Pens vs. Needles For Semaglutide Injections

Semaglutide is one of a relatively new class of medications from a class called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. GLP-1 agonists are one of the new options for weight management that have been shown to be quite effective. This medication is available in both oral and injectable forms. Semaglutide was developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but it has recently been approved for the treatment of obesity as well. If you’ve been looking into your options for semaglutide, you may be wondering about pens vs. needles for semaglutide. We’ll discuss semaglutide and how to determine which delivery method is best for you.

The Obesity Epidemic

Obesity is a worldwide problem affecting more than 1 billion people. The rates of obesity worldwide have more than doubled since 1990 in adults and increased more than four times in children and adolescents.[1] Obesity is associated with a number of health conditions, including [2]:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea
• Osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders
• Gallstones and gallbladder disease
• Anxiety and depression
• Low self-esteem
• Decreased quality of life
• Increased risk of being bullied, especially in children and adolescents
• Certain types of cancer

With so many possible health ramifications, more and more people are looking for options to help them lose weight. One popular medication option is semaglutide. Semaglutide is also marketed as an injectable medication under the brand names Ozempic® (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy® (for obesity). It’s also marketed as an oral medication under the brand name Rybelsus® (for obesity). Semaglutide is also available from some pharmacies as a compounded medication.

Pens vs. Needles

Semaglutide is a subcutaneous injection, meaning that it goes just under the skin. Wegovy® is available in a pre-filled pen syringe. To use this medication, you turn the dial on the syringe to the prescribed dose, press the needle into the skin, and depress the button. Compounded semaglutide is usually administered as a weight loss injection, which you draw up from a vial with a syringe and needle. Semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications are only available by prescription.

Cost and Availability

Which form of semaglutide you choose frequently comes down to cost and availability. Wegovy® has a retail price of about $1,350 for a 4-week supply. [3] Insurance coverage varies and many insurance companies don’t cover obesity medications. [4]

Supply of Wegovy® has been an issue. Wegovy® and other GLP-1 medications have been in short supply and it has been difficult for many people to find the medication even if their insurance covers it. [5] The shortage has been affecting people who use the medication for both diabetes and weight management. It became so severe that alternative dosing strategies were introduced to try to prevent patients from having complications related to not having access to the medication.[6]

Novo Nordisk, the company that makes both Wegovy® and Ozempic® reports that they have been working to improve the supply of this medication and that most doses of medication are now available more readily though they acknowledge that the demand may still outweigh available inventory. [7]

Compounded semaglutide, on the other hand, is more readily available. It is also much more affordable for most people whether or not insurance covers the medication. This has been a way for people suffering from obesity to get medication more consistently and at a more affordable cost. Many options are available through obesity-trained healthcare providers for compounded semaglutide, both online and in person. [8]

Are Compounded Medications Safe?

Compounding pharmacies are legal and provide a valuable service. Compounding pharmacies may make medications available in different forms, such as liquid medications for people who cannot swallow pills or capsules. Compounding pharmacies are allowed to compound medications that are in short supply, which is the primary reason that drugs such as semaglutide (which is not available as a generic) can be compounded legally. [9]

Compounded medications are not approved or regulated by the Federal Drug Administration. There have been some concerns regarding counterfeit medications. [10,11] As the medication shortages improve, there are also concerns regarding the legality of pharmacies continuing to offer compounded medication. [12] That's why it's important to vet the compounded partner or pharmacy you choose.

Navigating Your Weight Loss Journey

Obesity is a chronic disease just like diabetes or high cholesterol. If you or someone you love suffers from obesity, it can be hard to overcome the stigma and even prejudice associated with the disease. Obesity is one of the most under-treated conditions, and the medical system has multiple barriers to treatment. Healthcare providers haven’t traditionally been well-trained in obesity management.[13] Fortunately, there are more and more options becoming available for those looking for ways to take back their life.

Take Control of Your Weight Loss Journey With Everlywell

Whether you’re just starting to take control of your health or you’ve hit a weight-loss plateau, Everlywell is here to help. Our comprehensive Weight Care+ program gives you access to regular virtual visits with a licensed healthcare provider, lifestyle content and support, regular lab tests and supplements, and access to prescribed weight loss medications for qualified candidates. Personalize and take control of your weight loss journey with Everlywell today.

1. Phelps NH, Singleton RK, Zhou B, et al. Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population-representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults. The Lancet. 2024;403(10431):1027-1050. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02750-2
2. Childhood obesity is a complex health issue. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published July 15, 2022. Medical Citation URL.
3. Warren K. How much does Wegovy cost without insurance? GoodRx. Published April 12, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
4. Obesity Medicine Association. Does insurance cover weight loss medication? Obesity Medicine Association. Published July 29, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
5. Mahase E. GLP-1 shortages will not resolve this year, EMA warns, amid concern over off-label use. BMJ. Published online June 28, 2024:q1448. doi:10.1136/bmj.q1448
6. Whitley HP, Trujillo JM, Neumiller JJ. Special Report: Potential Strategies for Addressing GLP-1 and Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist Shortages. Clinical Diabetes. 2023;41(3):467-473. doi:10.2337/cd23-0023.
7. Supply update. Novo Nordisk. Medical Citation URL
8. Suran M. As Ozempic’s popularity soars, here’s what to know about semaglutide and weight loss. JAMA. 2023;329(19):1627. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.2438
9. Research C for DEA. Compounding and the FDA: questions and answers. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. Published August 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL
10. Spitery A, Elder MJ, Farhat N, Mohammad I, Lobkovich A. Legal, safety, and practical considerations of compounded injectable semaglutide. JACCP JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY. Published online June 29, 2024. doi:10.1002/jac5.1999
11. Lowe D. Compounded (And counterfeit) semaglutide. Science | AAAS. Published January 2, 2024. Medical Citation URL
12. Wingrove P. Wegovy maker Novo Nordisk sues nine spas, clinics, and pharmacies over copycat drugs. Reuters. Published May 30, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
13. Tucker S, Bramante C, Conroy M, et al. The most undertreated chronic disease: Addressing obesity in primary care settings. Current Obesity Reports. 2021;10(3):396-408. doi:10.1007/s13679-021-00444-y