Weight Management
Semaglutide/ Tirzepatide
We are excited to bring our patients the latest in weight loss solutions with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. These breakthrough medications are designed to help individuals struggling to shed stubborn weight and manage their overall wellness. Originally developed for diabetes management, Semaglutide has proven effective in regulating appetite and promoting weight loss. Tirzepatide enhances this by combining the actions of two hormones, further suppressing appetite and boosting metabolic processes. These new services offer a promising option for those who have found traditional weight loss methods challenging, providing a fresh pathway to achieving and maintaining a healthier weight and lifestyle.
Semaglutide is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone, classified as a GLP-1 analog. Its primary functions include boosting insulin production, reducing glucagon secretion, and influencing brain areas responsible for appetite regulation and food intake. A slight molecular modification allows semaglutide to remain active in the body for weeks, unlike the body’s natural version which lasts only minutes.
Semaglutide operates through several pathways:
- Slows gastric emptying, promoting a feeling of fullness with smaller meals
- Decreases intestinal motility, prolonging satiety
- Lowers blood sugar levels, partly by reducing hepatic glucose production
- Stimulates pancreatic insulin secretion
- Reduces systemic inflammation, leading to adiponectin release and fat breakdown
- Appetite and craving reduction
- Weight loss
- Improved blood glucose control
Dosing Protocol
Semaglutide treatment typically follows a gradual dose escalation:
- Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg (5 units)
- Weeks 5-8: 0.50 mg (10 units)
- Weeks 9-12: 1.0 mg (20 units)
- Weeks 13-16: 1.75 mg (35 units)
- Weeks 16+: 2.5 mg (50 units)
Common side effects include nausea and constipation. Less frequent effects may include acid reflux, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience these symptoms, please inform your healthcare provider as it may indicate the need for a dosage adjustment.
Serious side effects are more likely in patients with conditions such as hypoglycemia, kidney problems, or a history of allergic reactions. Semaglutide is not suitable for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It should not be combined with other GLP-1 medications.
Caution: Patients with a personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 or Medullary Thyroid Cancer should avoid semaglutide due to the risk of thyroid c-cell tumors. Those with a history of pancreatitis should consult their healthcare provider before use.
Decreased appetite and cravings, weight-loss and improved Blood Glucose control.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a modified molecule our bodies make, called a GLP–1 analog. It works by increasing insulin production and lowers glucagon secretion as well as targets areas in the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. A small change in the molecule allows the drug to last weeks in our bodies rather than the natural version our bodies make, which lasts Minutes.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Delays how quickly our stomachs digest food, leading to a feeling of fullness and satisfaction with smaller meal sizes. Slows intestinal motility so you will feel fuller longer after meals. Lowers blood sugars, in part by reducing the production of sugar in the liver. Stimulates insulin secretion by the pancreas. Decreases inflammation throughout the body, which leads to Adiponectin release and fat lipolysis.
What Does The Dosing For Semaglutide Look Like?
The dosing for every patient starts at .25mg (5 units) and typically we move up our patients dose every 3-4 weeks, but every patient will respond differently. Some will increase faster than others, and some will stay at the same dose longer than others, We like to explain Semaglutide as a lifestyle change. We want to ensure while you are on the medication that you are changing bad habits and increasing the good habits. For example, We want to see our patients eat more protein and less carbs, working out more, drinking more water and less alcohol, and so on! Every patient is different and everyone will respond differently, but that is why we like to have follow up appointments to ensure we are customizing the program to your needs.
Weeks 1 – 4: 0.25 mg (5 units)
Weeks 5 – 8: 0.50 mg (10 units)
Weeks 9 – 12: 1.0 mg (20 units)
Weeks 13 – 16: 1.75 mg (35 units)
Weeks 16+: 2.5 mg (50 units)
What Are The Side Effects Of Semaglutide:
Most common side effects are nausea and constipation. Other side effects: acid reflux, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of that, please let your provider know as to you may be on too high of a dose.
The risk of serious side effects increases in patients with hypoglycemia, kidney problems, and risk of allergic reactions. This medication is not insulin and should not be used if you have type 1 diabetes or if you develop diabetic ketoacidosis. Semaglutide should not be used with any other GLP-1 medication. Risk of thyroid c-cell tumors. If a patient or any of their family members have been diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2, or Medullary Thyroid Cancer, they should not take semaglutide. If a patient has ever had pancreatitis, they should consult with their medical provider, as using semaglutide can increase their risk of developing pancreatitis.
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable dual glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. Works by increasing insulin production and lowers glucagon secretion as well as targets areas in the brain
that regulate appetite and food intake. A small change in the molecule allows the drug to last weeks in our bodies rather than the natural version our bodies make, which lasts minutes.
Tirzepatide is an innovative, once-weekly injectable medication that acts as both a GLP-1 receptor agonist and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. Like semaglutide, it enhances insulin production, reduces glucagon secretion, and targets appetite-regulating brain areas. Its modified structure allows for an extended duration of action.
Tirzepatide works through multiple mechanisms:
- Delays gastric emptying, promoting satiety with smaller portions
- Slows intestinal motility, extending the feeling of fullness
- Lowers blood sugar by reducing hepatic glucose production
- Stimulates pancreatic insulin secretion
- Increases energy expenditure through GIP receptor activation, contributing to weight loss
Primary Benefits
- Reduced appetite and food cravings
- Significant weight loss
- Improved A1C levels
- Enhanced cardiometabolic measures
Tirzepatide Dosing Schedule
The typical dose escalation for tirzepatide is as follows:
- Weeks 1-4: 2.5 mg (25 units)
- Weeks 5-8: 5 mg (50 units)
- Weeks 9-12: 7.5 mg (75 units)
- Weeks 13-16: 10 mg (100 units)
- Weeks 21-24: 15 mg (150 units)
The side effect profile of tirzepatide is similar to semaglutide. Common effects include nausea and constipation, with less frequent occurrences of acid reflux, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms, as they may indicate a need for dosage adjustment.
The risk of serious side effects is elevated in patients with hypoglycemia, kidney issues, or a history of allergic reactions. Tirzepatide is not appropriate for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis and should not be used alongside other GLP-1 medications.
Important: Patients with a personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 or Medullary Thyroid Cancer should not use tirzepatide due to the risk of thyroid c-cell tumors. Those with a history of pancreatitis should consult their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Decreased appetite and cravings. Weight loss. A1C reduction. Improved cardiometabolic measures.
How Does Tirzepatide Work:
Delays how quickly the stomach digests food, leading to a feeling of fullness and satisfaction with smaller meal sizes. Slows intestinal motility so you will feel fuller longer after meals. Dual action receptors allow for lower blood sugars, in part by reducing the production of sugar in the liver. Stimulates insulin secretion by the pancreas. GIP increases energy expenditure, resulting in weight loss.
What Does The Dosing For Tirzepatide Look Like:
The dosing for every patient starts at 2.5 mg (25 units) and typically we move up our patients dose every 3-4 weeks, but every patient will respond differently. Some will increase faster than others, and some will stay at the same dose longer than others, We like to explain Tirzepatide as a lifestyle change, We want to ensure while you are on the medication, you are
changing bad habits and increasing the good habits. For example, We want to see our patients eat more protein and less carbs, working out more, drinking more water and less alcohol, and so on! Every patient is different and everyone will respond differently, but that is why we like to have follow up appointments to ensure we are customizing the program to your needs.
weeks 1-4: 2.5 mg ( 25 units )
weeks 5-8: 5 mg ( 50 units )
weeks 9-12: 7.5 mg ( 75 units )
weeks 13-16: 10 mg ( 100 units )
weeks 17-20: 12.5 mg ( 125 units )
weeks 21-24: 15 mg ( 150 units )
What Are The Side Effects Of Tirzepatide:
Most common side effects are nausea and constipation. Other side effects: acid reflux, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of that, please let your provider know as to you may be on too high of a dose.
The risk of serious side effects increases in patients with hypoglycemia, kidney problems, and risk of allergic reactions. This medication is not insulin and should not be used if you have type 1 diabetes or if you develop diabetic ketoacidosis. Tirzepatide should not be used with any other
GLP-1 medication. Risk of thyroid c-cell tumors. If a patient or any of their family members have been diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2, or Medullary Thyroid Cancer, they should not take Tirzepatide. If a patient has ever had pancreatitis, they should consult with their medical provider, as using Tirzepatide can increase their risk of developing pancreatitis.
Why We Choose STRIVE
We opt for Strive Compounding Pharmacy for our GLP1 medications due to their exceptional commitment to patient satisfaction. Strive’s quality control process is rigorous, with 26 additional testing cycles compared to standard pharmacies. This extensive testing assures us that the products we prescribe are both safe and effective.
A key advantage of Strive is its unique formulation of GLP1 medications. Both their semaglutide and tirzepatide compounds are enhanced with two beneficial additives:
1. Glycine: This addition is designed to help maintain muscle mass. We understand the effort you’ve put into achieving your current physique, and the inclusion of Glycine aims to preserve your hard-earned muscle during the weight loss.
2. Vitamin B12: A small amount is incorporated to potentially boost energy levels.
By selecting Strive, we ensure you receive high-quality GLP1 medications with thoughtful enhancements to support your overall health and weight management goals.
Why “STRIVE”:
We choose to use Strive Compounding Pharmacy for our GLP1 needs because Strive is a Pharmacy that cares about our patients’ satisfaction. Strive tests their products for their potency and cleanliness 26 more times than other pharmacies. We want to know that our product is safe and effective and using Strive, we know that we can have that guarantee.
In addition to that, Strive compounds both of their GLP1’s (Semaglutide and Tirzepatide) with Glycine and B12. Glycine helps prevent muscle mass loss. We know you have worked so hard to get your body to where it is at, so with the additive of Glycine, it will help with preventing losing your muscle mass. There is a little amount of B12 in the compound as well, and B12 helps with energy!
Face & body aftercare instructions MORPHEUS8
NORMAL HEALING PROCESS INCLUDES
- Hot or stinging feeling at the treatment site. This should subside within a few hours but can last longer.
- Redness and swelling are normal. It can last a few hours or several days.
- Demarcations are a normal process that typically lasts a few days. You may not notice these at all, or you may have very prominent areas that look like red and raised with visible needle pinpoint scabbing. These can last a few days and, in some cases, up to six months.
- Histamine reactions can occur and involve raised and bumpy areas. This type of reaction is indicated by itching that can be mild or severe. Using the right post care can help prevent this reaction. Severe Itching can be managed with medications, please contact us if this occurs.
- Bruising can be common, especially around the eye area and neck. Bruises fade within 1- 2 weeks.
AFTERCARE INCLUDES
- Keep the treated area clean and protected with a thin layer of occlusive ointments such as Aquaphor or post laser ointments. You may resume your normal skincare routine after 32 hours. Sunscreen use resumes after 32 hours.
- Avoid sun exposure for up to 2 weeks or until any demarcations have faded. Darker skin tones need to be extra careful and avoid the sun for longer periods of time. Avoid retinol, AHA’s, and BHS’s for 2 weeks post treatment or until skin appears normal. Avoid self-tanning products until completely healed.
- Mild exercise is okay, avoid intense heated exercise or heavy sweating.
MANAGING COMPLICATIONS
- Itching is the most common side effect. Take any type of antihistamine or anti-allergy medication as directed. Hydrocortisone 1% OTC can also be used to aid in itching relief.
- Use a cold compress for swelling and seep slightly elevated. Demarcations can last a few days or as long as 1-6 months.
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