Semaglutide

Semaglutide (sem-a-glu-tide): Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP)/Glucagon-Like Peptide (GLP-1RA) Receptor Agonist

Uses: Type 2 Diabetes and weight management; As adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Glycine (gly-seen): An amino acid that has been shown to help maintain muscle mass during weight loss

Cyanocobalamin/Vitamin B12 (bee-12): Adding this vitamin can help decrease nausea, a common side effect, during treatment.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication primarily used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and as an aid in weight management. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it works by mimicking the incretin hormones that the body usually produces after eating to increase insulin secretion. This results in better blood sugar control and reduced appetite, which supports weight loss efforts in patients.

How does semaglutide work?

Semaglutide stimulates insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. This means that it helps increase insulin only when blood sugar levels are high, which helps to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Additionally, semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which helps to decrease appetite and caloric intake.

Common Side Effects:

‍The most commonly reported side effects of semaglutide include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Constipation

(These side effects are often mild and tend to diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication.)

‍Serious Side Effects: While less common, there are several serious side effects that patients should be aware of:

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that can radiate to the back, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney problems: Such as kidney failure or worsening of chronic kidney disease, characterized by a decrease in urine output and swelling in the legs or ankles.
Gallbladder problems: Including gallstones, which may require surgical intervention.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Particularly when taken with other diabetes medications that can lower blood sugar.
Increased heart rate: Patients should monitor for palpitations or feelings of a racing heartbeat.
Serious allergic reactions: Symptoms can include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, and severe rashes.
Vision changes: This medication can cause blood sugar level fluctuations which can affect the shape and size of the eye's lens and retina. This is usually experienced at the onset of treatment and should subside as the body gets accustomed to the medication's effects.

If you experience any of the above side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Additional Warnings:

Thyroid Tumor Risk: Like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, semaglutide has been associated with a risk of developing thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in animal studies. Although it is not known whether semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in humans, it should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is limited data on the use of semaglutide in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Thus, it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Discontinue use two months prior to pregnancy.

Patients should always be instructed to read the patient information leaflet thoroughly and discuss any concerns or side effects with their healthcare provider to ensure safe use of semaglutide. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are recommended to adjust the dosage as needed and to manage any adverse effects or complications.

Q: How does semaglutide / glycine / B12 work?

A: Semaglutide is a GLP-1RA receptor agonist that mimics the hormone GLP-1RA (glucagon-like peptide-1) in your body. It helps regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion, slowing down gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. At Strive Pharmacy, we ensure that patients receive comprehensive guidance on how semaglutide can be an effective part of their diabetes management or weight loss plan.

Q: How long do semaglutide / glycine / B12 side effects last?

A: Typically, the side effects associated with semaglutide, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, diminish within the initial weeks as your body adapts to the treatment. We encourage you to consult your healthcare provider to navigate these effects smoothly, ensuring a comfortable transition as you progress with your treatment.‍

Q: How long does it take for semaglutide / glycine / B12 to suppress appetite?‍

A: Semaglutide begins to suppress your appetite shortly after treatment commencement, with many patients noticing significant effects within the first week. This can be a transformative step towards achieving your health goals.‍

Q: Where to inject semaglutide / glycine / B12?‍

A: Semaglutide is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen or optionally the upper/outer thigh. Our skilled pharmacists at Strive Pharmacy are here to provide comprehensive instructions and live demonstrations, ensuring you feel confident and secure in self-administering your medication.‍

Q: Who should not take semaglutide / glycine / B12?‍

A: Individuals with a history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 should avoid using semaglutide. It is also not suitable for those who have severe allergies to the drug or any of its ingredients. Consult your healthcare provider for alternatives that might be safer for you.‍

Q: How long do you stay on semaglutide / glycine / B12?‍

A: The duration of semaglutide treatment varies based on individual health objectives and the medication's effectiveness for each person. Some may use it for an extended period to manage chronic conditions effectively.‍

Q: What is compounded semaglutide / glycine / B12?‍

A: At Strive Pharmacy, compounded semaglutide is tailored to meet individual needs through specific dosages or formulations not available commercially. Our compounded semaglutide medication comes from a FDA-licensed facility and is compounded in our state-of-the-art laboratory facility by skilled compounding professionals. This customization ensures that your medication regimen is as unique as your health requirements. Strive Pharmacy compounds semaglutide with glycine to help with muscle maintenance and with B12 to help prevent nausea.

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Semaglutide / Glycine / B12 - Sterile Injection

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