Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1receptor agonist (GLP-1) that is given as a weekly injection. It is released in the gut in response to eating. It improves glycemic control and delays gastric emptying which results in decreased appetite, reduced cravings, and improved control of eating. When used in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise, it can lead to significant weight loss. Not only can it help with weight loss, it can help reduce inflammation and help with overall general well-being. This peptide is well studied and has been used for more than 15 years. 

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Tirzepatide is a dual agonist acting on both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. The dual action can make Tirzepatide more effective in lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss. Adding GIP helps enhance the effects of GLP-1. The different between the two is Trizepatide seems to have less GI side effects and people tend to have more success with it overall.

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What Is Semaglutide/Trizepatide? 

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Semaglutide and Trizepatide both belong to a class of medications initially used to treat diabetes by mimicking a natural hormone (GLP-1) that prompts the body to produce more insulin after eating. That, in turn, reduces blood sugar levels and impacts the areas of the brain that regulate food intake and appetite. This helps reduce your appetite and feelings of hunger. And yes, these medications often come with the bonus side effect of weight loss. Weight loss is not the only benefit of taking these medications. Patients can also benefit from a reduction in chronic inflammation and detoxifying the body amongst many other health benefits like possible improvement in blood pressure or a better A1C. 

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What Does Semaglutide/Trizepatide Do to Your Body? 

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Semaglutide/Trizepatide allows fat burning to happen while slowing gastric emptying to aid in appetite control and keep you feeling fuller longer. Both are from a class of medications which work by helping the pancreas to correctly release insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin helps move glucose from the blood into the tissue around the body, which is then used for energy. Along with burning fat, Semaglutide can help release toxins that have been stored in the fat which in turn helps detoxify the body.

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How do I take Semaglutide/Trizepatide? 

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 Both are taken as a weekly injection. The injection is administered in the subcutaneous tissue such as in the abdomen, thigh, or arm. Patients will come to the clinic once a week to receive the injection. Patients will also weigh-in and document side effects on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, I cannot give patients the medication to be administered by themselves at home so weekly visits are required. 

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Injection Schedule 

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To minimize many of the common side effects, we slowly increase the dose and stay at the lowest effective dose possible. Our starting dose for Semaglutide is 0.25mg and Trizepatide starting dose is 2.5mg. Injections should be scheduled on the same day every week. Dosing will be specific to each individual and can be discussed with your provider.

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Patients tend to have poor success with this medication when it is not properly dosed and not titrated to an individual’s needs. Many times, it is because a patient was started at a much too high dose and the side effects end up being poorly tolerated. 

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How Much Does our Semaglutide/Trizepatide Cost? 

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Good Faith Exam- $100 (Required to being the program)

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Semaglutide-$300; Sold as a package of 4 injections; Package is non-refundable

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Trizepatide-$450; Sold as a package of 4 injections; Package is non-refundable

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If you have not reached your weight loss/health goals by 20 weeks and would like to continue taking Semaglutide/Trizepatide, another good faith exam will be required to make sure you continue to be a good candidate for the program. 

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We do not accept insurance.

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How long should I take it?

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This will depend on each patient’s specific circumstance, but the goal of our program is to help give your body a head start. We do not want our patients to be taking this drug indefinitely. The goal is to get to a healthy spot and to work on a lifestyle change that supports the weight loss including a balanced diet and exercise so that your weight can be maintained once the medication is discontinued. 

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Common Side Effects 

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The most commonly reported side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and fatigue. With nausea and vomiting, immediate protein intake is recommended. The risk of serious side effects increases in patients with hypoglycemia, kidney problems, and risk of allergic reactions. Rarer, adverse reactions include pancreatitis and gallstones.

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Contraindications 

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Semaglutide/Trizepatide injections shouldn’t be combined with other GLP-1 receptor agonists. In addition, they should not be used in patients with a family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN 2). Gallbladder disease also appears to be worsened in some individuals. Diabetic retinopathy, hypoglycemia, suicidal thoughts, kidney disease, and those with a history of pancreatitis should not take Semaglutide/Trizepatide.