What is it and how does it Work?
Semaglutide is a GLP1 receptor agonist that was originally developed to treat diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels. It later received FDA approval as a weight loss medication for obese patients.
GLP-1 is an important, gut-derived, regulator that is released after the oral ingestion of carbohydrates or fats. GLP-1 enhances insulin secretion and synthesis, suppresses glucagon secretion (glucagon increases sugar production), slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite and food intake.
GLP-1 interacts with the parts of the brain that suppress your appetite and signal you to feel full. When used in conjunction with diet and exercise, it can cause significant weight loss. It can improve or lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease in people who are obese or overweight.
What are the side effects of Semaglutide?
While most of our patients are not effected by side effects, the most common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, constipation and possible ileus, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching, gas, and heartburn. Gastrointestinal issues are the most common complaint among people just starting semaglutide. To limit nausea: eat bland, low-fat foods, like crackers, toast and rice, eat foods that contain water, like soup and gelatin, avoid laying down after eating, eat slowly and go outdoors for fresh air
Who Should Not Take Semaglutide?
Avoid Semaglutide:
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding
Or if you have:
- History of Active Gallbladder disease
- History of Pancreatitis
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome
Would I Make a Good Candidate?
Most overweight patients qualify for treatment with GLP-1 Medications, regardless of their age, or ethnicity.
Will I Still Need to Diet and Exercise?
Yes. In fact, it’s essential. Even though GLP-1 medication will help you manage your weight, it should not be thought of as a magic bullet for weight loss. However, if you combine your treatment with a healthy diet and solid exercise routine, you can expect to enhance your weight loss efforts.
How Much Weight Will I Lose?
Although every person is different, patients typically lose anywhere from 10 to 15% of their body fat after regularly using GLP-1 medication for 6 – 8 weeks and dieting and exercising.
How Long Will I Be Taking Injections?
All patient results vary. Some plan to stay on long term, others may decide to stop after reaching their weight loss goals.
Dosing and Frequency
The dosing schedule increases slowly every month until reaching the maximum dose. A dose is given once a week, taken on the same day each week, any time of day, with or without food. It is a subcutaneous injection, self-administered, in the fatty abdominal area or thigh.
IMPORTANT: THIS PRODUCT FOLLOWS A TITRATION SCHEDULE. ALL NEW PATIENTS MUST START WITH ‘MONTH 1’ DOSE. AFTER MONTH 1, THE DOSAGE PER INJECTION INCREASES GRADUALLY IN MONTH 2, 3, 4, and 5. LASTLY THE MAINTENANCE DOSE CAN BE ONGOING DEPENDING ON YOUR GOALS
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR SEMAGLUTIDE
| Month | Dosage | Injection Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 0.25mg once a week x 4 weeks | Inject 0.05 mL weekly x 4 weeks with Semaglutide/ 5 mg/0.5 mg/mL |
| Month 2 | 0.5mg once a week x 4 weeks | Inject 0.1 mL weekly x 4 weeks with Semaglutide/ 5 mg/0.5 mg/mL |
| Month 3 | 1 mg once a week x 4 weeks | Inject 0.2 mL weekly x 4 weeks with Semaglutide/ 5 mg/0.5 mg/mL |
| Month 4 | 1.5 mg once a week x 4 weeks | Inject 0.3 mL weekly x 4 weeks with Semaglutide/ 5 mg/0.5 mg/mL |
| Month 5 | 2 mg once a week x 4 weeks | Inject 0.4 mL weekly x 4 weeks with Semaglutide/ 5 mg/0.5 mg/mL |
What if I cannot tolerate the side effects of an increased dose?
If you are unable to tolerate a particular dose, go back down to the previous dose and continue for 4 weeks. Then you can try to increase your dose again.
How do I Inject the Medication?
You will need your medication syringe and an alcohol swab. Wash your hands. Clean the injection site with the alcohol swab. Pinch the injection site to create a firm surface. Inject at least two inches away from the belly button on either side. Insert the needle into the skin between the index finger and thumb at 90 degrees. Using a slow and constant pressure, push the plunger rod until it reaches the bottom. Gently pull the syringe out of the skin. Alternate injection sites between either side of the stomach, back of the arm, or thigh. Subcutaneous injections will typically cause very little pain because it is only injected directly under the skin. Video tutorials are also available online for injecting subcutaneous injections.
Storage
Keep GLP-1 injections injections out of reach of children. Store in the refrigerator in-between doses. Dispose of needles in a sharps containers available at your retail pharmacy. If not accessible, place needles in a hard, closed container, such as a sealable bottle or can.