FDA-approved and quality depends on the compounding pharmacy. Brand Ozempic comes pre-filled and does not need reconstitution.
What concentration for semaglutide titration?
1 mg/mL is most convenient: 0.25 mL for the starting dose, 0.5 mL for step 2, etc. This works well with a 1 mL insulin syringe marked in 0.01 mL increments.
How many weeks does one vial last?
A 5 mg vial at the starting dose (0.25 mg/week) lasts 20 weeks. At the maximum dose (2.4 mg/week), about 2 weeks. Most people go through vials faster as they titrate up.