.png)
How to use it
Compounded semaglutide is self-administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your Found provider will walk you through how to inject, store, and dispose of your medication safely. You can also message your Found care team any time between visits if questions come up.
Dosing
Compounded semaglutide typically starts at 0.2 mg once weekly and is increased gradually based on how your body responds, following this schedule: 0.2 mg, 0.4 mg, 0.9 mg, 1.5 mg, and 2.2 mg. The goal is to reach the lowest effective dose for you — not necessarily the highest. Your Found clinician determines your starting dose and titration schedule based on your health history and treatment response. Please also follow the dispensing instructions included with your medication.
Side effects
Commonly reported side effects include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Indigestion
- Headache
Other potential side effects:
- Fatigue
- Belching
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Hair loss
- Decreased appetite
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Injection site reactions
Most GI side effects are more common in the first few weeks and tend to ease as your body adjusts. Starting at a low dose and increasing gradually — which Found's titration protocol is designed to do — helps reduce their intensity. If side effects persist or feel unmanageable, your Found clinician can adjust your dose. For a complete list of side effects, review the dispensing instructions provided with your medication.
Serious side effects — seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Pancreatitis — discontinue semaglutide and seek medical attention for severe or persistent abdominal pain, which may radiate to your back. This is a labeled warning.
- Gallbladder disease (cholelithiasis / cholecystitis) — increased rates of gallstones and gallbladder disease have been reported in clinical trials. Symptoms may include upper abdominal pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
- Acute kidney injury — typically secondary to dehydration from GI side effects. Stay well hydrated, especially during the early weeks of treatment or during dose increases. Contact your provider if you notice decreased urination or swelling.
- Hypoglycemia — particularly relevant when semaglutide is used in combination with insulin or sulfonylureas. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, or rapid heartbeat. Your Found provider may adjust your other medications before prescribing semaglutide.
- Hypersensitivity reactions — anaphylactic reactions and angioedema have been reported. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience a rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or a rapid heartbeat.
Black Box Warning
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide, carry a black box warning for the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, based on findings in animal studies. The relevance of this finding to humans has not been established, but caution is warranted.
Do not take semaglutide if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Precautions
Rapid weight loss can accelerate muscle loss. Incorporating strength training and adequate protein into your routine while on semaglutide helps protect lean mass.
If you use oral birth control pills, speak with your Found provider before starting. GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying, which can affect how oral medications are absorbed. Consider switching to a non-oral contraceptive method (such as an IUD, patch, or implant), or use an additional barrier method (such as condoms) for at least 4 weeks after starting semaglutide and for at least 4 weeks after each dose increase. Talk to your Found provider or OB-GYN about the best option for you.
Do not take semaglutide if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Talk to your provider before stopping the medication if pregnancy is planned.
If you are scheduled for surgery or a procedure requiring sedation, tell your anesthesia provider you are on a GLP-1 medication. Slowed gastric emptying can increase the risk of aspiration during anesthesia.
Interactions
Semaglutide can interact with certain medications, including:
- Insulin and sulfonylureas — combination use can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia); your Found provider may adjust dosing of these medications before prescribing semaglutide.
- Oral contraceptives — semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of oral birth control pills. If you use oral contraceptives, consider switching to a non-oral contraceptive method (such as an IUD, patch, or implant), or use an additional barrier method (such as condoms) for at least 4 weeks after starting semaglutide and for at least 4 weeks after each dose increase. Talk to your Found provider or OB-GYN about the best option for you.
- Other oral medications with narrow therapeutic windows — medications such as certain thyroid medications, oral antibiotics, and other drugs that depend on consistent gastric absorption timing may be affected. Always inform your provider of all medications you take.
- Other GLP-1 receptor agonists — these should not be used at the same time as semaglutide.
Tell your Found provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you take before starting.
.png)
