Compouned Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone naturally produced in your intestines known as GLP-1, according to the FDA.

“GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in our bodies,” says Shauna Levy, M.D., director of Bariatric Surgery at Tulane University School of Medicine in TK. Wegovy “augments our already existing GLP-1 that leads to decreased hunger, increased fullness and delayed stomach emptying of food,” she explains.

“GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide help lower blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas and decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver,” notes Chris Damman, M.D., clinical associate professor of Gastroenterology and Medicine at the University of Washington and the chief medical officer of supplement company Supergut. It also “controls appetite by regulating stomach emptying and our subjective experience of fullness via the brain. These effects combined can lead to weight loss,” he adds.

Levy emphasizes that Wegovy “is the most effective medication on the market for obesity.”

Source: https://www.forbes.com/health/body/wegovy/

Compounded Semaglutide can comes in different dose strengths—0.25 milligrams, 0.5 milligrams, 1 milligram, 1.7 milligram and 2.4 milligrams.

It is a weekly injectables.

It is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. An individual who is prescribed semaglutide starts at the lowest dose and increases their dosage every four weeks. The full dose for weight loss is 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide.

Many people who take semaglutide experience gastrointestinal side effects. These common side effects are usually not serious, according to the company, and include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach (abdominal) pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Bloating
• Belching
• Gas
• Stomach flu
• Heartburn

These common side effects are typically short-lived and can be lessened by gradually increasing the medication dosing when starting Wegovy. Begin with small dose titration gradually to reach a full dose of 2.4 milligrams. This will reduce nausea and vomiting.

Therefore, it is very important to get a prescription from a certified dr and monitor your health conditions while in the program.

Prior to initiating semaglutide, it is important to review your current medications and medical history. The most common contraindications are:

Personal or Family history of Thyroid Cancer

Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type II

History of Pancreatitis or pancreatic disease

Allergy to GLP-1 Medications

 

If you have any of these contraindications, semaglutide should not be started and Dr. Lolachi will provide you with other options for your weight loss goals.

 

Getting started on semaglutide is very simple.  Patients have a consultation with Dr Lolachi, who is very familiar with semaglutide and various other weight loss medications as well as nutrition counseling. Patients weigh themselves at least once a week and have monthly visits. This allows us to keep patients on track with diet and exercise while optimizing weight loss with semaglutide.

 

If you have any questions or concerns about semaglutide, be sure to talk to Dr. Lolachi. She can help you weigh the risks and benefits of this medication and determine if it is right for you. And remember, always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking semaglutide or any other medication.

 

If you are interested in learning more about semaglutide or other weight loss medications, contact us by phone or email. Don’t wait any longer to start your weight loss. And with easy dosing options and monthly visits, getting started has never been easier. Contact us today to learn more! Have questions? Call us at (310)371-9900.

Wegovy is a relatively expensive medication. And since it is meant to be used long-term for weight management, its high cost can make it unaffordable for many patients unless it’s covered by their insurance.

Semaglutide is dispensed under the brand names Wegovy®and Ozepmic®,  priced at $900 and as high as $2000 for a one month supply. Compounded semaglutide offers the same medication at a fraction of the cost with multiple advantages for the patient and provider.