GLP-1 Injectables

Discover the power of GLP-1 drugs in transforming your health.

About GLP-1 Injectables

Overview

Discover the power of GLP-1 drugs in transforming your health. By mimicking the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), these drugs work wonders in regulating blood sugar levels, curbing hunger, and promoting weight loss.

Originally designed for treating type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 agonists have shown promising results in aiding weight loss. Medications like Wegovy have even been approved specifically for weight management.

Imagine the possibilities when combining GLP-1 agonists with a healthy diet and exercise routine. Take charge of your health and ask your doctor about the benefits of incorporating these groundbreaking medications into your wellness plan.

Advantages

These medications exert their effects on the brain to decrease appetite and on the stomach to prolong the process of digestion, resulting in a prolonged feeling of being full.

These mechanisms contribute to weight reduction, which plays a significant role in the management of diabetes. GLP-1 agonists have been utilized in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for approximately twenty years.

GLP-1 medications have been know to decrease “food noise,” shifting your focus away from constant eating and cravings.

Pros

Medication may lower the risk of heart disease
People taking these drugs have seen improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Uncertainty exists regarding whether benefits are from the drug or weight loss
Research has found potential benefits for stroke and kidney disease

Cons

GLP-1 drugs, except for one, must be taken by injection
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
More serious side effects include low blood sugar levels
Not recommended for those with a history of thyroid cancer (medullary or multiple endocrine neoplasia) or pancreatitis
Long-term risks of these drugs are still unknown

What to Expect

Being overweight is a complex condition that often requires multiple therapies, including dietary changes, exercise, medications, and behavior modification programs

Overweight is defined by a BMI of 25 to 29.9, while obesity is categorized by a BMI of 30 or higher

Semaglutide and tirzepatide may be prescribed by healthcare providers for overweight individuals after thorough consultation

Individuals with obesity or overweight who are eligible for GLP-1 injectables can self-administer them once a week for weight loss

Weight loss success varies depending on individual factors, but most clients typically lose around 5% of their initial bodyweight. Some clients may even experience weight loss of up to 10% over a 12-week period. For a 300-pound person, this could mean shedding around 20 to 30 pounds.

However, results can vary greatly from person to person, and successful clients often put in effort to make sustainable diet and lifestyle changes.

Once goal weight is reached, a maintenance dose will be considered or alternative oral medications

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist that functions to reduce appetite, leading to a decrease in food intake by the user. Marketed under brands such as Ozempic, this substance has gained popularity in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight management.

In comparative studies, Tirzepatide has been found to induce greater weight loss in comparison to Semaglutide. However, it is important to note that Semaglutide has a longer history of use than Tirzepatide, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of its long-term effects. As well as compounded Semaglutide tends to be cheaper than compounded tirzepatide.

Potential side effects of Semaglutide:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Acid reflux
Belching
Thyroid tumors or cancer
Kidney problems
Allergic reactions
Vision issues
Pancreatic complications
Low blood sugar levels

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a compound that acts as a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels and promoting weight loss, offering significant therapeutic benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes. By modulating blood sugar levels and delaying gastric emptying, Tirzepatide induces a sense of satiety in users. One well-known brand of Tirzepatide available in the market is Mounjaro.

After many studies, results showed that Tirzepatide stimulates more weight reduction than Semaglutide. However, Semaglutide has been around much longer than Tirzepatide, which means we have a better understanding of its long-term effects.

Side effects of Tirzepatide include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Acid reflux
Belching
Thyroid tumors or cancer
Kidney problems
Allergic reactions
Vision issues
Pancreatic complications
Low blood sugar levels

Safety Profile

Overall, GLP-1 injectable drugs are considered safe, but there are rare complications that can arise. These complications include pancreatitis, which can cause abdominal pain.

Another potential side effect is gastroparesis, which slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach.

Additionally, bowel obstruction can occur, preventing food from passing through the intestines.
Lastly, gallstone attacks and bile duct blockage are less common but more serious side effects of GLP-1 agonists.

While most side effects of GLP-1 drugs are not deemed serious, individuals should promptly seek medical attention if they experience:

Severe vomiting and diarrhea
Intense abdominal pain or tenderness
Inability to pass gas or move bowels
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

Furthermore, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they are scheduled for surgery or a procedure involving general anesthesia while taking GLP-1 drugs.

Due to the digestive-slowing effects of these medications, it may be necessary to discontinue use several days prior to the procedure to ensure an empty stomach before the administration of anesthesia.

Cost

The average monthly cost of acquiring Semaglutide and Tirzepatide (a compounded GLP-1) injectable ranges from $250 to $500, depending on the dosage and specific medication, with Tirzepatide being more costly than Semaglutide.

Weightloss

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Find a GLP-1 injectable provider

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