Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections are used along with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program to help with weight loss in overweight adults, especially those who may also have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. The injections are in a class of medications called incretin mimetics. They work by helping the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin moves sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. In addition, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections work by slowing the absorption of food through the stomach. This can decrease appetite which can also improve weight loss. These peptides/ amino acids are injected once a week without regard to meals. They should be injected on the same day each week. The site of injection should rotate from week to week.
What to expect:
At the initial consultation Dr. Hurford and her staff will discuss your health history and your future goals, a body composition scale is used to obtain your current weight, BMI, and skeletal muscle mass. Your consultation will review your options in medications, supplements, and diet in order to determine what options best fit your goals. Once ordered, the staff will demonstrate how to inject the medication at home once- weekly. Before leaving you will make a follow up appointment 6-8 weeks later to monitor your weight loss using the body composition scale and discuss your weight loss goals to come back in the office and get on the body composition scale before the next month is ordered.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I get my Medications?
Our practice has partnered with a compounding pharmacy to provide our patients with semaglutide and tirzepatide. The medication can then either be shipped to our office or to your home.
Medication Storage:
The medication needs to be stored in the refrigerator when it is not in use.
Medication Frequency:
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are once weekly injections that can be injected at any time of the day.
Side Effects:
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal distension, belching, hypoglycemia, flatulence, gastroenteritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Subcutaneous Injections: common injection site reactions characterized by itching, burning at site of administration with or without thickening of the skin(welting). If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Report adverse side effects to your doctor or pharmacist. In the event of any emergency, call 911 immediately.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8294388/
Do not take this medication if:
- You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (Thyroid Cancer)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- You are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine
- You are diabetic and/or taking any medications related to lowering your blood sugar levels without speaking with your endocrinologist.
- Specifically, if you are prescribed Insulin because the combination may increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and dosage adjustments by your provider may be necessary.
- You have a history of Pancreatitis
- You are allergic to Semaglutide or any other GLP-1 agonist such as: Adlyxin®, Byetta®, Bydureon®, Ozempic®,Rybelsus®, Trulicity®, Victoza®, Wegovy®;
- If you have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor/pharmacist your medical history.
While using GLP-1 agonists it is highly recommended that you:
- Eat a fiber filled diet. Focus on fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber
- Eat small high protein meals as digestion is slowed down while on this medication
- Avoid foods high in fat as they take longer to digest
- Limit alcohol intake as this medication can lower blood pressure
- Drink at least 32oz of water a day to avoid constipation