For the past couple of years, the demand for Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide-based medications Wegovy® and Ozempic® has far exceeded supply, leading to a nationwide shortage. To fill this gap, the FDA allowed compounding pharmacies to step in and offer compounded semaglutide, a custom version of the medication.
For many patients – especially those without insurance – these compounded versions of GLP-1 medications provided an accessible and affordable way to access treatment for weight loss and Type 2 diabetes care. Brand-name versions can cost upwards $1,300 per month out of pocket.
However, as of February 21, 2025, the FDA has officially declared that the Ozempic and Wegovy shortage has ended—for now. This means that compounded semaglutide products will eventually no longer be permitted under current regulations.
The FDA’s announcement has raised serious concerns for patients who have relied on compounded medications for diabetes and obesity care – and we hear these concerns loud and clear. Here are three things you need to know about the shortages, and how Sesame is staying ahead of these changes to ensure you have uninterrupted access to treatment.
1. There will be no disruptions to your care
Let’s start with the most important thing: Nothing is changing for Sesame patients right now. While the FDA has announced the end of the shortage, prescribing compounded semaglutide is still permitted under existing regulations, and that won’t change overnight.
503B compounding pharmacies can continue producing compounded semaglutide for at least the next 90 days, and possibly longer as this ruling is reviewed and challenged; these pharmacies can also continue to dispense the medication that they’ve produced until it expires. The medication you receive remains effective for over one year from the time it’s dispensed, meaning there is at least one year of availability for compounded semaglutide moving forward.
If shortages return (and history suggests they might), compounding could be reinstated, extending availability even further. Sesame is closely monitoring these developments and working proactively to ensure you never experience a gap in your medication.
2. We are here to support your treatment plan, not mark up medication prices.
There are plenty of companies out there profiting off the semaglutide boom. Sesame is not one of them. Unlike some telehealth startups that profit by marking up the cost of medications, Sesame’s medications are prescribed at cost, with no retail markup. Our only priority is making sure you get the care you need, in the way that works best for you.
That means:
- As long as compounded semaglutide is produced under FDA allowances, we will permit it via Sesame.
- If you’d rather transition to a brand-name option, we’ll work with you to make that happen. We are already exploring ways to help patients access discounted versions of Wegovy, Ozempic, and other GLP-1 medications
- We’ll work with you and your healthcare provider to secure longer-term compounded semaglutide prescriptions and arrange larger shipments, so you can stock up and maintain your treatment plan with confidence.
3. We’ll continue working to provide affordable options for Sesame patients
Sesame’s mission is to make affordable, high-quality health care accessible to all Americans, regardless of insurance status. Even as the availability of compounded drugs evolves, Sesame is actively working to expand patient options for these therapies.
Here are several options that Sesame is currently exploring:
- Affordable generic liraglutide: Liraglutide is another FDA-approved GLP-1 medication that has been shown to be effective for both diabetes and weight loss. We expect to offer an affordable generic version soon.
- Discounted cash-pay options for Zepbound (tirzepatide): We've worked with Eli Lilly to make lower cash prices available for Zepbound. This is available today on Sesame nationwide.
- Lower-cost access to brand-name GLP-1 medications: By late 2025 and into 2026, we are working directly with manufacturers to provide deeper discounts on cash prices.
- Oral semaglutide options: Sesame is also exploring oral formulations containing semaglutide.
Have more questions? Sesame is here to help.
If you have any additional concerns about your medication or treatment plan, we encourage you to reach out to your provider with questions. Your provider can help guide you through your options, help you plan ahead, and ensure you remain on the most effective and affordable treatment.
Semaglutide access has changed before, and it will continue to evolve. Sesame is here to make sure you always have the information and support you need—no matter what comes next.
