Semaglutide Weight Loss Treatment
Semaglutide Injections
At Avail Wellness we are pleased to offer Semaglutide weekly peptide injections as a weight loss solution. This injectable peptide was initially tested as a diabetic medication back in 2008 then was FDA approved in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide is now widely known for the impact it has on helping with chronic weight management. In 2021 the FDA expanded the indication for semaglutide for chronic weight management in adults, in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
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How Does Semaglutide
Work?
Semaglutide is a glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, also referred to as an incretin mimetic. It works to enhance the growth of beta cells in the pancreas, which are sites of insulin production. Semaglutide will delay gastric emptying by reducing glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. The delay in gastric emptying can reduce appetite, improve control of eating, and reduce food cravings. Semaglutide offers glycemic control with improvement to HbA1c levels, moderate weight loss and a significant reduction in risk of major adverse cardiac events.
Results of Semaglutide
Treatment
Numerous individuals on Semaglutide are seeing great results. In clinical trials the average weight loss with Semaglutide was 10-15% over 12 months. It is best to consult with a trained health care provider to determine the best treatment option for you.
What Are the
Side Effects of Semaglutide?
Common side effects of Semaglutide are typically mild and may include:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Constipation
Fatigue
Bloating or gassiness
Dizziness or headache
Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common complaint among people starting Semaglutide but one may be able to lessen the side effects by beginning on a lower dose and slowly increasing.
Understand The Risk
Before Taking Semaglutide
You should understand the risks of taking these shots and be comfortable with the individual prescribing this medication. Since this drug has become widely popular recently, it is critical that anyone giving this drug should do so under the care of a trained healthcare provider.
Do not take Semaglutide if:
- you or your family has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or
- if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Semaglutide is not yet approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Safety and efficacy are not yet well established.
Cost and Accessibility
For many patients, access to these medications is difficult due to high costs and lack of insurance coverage. Compounded injections are an effective, cost efficient option for many people.
Semaglutide Cost:
Semaglutide
5 mg/mL subcutaneous injection
10-12 weeks supply
(depending on the patient’s dosage)
- Initial consult ($100 which is applied to the cost)
- Follow up visits included
- Injection supplies included
FAQs
Commonly asked questions about Semaglutide:
What is the typical adult dosage of Semaglutide?
Traditional medicine has a standard dosing recommendation for Semaglutide use. At Avail Wellness we recognize that each individual responds to medication differently, so dosing varies with each patient. It is guided by our healthcare provider.
Is Semaglutide safe to use?
Semaglutide has been studied by the NIH, National Institute of Health, and has been deemed a safe medication to treat weight loss. The first GLP-1 was approved in 2005 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), since then other GLP-1 have been approved for both the treatment of T2D and chronic weight management.
What are the health benefits to Semaglutide?
There are several benefits to compounded Semaglutide. These include:
Weight loss
Improved cardiovascular health
Controlled blood sugar levels
Improvement in skin health
What happens if I use too much?
Most often overdoses of Semaglutide cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Some people will experience dizziness, headaches, or shaking.
Semaglutide can be associated with serious gastrointestinal side effects in some individuals. More serious side effects, some potentially requiring hospitalization, that can also occur:
- Pancreatitis: a painful inflammation of the pancreas.
- Intestinal obstruction (ileus): a serious complication that can be fatal.
- Gastroparesis: slow or delayed emptying of the stomach.
In the event of an overdose it is recommended to contact Poison Control for the latest recommendation on how to be treated.
How long does it take to start losing weight on Semaglutide?
Semaglutide starts to work on a cellular level within hours after you start using the medication, typically it reaches efficacious concentration 2-3 days after the initial injection. With some individuals it will take longer to begin to see weight loss results, can be up to 3-4 weeks after the first injection. Results vary with the individual.
How long does Semaglutide stay in your system?
Semaglutide has a longer half life when compared to other medications. The half life of a medication is how long it takes for half of the medication to be out of your system. The half life of Semaglutide is 7 days and can stay in your system for up to 25 days. Typically the medication lasts 10-14 days in an individual’s system.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is more than 4 days (96 hours) late. If it is more than 4 days late, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time. Do not take 2 doses within 3 days of each other.
What are common side effects of Semaglutide?
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Reflex
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.