Compounded Semaglutide UK
"Compounded" or "research" semaglutide products sold in the UK are unregulated and potentially dangerous. Here's what you need to know about the risks and how to access legitimate medications safely.
Health Warning
The MHRA has warned about unlicensed "weight loss pens" and peptides sold online. These products are not quality-controlled and have been linked to serious adverse events including hospitalisations. Always use MHRA-approved medications from registered pharmacies.
What is "Compounded" Semaglutide?
The term "compounded semaglutide" can mean different things:
In the US (legitimate)
During drug shortages, licensed compounding pharmacies can prepare semaglutide under FDA oversight. This is regulated and requires a prescription.
In the UK (what's actually sold)
Products marketed as "compounded semaglutide," "research peptides," or "semaglutide for research" are typically unregulated substances from unknown sources. They are NOT equivalent to legitimate compounded medications.
"Research Chemical" Labels
Products labelled "not for human consumption" or "research use only" are attempting to circumvent medicine regulations. This labelling does not make them legal or safe to use, and sellers use it to avoid regulatory action.
Risks of Unregulated Semaglutide
May contain no semaglutide, wrong amounts, or different substances entirely
No sterility standards - risk of bacterial contamination, heavy metals, or other impurities
Without proper QC, doses may be dangerously high or ineffectively low
No screening for contraindications, no monitoring, no support if problems occur
Selling and purchasing unlicensed medicines carries legal risks
If harmed, no legal protection or compensation available
Healthcare authorities have documented cases where unregulated "semaglutide" products caused:
- • Severe hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar)
- • Injection site infections requiring medical treatment
- • Allergic reactions to unknown contaminants
- • No effect at all (products containing no active ingredient)
- • Hospitalisations from unknown substances
Legitimate vs Unregulated: How to Tell
- Requires a prescription from a registered prescriber
- Dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacy
- Brand names: Wegovy, Ozempic (Novo Nordisk)
- Comes in manufacturer's original packaging
- Patient information leaflet included
- Medical consultation required
- No prescription required
- Sold through unregistered websites
- Labels like "research use only" or "peptide"
- Generic vials, not manufacturer packaging
- No patient information or dosing guidance
- No medical consultation offered
How to Get Legitimate Semaglutide in the UK
Two semaglutide products are MHRA-approved in the UK:
Licensed for weight loss in adults with BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with weight-related conditions)
Available: NHS (limited) & Private clinics
Licensed for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes (not for weight loss alone)
Available: NHS prescription for diabetes
Steps to Access Legitimate Treatment
Consult a healthcare provider
GP, private weight management clinic, or regulated online prescriber. They'll assess if semaglutide is appropriate for you.
Obtain a prescription
If suitable, you'll receive a prescription for Wegovy or, in some cases, Ozempic (if diabetic).
Collect from registered pharmacy
Always verify the pharmacy is GPhC-registered. Check the EU common logo for online pharmacies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have been using unregulated peptide products, consult a healthcare provider. For weight management treatment, always work with a qualified healthcare professional and use only MHRA-approved medications from registered pharmacies.
Last updated: December 2025