Reference

Glossary

Plain-language definitions for the pricing, clinical, and regulatory terms used across this site.

Compounded semaglutide

A semaglutide preparation made by a pharmacy rather than a manufacturer. It is not an FDA-approved finished drug product.

Semaglutide

A GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and weight management; the active ingredient in branded Ozempic and Wegovy.

GLP-1

Glucagon-like peptide-1; a class of medications that affect appetite and blood sugar regulation.

Wegovy

An FDA-approved branded semaglutide product indicated for chronic weight management.

Ozempic

An FDA-approved branded semaglutide product indicated for type 2 diabetes.

503A pharmacy

A state-licensed pharmacy that compounds medications for a specific patient under an individual prescription.

503B outsourcing facility

A facility registered with the FDA that can compound larger batches under section 503B conditions.

Flat-rate pricing

A pricing model charging the same monthly amount regardless of dose.

Dose-based pricing

A pricing model where cost increases as the prescribed dose increases.

Starter dose

The initial low dose used at the beginning of titration.

Maintenance dose

The ongoing therapeutic dose reached after titration; usually the main driver of long-run cost.

Cash-pay

Paying out of pocket without billing insurance.

Bulks list

The FDA's 503B list of bulk drug substances outsourcing facilities may use in compounding.

Shortage list

The FDA list of drugs in shortage; historically allowed broader compounding.

Active pharmaceutical ingredient

The biologically active component of a medication; for semaglutide, the FDA-recognized form is the base.

Pharmacy fulfillment

Which licensed pharmacy actually prepares and ships your medication.

Off-label use

Use of a medication outside its FDA-approved indication, at a prescriber's discretion.

Source verification

Confirming a published price or claim against the provider's live page and recording it with a date.