Semaglutide FAQ

Semaglutide is new treatment for obesity. It is an anti-diabetic medication belonging to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Incretin Mimetics. Semaglutide was first approved as a treatment for managing blood sugar in Type 2 Diabetes in 2017.

GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide help to control your blood sugar, but people taking them also tend to lose weight. GLP-1, the key hormone involved, slows down how fast your stomach empties food (called gastric emptying). In addition to causing your pancreas to release insulin, Semaglutide also blocks a hormone that causes your liver to release sugar (glucagon). Together, these functions can help you feel less hungry, causing you to eat less food, and lose more weight.

Semaglutide is clinically-proven to be one of the most effective medication for long-term results. It works the same receptors as powerful, naturally-occurring GLP-1 hormones that exist in your body, which improve your metabolic function, and regulate your digestion so you can feel full longer and maximize nutrient absorption.

All individuals start at the .25mg. injection dosage with a recommended increase in 5 weeks to .50mg with another increase in 5 weeks to 1.00mg. If weight loss plateaus continue to increase every 4 weeks until you reach the dose that works for you. Never increase prior to 4 weeks and never exceed 2.50mg of Semaglutide.

Semaglutide will be prescribed as a weekly subcutaneous injection. Injections should be administered every 7 days in the abdomen alternating locations. Semaglutide is started at a low dose that is gradually increased so it is important you use the medication exactly as directed. One injection should be administered on the same day each week. Do not increase any dose prior to 4 weeks.

No, Semaglutide is not a type of insulin or a substitute for insulin. Semaglutide does stimulate your pancreas to release insulin when glucose (sugar) is present. Because Semaglutide relies upon your body’s own insulin to have this effect, Semaglutide isn’t used when your pancreas can’t make insulin, such as in patients in type 1 diabetes. We are unable to prescribe to patients with DM1 (Diabetes 1) and advise insulin to be regulated by your treating physician

Semaglutide is meant to be titrated up to help minimize negative side effect. You will START with 0.25mg for 5 weeks then increase to 0.50mg for 5 week then increase again another increase in 4- 5 weeks to 1mg. May individuals find the .50mg – 1.00mg to be the “sweet spot” for weight loss. While others may need the higher doses of 1.50mg-2.50mg.

No. Semaglutide is not a stimulant and is non habit forming. Semaglutide can be taken in conjunction with an appetite suppressant such as phentermine or phendimetrazine.

Yes, it is believed that Semaglutide can help curb your appetite though not everyone experiences a curbed appetite. In addition to slowing gastric emptying to make you feel full for longer, GLP-1 also plays a direct role in how your appetite is regulated.

No. Semaglutide is not covered by insurance for people who are not diabetic type 2. Fortunately, we are able to offer our compounded medication at a very competitive, low price.

Be patient. Some people do not experience weight loss in the first 4-8 weeks. Everyone is different. Some people do not experience weight loss until they reach a higher dose of 1.00mg or even 1.50mg. Do not increase dose prior to 4 weeks.

Do not increase dose prior to 4 weeks. The medication is meant to be titrated up every 4 weeks to minimize negative side effects. It is very important to stay on the recommended dosing schedule.

Absolutely. If you find a dose that works for you, you can stay at that dosage. Just remember never to increase prior to 4 weeks of any dose.

If you miss a dose and it has been 5-7 days past the due date of your injection, continue at current dose If you miss a dose and it has been 8-13 days past the due date of your injection, reduce to the previous dose to minimize negative side effects. If you experienced any previous side effects and wish to minimize the reoccurrence of them, you may reduce your dose to .25mg and titrate back up to the desired dose every 4-5 weeks. If you miss a dose and it has been 14+ days past the due date of your injection, start back at .25mg and titrate back up every 4 weeks to the desired dose.

Stomach flu symptoms--stomach cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea (may be watery or bloody), low blood sugar, upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating; nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite; diarrhea, constipation; stomach flu symptoms; headache, dizziness, tiredness. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call our physician for medical advice about side effects not listed above.

The most commonly known side effects associated with semaglutide use are gastrointestinal. However, while around 50 percent of people on semaglutide complain of mild nausea, vomiting, and constipation, it’s still well tolerated in 95 percent of the patients. These side effects occur typically early on in treatment but tend to be transient and rarely result in discontinuation of therapy. Call our office as we solutions for constipation, nausea, and gastrointestinal side effects.

Yes. Semaglutide is considered to be safe and effective when used as directed. But safe doesn’t mean that there aren’t risks. Semaglutide also carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors occurring in rodents (with unknown risk in humans), and Semaglutide shouldn’t be used if you or your family have a history of certain thyroid cancers. Semaglutide should not be used in people with type-1 diabetes or a history of pancreatitis. Semaglutide should not be used for people on other blood sugar lowering medications. Semaglutide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath. You should not use semaglutide if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands), or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.

In animal studies, there were cases of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer with semaglutide. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; dizziness, fast heartbeats; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call our office (602) 441-3305 at once if you have: Vision changes; unusual mood changes, thoughts about hurting yourself; pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; signs of a thyroid tumor--swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath; symptoms of pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea with or without vomiting, fast heart rate; gallbladder problems--upper stomach pain, fever, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath

Women of childbearing potential are encouraged to use contraception during therapy; if pregnancy is desired, stop treatment at least 2 months prior to a planned pregnancy due to its long washout period. ALERT the doctor if you suspect that you are pregnant Semaglutide could present a risk to the fetus. Stop using this medicine at least 2 months before you plan to get pregnant. You should not breastfeed while using Semaglutide.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat hard candy, crackers, raisins, or drink fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.

Most medications do not interfere with Semaglutide. Semaglutide can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially insulin or other diabetes medicine, such as dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, Byetta, Trulicity, Victoza, and others. Do not use different brands of semaglutide at the same time.

Most medications do not interfere with Semaglutide but avoid taking any medication including acetaminophen 1 hour prior to your weekly Semaglutide injection.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose may cause severe nausea, vomiting, or low blood sugar.