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Information
What is it?
Semaglutide Information Guide
It is a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist
Previously used solely as a diabetes medication
o Originally approved by the FDA under the brand name Ozempic in December 2017
Now used as an aid for healthy weight loss o Approved by the FDA in June 2021
How does it work?
It decreases your appetite by:
o Slowing down your gastric emptying
o Acting in areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and caloric intakeIt helps with diabetes by:
o Increasing release of insulin (helping sugar get into your cells to utilize energy and lower blood sugar)
o Decreasing inappropriate release of glucagon secretion (the hormone that increases blood sugars)
Who qualifies for it?
Overweight individuals that do not have contraindications to the medication (i.e., history of thyroid cancer)
o If our certified Doctoral level Nurse Practitioner (DNP) decides you are not a good candidate for the medication, you will not be charged for your initial visit
Should not take if pregnant or plan to be while using medication
What is the dosing?
You will receive a once/week subcutaneous injection (smaller and shorter needle than used for vaccinations)
Your dose will be slowly titrated monthly
o Starting dose of 0.25 mg once weekly
o Max/maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly
How long will I be on it?
This varies patient to patient based on response to the medication and how quickly weight loss goals are met
Most patients will likely be on it approximately 6 months, though could be shorter/longer
What are possible side effects?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, heartburn, burping, dizziness o Mostly during dose escalation and tend to decrease over time
How can I minimize side effects?
Limit foods/drinks that are high in unhealthy fats or sugars
o i.e., fried foods, processed foods, desserts, alcohol, etc.
What are the risks?
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)-small overall risk. Increased risk with preexisting kidney impairment or periods of severe dehydration
Diabetic retinopathy: Primarily with preexisting diabetic retinopathy or large and rapid decline in HbA1C (measure of severity of diabetes)
Gallbladder disease: higher risk with longer treatment (>26 weeks) or substantial and rapid weight loss
Allergic Reaction: anaphylaxis or angioedema possible
Medullary thyroid carcinoma: noted in animal studies. Patients with a personal or family
history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome may be at increased
risk
Pancreatitis: Small overall risk. Increased risk with prior history of pancreatitis, or have
other risk factors for pancreatitis, including: high lipids, cholelithiasis, alcohol use, and obesity
How can I maintain the weight I lose after discontinuing the medication?
This medication provides the jump start needed for healthy living
While maintaining the weight loss is not guaranteed, we work to develop sustainable,
individualized health plans that we hope will develop into long-term habits
★★★★★
Willow C.