Semaglutide/Tripeptide Handout

SEMAGLUTIDE/TIRZEPATIDE

 

 Semaglutide is a once weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) injection. This medication improves glycemic control and delays gastric emptying. This results in decreased appetite, reduction of food cravings, and improved control of eating. This peptide is well studied and is successful at decreasing HbA1c in those with diabetes and is associated with weight loss.

 

What Is Semaglutide?

 

Semaglutide belongs 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; therefore reducing your appetite and feelings of hunger.

 

What Does Semaglutide Do to Your Body?

 

Semaglutide helps to keep your blood sugar low, to allow fat burning to happen while also slowing gastric emptying to aid in appetite control and keep you feeling fuller longer. Semaglutide is in a class of medications called incretin mimetics 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.

 

Is Semaglutide Helpful with Weight Loss?

 

According to the CDC, 73% of American adults are overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese is a serious health risk associated with health conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Plus, it’s linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Losing 5-10% of body weight through diet and increased physical activity lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease in obese and overweight adults. Recent research has shown that semaglutide is an effective treatment for weight loss.

 

 How is a compounded Semaglutide Injection different from the other semaglutide prescriptions on the market like Wegovy and Ozempic?

 

Compounded Semaglutide injection contains the same compounded active ingredient as in Wegovy and Ozempic. The compound form comes in a multi dose vial to be drawn up into insulin syringes, whereas the brand name medications come in a single preloaded pen.

 

How do I take Semaglutide?

 

 Semaglutide is taken in a weekly injection. The injection is administered in the abdomen, thigh, or arm subcutaneously.

 

What is the difference between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

 

Tirzepatide is a 2nd Generation GLP-1 medication. It works the same as Semaglutide but lowers the chance of side effects.

 

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Common Side Effects

 The most commonly reported side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, stomach pain, bloating and constipation. The risk of serious side effects increases in patients with hypoglycemia, kidney problems, and risk of allergic reactions.

 

Contraindications

 Semaglutide injections shouldn’t be combined with other GLP-1 receptor agonists such as rybelsus, bydureon, trulicity, or victoza. In addition, semaglutide should not be used in patients with a family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN 2).

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