Semaglutide injections for weight Loss

At, My Concierge MD, we know that losing weight is not always easy. That is why we offer semaglutide injections as a way for our patients to lose weight quickly and easily.

If you are interested in losing weight with semaglutide injections, please contact My Concierge MD today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the drug.

The search for a weight loss treatment that is both successful and safe appears to be never-ending. However, semaglutide, the most recent anti-obesity medication, is still making headlines more than a year after it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in 2021.

The injectable treatment, which was formerly only used to treat diabetes, is the first drug licensed since Saxenda (2014) to treat chronic weight management in the 70% of American adults who are obese or overweight. The efficacy of semaglutide injections for weight loss is being studied further. It also emphasizes the importance of treating obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than expecting people to manage their condition exclusively via willpower and lifestyle modifications. However, semaglutide is not a cure-all. It’s also not for everyone.

What is semaglutide injection?

Semaglutide mimics the lower gastrointestinal tract’s glucagon-like peptide 1 hormone. When you eat, your body produces glucagon-like peptide 1 (or GLP-1) to suppress hunger and alert your brain that you’re full. It can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing stomach emptying.

These GLP-1 receptors have also been detected in brain regions that govern your appetite and enjoyment of eating. Semaglutide works similarly by decreasing appetite and making you feel fuller for extended periods of time, all while enhancing how your body controls blood sugar levels and stores fat.

Semaglutide was primarily developed for diabetics to help in controlling blood sugar levels and treating diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic people can develop diabetic ketoacidosis if their bodies do not produce enough insulin and produce an excess of blood acids known as ketones.

This necessitates immediate medical intervention. Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication that can be used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and weight loss.

What are the benefits of semaglutide injections?

Type 2 diabetes is treated with the drug semaglutide. It belongs to a group of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 glp-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which function by promoting the production of insulin from the pancreas while inhibiting the release of glucagon.

Semaglutide injections provide several advantages, including:

Improved blood sugar control:

Studies on the drug’s capacity to decrease blood sugar levels have shown some very positive results. The medication works by encouraging your body to generate more insulin, which aids in controlling the level of blood sugar. Additionally, it aids in reducing the liver’s ability to produce glucose, which also helps to regulate your blood sugar levels. Additionally, it has been shown to lessen cravings and appetite, which may help you eat less overall and lower your blood sugar levels.

Lower risk of cardiovascular disease:

In persons with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for these disorders, semaglutide has been found to lower the risk of significant cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality.

Improved cholesterol levels:

Those looking to lower their bad cholesterol levels and raise their good cholesterol levels may find real benefits from the novel and exciting drug semaglutide. It is a once-weekly injectable drug that functions by turning on GLP-1 receptors in the body, which control levels of blood sugar and fat. This indicates that it may aid in lowering your high cholesterol levels and raising your levels of good cholesterol. Additionally, it can aid in lowering high blood pressure, waist circumference, and both body weight and weight at the hips.

Induce weight loss:

It has been demonstrated that the weight loss and maintenance benefits of semaglutide can aid people. According to recent research, those taking the medication dropped an average of 15.3% of their body weight, with some people losing as much as 36.4%. Over the course of the study, the medication was also discovered to be secure and well-tolerated. Participants said they experienced no severe adverse effects from the medication and felt fuller for longer after eating. The study’s findings also demonstrated that Semaglutide was effective in assisting individuals to maintain their weight loss over time.

Those who received semaglutide experienced greater improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors and an increase in participant-reported physical functioning from baseline compared to those on placebo. Gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea and diarrhea, was the most frequently encountered side effect; however these were typically short-lived occurrences that abated with time. While fewer participants discontinuing therapy due to gastrointestinal issues (59 [4.5%] vs 5 [0.8%]) were observed among those receiving semaglutide than placebo groups.

Reduced risk of kidney disease:

Recent studies have revealed that this medication can lessen the chance of kidney failure and damage in people with type 2 diabetes. This is excellent news for folks who have the problem since it may assist them in acquiring a disease that could be fatal. According to the study, semaglutide can cut the risk of kidney injury by up to 25%, which is a significant reduction. Additionally, the medication was able to lower the chance of renal failure by up to 15%. This is a positive finding since it suggests that people with type 2 diabetes may be better able to prevent developing this dangerous illness.

Semaglutide may not be appropriate for everyone; thus, using it should be reviewed with a healthcare professional. Semaglutide frequently causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as adverse effects. Pancreatitis and thyroid carcinoma are two uncommon but potentially harmful adverse effects.

In addition to diet and exercise, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Rybelsus (semaglutide) oral tablets to help adults with type 2 diabetes better regulate their blood sugar levels. The glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor protein therapy Rybelsus is the first to receive approval for use in the United States and does not require injection. GLP-1 medications are non-insulin therapies for type 2 diabetics.

How are semaglutide injections administered?

Semaglutide injections are typically administered once a week under the skin in the abdominal area. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for the correct dosage and timing of the injections. It is also important to speak to your healthcare provider if you experience any common side effects or if your condition does not improve.

Semaglutide injection site

Injections of semaglutide are frequently given into the upper arm, thigh, or stomach. Choose a region free of any skin irritation because it’s crucial to inject into a clean, uninjured area without any cuts or bruises. You can pick which place is best for you with the aid of your healthcare provider. You can become acclimated to the sensation of the injection by repeatedly injecting into the same spot, which will ultimately make it simpler.

Semaglutide injection instructions

A prescription drug called semaglutide is frequently used to help type 2 diabetics better control their blood sugar levels. It comes in an Ozempic injectable pen that is pre-filled and intended to be used once per week.

Proper Use

• When using semaglutide, adhere to the directions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Check the medication’s expiration date on the packaging and make sure it isn’t contaminated or discolored before administering. Do not take the drug if any of these occur.
• Semaglutide is offered in ready-to-use pre-filled pens. Avoid mixing or dilution of the drug.
• Before injecting the drug, clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
• Subcutaneously inject the drug into the targeted area. You will receive instructions on how to inject the drug properly from your doctor or other healthcare professional.

• To avoid skin irritation or scarring, rotate the injection site each time you administer semaglutide.
• In the refrigerator, keep the medication between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F) at all times. Avoid freezing. The pen can be kept open for a maximum of 4 weeks at room temperature, up to 30°C (86°F).
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it if you miss it. Skip the missed dose if the next dose is soon due, and carry on with your regular schedule instead.

Dosing

Read all medication guides or instructions before using any of the products listed on your prescription label. Take the medication precisely as prescribed.

• Reducing the potential risk of heart disease and stroke is important for type 2 diabetes:
  1. Adults- Initially, 0.25 mg was subcutaneously injected once per week for 4 weeks. If necessary, your doctor might raise your dose. The dose is often no greater than 2 mg once each week.
  2. Children- The proper use and dosage of medication must be determined by your physician.
     
• For weight-related:
  1. Adults and adolescents 12 years of age– For the first four weeks, 0.25 mg were injected under the skin once a week. Your dosage may be increased by your doctor every four weeks. The dose is often no higher than 2.4 mg administered once per week.
  2. Younger than 12-year-old children- The proper use and dosage of medication must be determined by your physician.

In the event that you opt for a different weekly injection day, begin your new regimen at least two days following your last injection. Semaglutide should not be used in combination with other brand names.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, might make you feel extremely hungry, lightheaded, agitated, or shaky. Eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or regular soda, which has a high percentage of calories to swiftly correct hypoglycemia. In the event of extreme hypoglycemia, your doctor might recommend glucagon injection.

The use of semaglutide injection may raise your risk of developing thyroid tumors, particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a kind of thyroid cancer. It is unknown if semaglutide raises the risk of cancers in people, however laboratory animals that were given the drug developed tumors. If you or anybody in your family has MTC, also known as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2; a disorder that results in tumors in multiple glands throughout the body), let your doctor know. If so, your physician will likely advise against using semaglutide injection. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: Hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, a lump or swelling in the neck, or shortness of breath.[3]

Storage

Keep children’s reach at a distance. Medicine that is no longer needed or that is outdated should not be kept. To dispose of any medication you are not using, consult a healthcare practitioner. Maintain in the fridge. Never freeze.

In the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F [2°C to 8°C]), keep unused semaglutide pens (Ozempic), but keep them away from the cooling element. After usage, a semaglutide pen can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature (59°F to 86°F [15°C to 30°C]). Avoid freezing. If semaglutide has been frozen, do not use it. In-use pens can be kept while traveling at room temperature (59°F to 86°F [15°C to 30°C]; not in the glove box of a car or any warm location). Make a note of the day you use a semaglutide pen for the first time, and discard it after 56 days, even if there is still solution inside.[4]

Mechanism of action

Semaglutide works by acting on the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, or GLP-1 receptor agonist. When injected, semaglutide raises blood levels of GLP-1, which has a number of consequences. First of all, it aids in appetite suppression, which in turn leads to decreased food consumption and weight loss. Second, it makes the body more responsive to insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. Finally, it increases the amount of insulin the pancreas releases into the bloodstream, further lowering blood sugar levels.

Can semaglutides be used with other medications?

It is crucial to comprehend how semaglutides interact with other drugs and what possible adverse effects could occur, just like with any prescription. Fortunately, it has been established that semaglutides work well and safely when combined with other drugs such metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and GLP-1 receptor agonists.

How can I get semaglutide injections for weight loss?

The FDA has approved semaglutide injections for the treatment of obesity, but they can only be obtained with a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional. If you want to try semaglutide for weight loss, schedule a virtual or in office consult with one of our weight loss doctors to find out if it’s the right course of action for you. We a a weight loss program that has been extremely successful with the use of these medications, in addition to nutrition consults, vitamin b12 injections and MIC injections. Many of our patients have been able to lose 10% to 20% of their total body weight with our weight loss progra.

Virtual consultation over the phone

Virtual consultations are simple and quick; the majority last barely 15 minutes. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about parking, traffic, or taking time off of work because they are so incredibly convenient. You can easily call 310-299-8959 and speak with a knowledgeable healthcare professional about semaglutide injections for weight loss and all the other diabetes treatment choices and weight loss medications accessible to you.

In office visit

Trying to find time in your hectic schedule to visit the doctor’s office can make it difficult. You’ll get specific instructions on how to inject the drug and store it safely when you come in for your appointment. Additionally, you’ll discover possible side effects and how to handle them. Additionally, your doctor will keep track of how the medication is working to ensure you’re getting the best outcomes.

Who is a good candidate for semaglutide injections?

The FDA has approved the use of semaglutide injections for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity, offering a possible alternative in instances where diet and physical activity alone have proven insufficient to achieve optimal control. Individuals whose BMI is 30 or greater as well as those who have one with over 27 – be it related to diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol – may find effective assistance from this medication.

What are the contraindications for use of semaglutide injections?

Semaglutide injections have a few contraindications, which means there are some people or situations where it shouldn’t be used. Here are some situations where using semaglutide injections is not advised:

1. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
2. Prior serious hypersensitivity reactions to semaglutide or any of its components.
3. Patients with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease.
4. Individuals with severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m²).
5. Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
6. Children under the age of 18 years.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history before taking this medication, especially if you have ever had kidney disease, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, a specific eye condition called diabetic retinopathy, mental or mood disorders like depression or suicidal thoughts, or certain stomach or intestinal disorders like gastroparesis or trouble digesting food.[5]

What is the cost of semaglutide injections?

For the treatment of obesity, a once-weekly dose of semaglutide costs around $1,200 per month on the US market. Some insurances do cover the cost of semaglutide injections and there is no out of pocket expense to you. We have relationships with pharmacies that can get authorization for you to be covered by your insurance provider.

Semaglutide cost ordered through our office

We have obtained a relationship with a compounding pharmacy that is able to provide our patients a 3 month supply of semaglutide injection for only $750

Semaglutide cost with savings card

For patients who qualify, the semaglutide maker also provides a savings card program that might lower the cost of the drug. Depending on the patient’s insurance coverage and other conditions, the precise savings may change.

Does insurance cover the cost of semaglutide injections?

Are you thinking of getting semaglutide injections but worried about the cost? You’re not alone! Many patients ask the same question: does insurance cover the cost of semaglutide injections? The answer is yes – but it depends on your specific insurance plan. Generally, most insurance carriers will cover at least a portion of the cost for semaglutide injections. Some insurance carriers will cover the whole cost of this weight loss medication.

How much weight does one lose with Semaglutide injections?

Well, it can vary from person to person, but studies have shown that you can expect to lose an average of 3.2 percent to 5.8 percent of your body weight over the course of a year while using Semaglutide injections. Our weight loss clinic has been able to obtain much greater results with the help of nutrition consultation, nutrition plan, lipotropic injections, and vitamin b12 injections. In addition we can review your blood work and optimize deficiencies in thyroid, hormones, vitamins and anything else that is making it more difficult for you to lose weight.

What is the difference between Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy?

Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy are all names for distinct medications that contain the active component semaglutide. While they share this characteristic, there are distinctions between them – both in terms of dosage as well as indications.

Here are some examples of how these medicines differ from one another:

• FDA-approved uses: Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related comorbidity, while Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
• Dosage and administration: Wegovy is delivered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, whilst Ozempic and Mounjaro are commonly administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
• Availability: Mounjaro and Ozempic have been on the market since 2017, while Wegovy was only given FDA approval in June 2021 and went on sale later that year.
• Cost: Depending on the dosage and the patient’s insurance coverage, the price of these drugs may change. Wegovy, however, typically costs more than Mounjaro.

Side effects of Semaglutide injections?

Like any drug, semaglutide injections might have negative effects for some people. Injections of semaglutide frequently cause the following adverse effects:

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Headache
5. Abdominal pain
6. Decreased appetite
7. Constipation
8. Fatigue
9. Dizziness

What is included with your semaglutide for weight loss program?

Regular doctor appointments, weigh-ins, and continual tracking of your progress are all part of the semaglutide weight loss program. In order to keep you on track, you will also get customized meal plans and lifestyle recommendations. To increase the effectiveness of semaglutide, your doctor could also suggest including a low-calorie diet or exercise routine.

Initial consultation with physician

They will assess your health, go over any queries or worries you may have, and develop a unique plan that is suited to your requirements during this session.

Nutrition consultation

Semaglutide users should seek nutrition advice in particular because the medication may result in weight gain and other dietary changes. You can modify your diet to accommodate any changes that semaglutide may bring about with the assistance of a nutritionist.

Vitamin b12 and MIC injections

Semaglutide’s efficiency can be increased with the help of vitamin B and MIC injections, making it an even better diabetes treatment. While MIC injections assist in reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system, vitamin B aids in the function of the nerves, muscles, and joints. Both treatments are easy to use, safe, and have few side effects.

Follow up every month

Maintaining your semaglutide treatment schedule is essential for managing your diabetes. You can ensure that you are benefiting the most from your semaglutide therapy and that it is assisting you in achieving your objectives of improved diabetes management by having regular checkups.

Does one need to have diabetes to receive semaglutide injections?

While it’s true that semaglutide injections are designed to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels, they can also benefit those without diabetes.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Thankfully, diabetes can be detected through a few straightforward tests despite the fact that it is a serious condition that millions of people worldwide suffer from. Typically, a physical exam, lab tests, and a review of your medical history are used to diagnose diabetes. Your doctor will measure your height, weight, and waist circumference during the physical examination to check for any risk factors for diabetes. By testing your blood glucose levels with an A1C test or a fasting blood glucose test, lab tests can help detect diabetes. When reviewing your medical history, questions will be asked about any additional conditions you currently have or have ever had that could be an indication of diabetes.

How fast does semaglutide injection for weight loss work?

Each person’s body is unique, and weight loss is a complicated process. The majority of patients will often start to see results 4–12 weeks after starting the injection, but it may take up to 6 months of consistent treatments to achieve the best outcomes. After six months, some individuals might even continue to lose weight.

Semaglutide weight loss reviews

Reviews of Semaglutide from users who utilized it to reduce weight have been gathered. After eating, most people say they feel less hungry and more satisfied. In addition, they state that other than the occasional nausea, they had no adverse reactions from the medication. The quantity of weight reduced, though, was unquestionably the most astounding outcome! Depending on their lifestyle and nutrition, people shed anywhere between 5 and 20 pounds in a short period of time.

Semaglutide weight loss clinic

We provide a thorough program with advice on physical exercise, nutrition, and individualized weight loss plans. Our qualified team of experts will consult with you one-on-one to create a strategy suited to your individual requirements. We offer assistance and encouragement at every stage since we recognize that losing weight can be challenging.

How long should I use semaglutide injections for weight loss?

In order to take advantage of the weight loss benefits and other advantages of semaglutide medication, as well as to lessen the impact of typical side effects such gastrointestinal issues, the FDA advises that the dosage be increased to its effective level of 2.4 mg during the 16 to 20 weeks of the therapy.

Semaglutide Injections near me

My Concierge, MD, Beverly Hills, offers the best semaglutide injections near me in Beverly Hills but can also come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.

References

1. John P.H. Wilding, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2032183

2. Office. FDA approves first oral GLP-1 treatment for type 2 diabetes. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published 2020. Accessed April 28, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-oral-glp-1-treatment-type-2-diabetes

3. Semaglutide Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2023. Accessed April 29, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618008.html#:~:text=It%20is%20usually%20injected%20once,you%20used%20your%20last%20dose.

4. Semaglutide Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2023. Accessed April 29, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618008.html#:~:text=It%20is%20usually%20injected%20once,you%20used%20your%20last%20dose.

5. Semaglutide (weight loss) subcutaneous: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD. Webmd.com. Published 2023. Accessed April 29, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-181644/semaglutide-weight-loss–subcutaneous/details