Semaglutide
Semaglutide: Weight Loss Medication
Semaglutide is an extremely effective weight loss medication when combined with diet and exercise. It exerts its weight loss effects by mimicking a natural protein in your body called GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide).
In one study, patients achieved an average 34-pound weight loss*.
*Source: New England Journal of Medicine
Subcutaneous Injection
Semaglutide Subcutaneous Injection
Semaglutide Subcutaneous Injection is a custom compounded weight loss medication that is injected under the skin once a week.
What if I miss a dose?
If the next scheduled dose is 2 or more days away, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If the next scheduled dose is less than 48 hours away, skip the dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses within 48 hours of each other.
If you miss a dose for more than 2 weeks, call your doctor for instructions on how to resume therapy. It may need to be restarted at a lower dose.
How is the medication stored?
Store the medication in the refrigerator (36°-46°F) and keep away from light. Do not store in the freezer. Discard the medication if it ever freezes.
It is OK for the medication to be at room temperature (60°-77°F) for extended periods. When traveling, keep at room temperature and avoid excess heat. Resume refrigeration as soon as it is convenient.
How do I take this medication?
Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously once a week. A subcutaneous injection delivers medication into the fatty layer below the skin. The injection is done with very thin, short needles. Most patients are tentative the first time they self-inject but become more comfortable with the technique after a few doses.
Each vial contains four doses (4 weeks) of therapy. Use the syringes provided to draw up and inject the weekly dose. To minimize side effects, the dose is gradually increased over the first few months until the maintenance dose is reached. Your doctor decides on the dosing schedule and clinically determines the final maintenance dose based on how well the appetite is controlled and the level of side effects.
Subcutaneous Injection Patient Guide
Injection Guidelines for Patients
Sublingual Suspension
Semaglutide Sublingual Suspension
Your medication is a pharmacy-compounded suspension of Semaglutide. It is designed to be taken sublingually (under the tongue). Semaglutide mimics a natural protein in your body called GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide) that promotes insulin release. GLP-1 analogs are currently widely used in the treatment of Type II Diabetes and in promoting weight loss.
What if I miss a dose?
This medication is typically dosed once a day. We recommend trying to take it at the same time every day. If you forget a dose, but remember it the same day, then it is OK to take it as soon as you remember. It is not recommended to take more than one dose per day.
How is the medication stored?
Store the medication at room temperature 60°-77°F (15°-25°C) and keep away from light. Leave it in its original vial and gently shake before drawing up the dose.
How do I take this medication?
This medication is designed to be taken under the tongue (sublingually). The absorption takes place through the tissues under your tongue and the floor of your mouth. Keeping the solution in place under your tongue for at least a full minute is important in getting the maximum dose into your system. To ensure max absorption, keep the solution under the tongue and avoid swallowing until a full minute has passed. Swallowing the medication too soon decreases its effectiveness.
Use the oral syringes supplied to measure the prescribed dose in milliliters (mls). The medication comes in a vial with a silicone stopper that is designed for use with an oral syringe.
- fully insert the tip of the oral syringe into the stopper
- invert the vial and draw up the dose
- position the tip of the syringe in the space below your tongue
- deliver the dose by gently depressing the plunger
- hold the medication in place for 1 to 2 minutes before swallowing
To prevent washing away the medication or altering its absorption:
- avoid eating or drinking for 30 to 45 minutes
- avoid immediately brushing your teeth
- avoid smoking for 2 hours before or after a dose
Sublingual Suspension Patient Guide
Patient Q&A
Semaglutide:
- lowers blood sugar
- suppresses the appetite
- promotes the sensation of “feeling full”
Semaglutide binds to the GLP-1 receptor which stimulates insulin release and lowers glucagon. These actions lower blood glucose levels. It targets the brain’s appetite control center to reduce food craving. Semaglutide may also delay stomach emptying. This suppresses the appetite and promotes the sensation of “feeling full” longer.
Typically, patients notice a decrease in their appetite within 5-10 days of starting therapy. However, it may take as long as 4 to 5 weeks to reach the max effect. Contact your doctor if you have concerns regarding how well the medication is working. Your dose can be adjusted during therapy.
Compounds are pharmacist-prepared, custom medications designed to meet the unique needs of patients. Healthcare professionals often choose to prescribe compounded medications when mass-produced, commercially manufactured products don’t fit a patient’s individual needs.
Our pharmacy is regulated by State Boards of Pharmacy and strictly adheres to USP standards (United States Pharmacopeia). All the ingredients used in our compounds only come from FDA registered facilities.
Common side effects seen in patients taking Semaglutide include:
- abdominal discomfort
- heartburn
- constipation
- diarrhea
- nausea
Side effects are more common when starting treatment and tend to become less prominent over time. Contact your doctor if you have questions or concerns regarding side effects.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- unusual swelling
- severe abdominal pain
- difficulty breathing
- signs of an allergic reaction
Not all the potential side effects are listed here.
Semaglutide is currently only recommended for patients between 18 and 75 years.
Semaglutide should not be taken if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stop taking Semaglutide at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
If you have any of the following conditions, please talk to your doctor prior to starting this medication: a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).