Frequently Asked Questions: 

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Semaglutide – What is it?

In simple terms, Semaglutide, Wegovy or Ozempic improve insulin resistance. This allows calories and fat to be burned, while improving energy. Semaglutide is peptide that works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which targets an area of ​​the brain that regulates appetite and food intake. By controlling blood sugar spikes and lowering blood sugar, as well as reducing appetite and cravings energy levels are more consistent. The drug also slows down emptying of the stomach so people feel less hungry and eat less.

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Semaglutide -Wegovy/Ozempic: Are they the same drug? What are they?

It’s correct that Wegovy and Ozempic are two names for the same drug: semaglutide.

The FDA approved Ozempic for people with diabetes in 2017 and approved Wegovy for people who have obesity or are overweight and have additional health problems in 2021. Wegovy is to be used for people who obese or overweight. have a body mass index (or BMI) of 30 or greater are eligible along with those who have a BMI of 27 or greater who also have other health problems such as high blood pressure

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We’re ordering our semaglutide from a compounding pharmacy.

Compounding pharmacists provide custom medications when commercially available drugs do not meet patient needs, are unavailable or the drug is in shortage or discontinued.

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Semaglutide on the FDA’s shortage list, and as such, the FDA allows a compounding pharmacy to duplicate a commercially sold drug that’s currently unavailable or in short supply. Therefore we’re able to get semaglutide through a compounnding pharmacy.

 

All pharmacists are trained in compounding, but most practitioners who specialize in this practice have undergone advanced training. About 7,500 pharmacies specialize in compounding services, of the approximately 56,000 community-based pharmacies in the United States. Compounding is regulated at the state level..

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So what if semaglutide is removed from the shortage list? There are two schools of thought on this point.

 

If brand name medications are taken off the FDA shortage list, it’s possible compounding pharmacies will no longer be allowed to manufacture semaglutide. The other school of thought is that because most compounding pharmacies are combining B-12 or L-carnitine with their sterile compounded semaglutide, they are making a materially different compound than the patented version of semaglutide manufactured by NovoNordisk. And as such, compounding pharmacies can continue producing a novel version of semaglutide with this additive.

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How Quickly Does Semaglutide Work?

If the patient has already been going through an extensive weight loss program, they may see small results once they begin their semaglutide treatment. These will only increase with time as the dosages increase after one month’s worth of semaglutide medication. This may change depending on what your doctor prescribed or your current medical conditions but the dosages range from 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg, then 2.4 mg for its full effects.

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Semaglutide medication has a titration period of 8 weeks which is enough time for the body to adjust to the actual amount required for weight management and subsequent weight loss which is 2.4 mg. So even if a patient may not see weight loss results with a sufficient weight management regimen within the first 4 weeks, it’s well expected as most studies show sufficient weight loss results after a period of 2.4mg semaglutide injections.

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The most important point for a patient taking semaglutide is if they’re tolerating the drug at a manageable level. Depending on the severity of the side effects and how it impacts their blood sugar level, a doctor may change the dosage increase for a certain patient. If there has been no sufficient weight loss that has been earned when the patient has reached 2.4 mg of semaglutide medication, a more compatible weight management regimen like another diet may be needed.

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Semaglutide Dosing and Dose titration

To minimize gastrointestinal side effects, patients need to start with the lowest level dose and stay on that dose for about four weeks before moving to a higher dose.

Dose titration means that a person starts with a less powerful dose, then builds up to the goal dose, which is a higher dose.

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What are the most common side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

Gastrointestinal problems are the most common side effects since Wegovy (semaglutide)can slow down people’s digestive systems. During clinical trials, some participants experienced nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, indigestion, dizziness, bloating and gas.

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Semaglutide medication is given in low doses first to avoid the severity and frequency of common side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, even with 0.25 mg, some patients report to begin feeling its effects as it can lower blood sugar level immediately, which can be impactful for those with type 2 diabetes that have yet to find a consistent diabetes medication.

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Do Semaglutide Side Effects Disappear?
The side effects of Semaglutide may be temporary. As mentioned, the most common side effects include feeling tired, itchy skin, and diarrhea. However, these should stop after a few weeks of continuously taking the medications.

If you have these symptoms and they don’t go away after six months, talk to your doctor about stopping the treatment. To reduce the risk of these side effects, take Semaglutide in the evening with food and drink plenty of water each day. Do not take Semaglutide at bed time.

 

Are there any other rare side effects or contraindications with Semaglutide - Wegovy or Ozempic?

People may be at increased risk for pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas often caused by gall stones, alcohol use or high triglycerides.

We do not prescribe this class of medicines if someone has a history of pancreatitis.

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Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Semaglutide and medicines that work like Semaglutide caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Semaglutide will cause thyroid tumors, or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.

 

Do not use Semaglutide if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

If you have a history of MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia 2) or medullary thyroid cancer, you should not take Ozempic or Wegovy.

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Do some people quit taking the medications because they feel lousy?

About 1 in 5 patients for patients to stop taking the medications because they don’t like the adverse effects.

However, we encourage some patients to stay at the lower dose level for a longer period of time to see if they can tolerate it better and still get some benefit from the medication.

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Do you have to take it forever? What happens when you stop?

Based on current recommendations, you can continue to take the medication as long as it’s beneficial.

 

Many asked if you will gain the weight back if you stop the medication. A better way to look at it is, if you stop the medication but continue with other behavioral changes like a healthy diet and exercise, you would not gain the weight back.

 

But even more important, if you lose weight with the medication in combination with diet and exercise, then stop the medication and conscientiously continue the diet and exercise, you will keep the weight off and reap the rewards of better health.

 

Consider using the medication to jump start your weight loss journey but don’t stop there. Use this opportunity to start life anew with a healthy lifestyle.

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What are the Benefits of Vitamin B-12

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Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It is primarily involved in the formation of red blood cells, the maintenance of a healthy nervous system, and the metabolism of proteins and fats. As an injectable, it bypasses the digestive system and delivers the vitamin directly into the bloodstream. Regular doses of Vitamin B-12 injections offer several potential benefits:

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• Correcting deficiency: Individuals with a Vitamin B-12 deficiency, often caused by poor dietary intake, certain medical conditions, or malabsorption issues, can benefit from injections. By replenishing the body’s stores of Vitamin B-12, the injections can help address symptoms associated with deficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, and neurological problems.

• Boosting energy levels: Vitamin B-12 plays a key role in energy production by assisting in the conversion of food into glucose, which is the body’s primary source of energy. Regular doses of Vitamin B-12 injections can help combat fatigue and increase energy levels, especially in individuals with a deficiency.

• Supporting nervous system health: Adequate Vitamin B-12 levels are essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system. The vitamin is involved in the production of myelin, a protective sheath around nerve fibers, and helps in the transmission of nerve signals. By receiving regular Vitamin B-12 injections, individuals can support their nervous system and potentially alleviate symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and balance problems.

• Enhancing cognitive function: Some research suggests that Vitamin B-12 may play a role in cognitive function and memory. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, receiving regular doses of Vitamin B-12 injections may help support brain health and potentially reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

• Supporting red blood cell production: Vitamin B-12 is involved in the synthesis of DNA and the formation of red blood cells. Regular injections can help ensure an adequate supply of Vitamin B-12 for red blood cell production, which is important for preventing anemia and maintaining overall blood health.

 

 

 

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