Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called incretin mimetics. These medications mimic incretin hormones, which are the hormones released whenever it senses food ingestion. This then helps the pancreas regulate the release of insulin into the body, which helps your body more effectively use sugar as energy. Thus, this process is why semaglutide is used to treat Type II diabetes.
Additionally, during the aforementioned process, semaglutide helps to slow the movement of food through the digestive system. It also can help speed up the metabolism, promoting weight loss.
Semaglutide is administered via injection under the skin. Generally, patients learn to give themselves the weekly injections. Like other diabetes medications, patients must rotate the injection sites for each dose. The injections themselves are very simple, and come pre-dosed for each patient. During the appointment, the registered nurse or physician assistant will teach exactly how to give the injection.
As with any medication, semaglutide may cause some side effects. Side effects are generally mild and temporary. If severe or abnormal side effects take place (which are very rare), seek the proper medical care and contact your provider.
Concerns with semaglutide and its potential link to thyroid cancer have warranted the FDA to release boxed warnings on weight loss drugs (meaning the medication is not administered to patients with a history of thyroid tumors, particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma).
This arises from animal studies that show the connection found between semaglutide and thyroid cancer, though it’s worth noting that there are currently no conclusive studies on humans yet.
In fact, while there are no clinical trials yet, observational studies reveal the connection between weight loss (as semaglutide is a medication used to treat obesity) and reduced risk of cancer.
The side effects of semaglutide may last for a few days or weeks. This varies per person and mostly depends on your body’s reaction to the medication.
Most side effects and adverse reactions (like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation) are short-term and are usually resolved with time as your body gradually adapts to the medication. However, if you stop taking semaglutide, it will take time for your body to adjust to its absence again, and you may experience withdrawals. The good news is the side effects will also stop.
As per doctors’ advice, it’s best to avoid semaglutide if you have any medical history of thyroid tumors (this is also applicable to those with a history of pancreatitis). This should be followed as recommended in the safety profile for semaglutide.
If you’re not a diabetic, taking semaglutide can still affect your health, though not as severely. The potential side effects are short-term and can be resolved with time, together with proper diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.
Fatigue is normal when taking semaglutide, but only in the beginning of your treatment, or for a few weeks. As your body starts to adjust to the medication, you may experience some fatigue at first. Don’t worry, though, as it is only temporary while your body adapts to the treatment.
Semaglutide is generally safe, though with any medication, it also has potential risks and side effects. It is, however, a safe and proven method of weight loss, especially if paired with healthy eating habits.
While semaglutide primarily targets fat, the loss of muscle mass is also possible. This can happen due to rapid weight loss, though your provider would most likely advise you to take semaglutide in the recommended amount of doses to gradually introduce the medication into your system and avoid sudden loss of muscle mass.
The effect of the medication may wear off after a few weeks, so gaining the weight you lost during your treatment is possible. However, a healthy, balanced diet and physical activity like exercise can help you maintain your new physique, even after you stop taking the medication.
While the medication is given to adults with type II diabetes to regulate their blood sugar levels, semaglutide is not a substitute for insulin and shouldn’t be treated as such, so you wouldn’t have to worry as it’s not advisable for people with type I diabetes to take it.
The FDA also recently restocked the supply for these high-demand weight-loss drugs, declaring an end to the nationwide shortage of semaglutide, so it is now back in full supply.
Semaglutide has both an injectable version (Ozempic or Wegovy) and a pill form (Rybelsus), so it can either be injected under thick, fatty skin, or taken orally.
Physical changes to your body can be tracked on a weekly basis, with five weeks being the earliest you may begin to see significant results. However, results vary from person to person. For other patients, it may take up to 3 months (or even several months) to see visible changes.
It is highly advised to inject semaglutide subcutaneously (under the skin). This includes thick or fatty areas, like the back of your arm, stomach or upper part of your abdomen, and upper thigh. Avoid injecting it into the same spot, injured or scarred skin, or your veins and muscles. It’s also good practice to rotate your injection site weekly.
It’s best to buy semaglutide from trusted sources, like your local med spa, since they are licensed to administer the medication and are partnered with reliable pharmacies in dispensing it.
But we understand that it can be pricey. For cheaper options, you can buy semaglutide from assistance programs, pharmacy discount cards, or savings cards. Be very vigilant, though, and avoid non-FDA approved versions as they don’t meet quality standards.
Yes, semaglutide can interfere with certain vitamin pills and herbal supplements, like gymnema. Ozempic, for instance, can have potential interactions with insulin and other oral medications. It’s best to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider to determine possible interactions.
Limited Spots - Save $50 on Your First Visit Today!