Types of GLP-1 Medications:
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are GLP-1 medications that:
Promote a constant feeling of fullness, reducing cravings and aiding portion control.
Improve insulin efficiency in the pancreas, enhancing glucose control.
Delay gastric emptying, keeping food in the stomach longer to support faster satiety.
Special Considerations:
If you have surgery requiring general anesthesia, stop the medication 1–2 weeks before the procedure as per national anesthesia guidelines to ensure an empty stomach.
Differences Between Medications:
Tirzepatide targets an additional enzyme in the gut that aids fat metabolism, potentially leading to faster results for some patients.
Weight Loss Expectations
Initial Progress:
Weight loss may be slow at first; patience is essential.
Initial doses are low to minimize side effects and allow your body to adapt.
In the first month, weight loss typically ranges from 0–5 pounds. Results often accelerate after 2–3 months.
Onset of Effects:
It takes 2–3 weeks for the medication to take full effect.
The first noticeable change is a sense of fullness, followed by appetite suppression and weight loss.
Individual Responses:
Some patients see results at lower doses; others may require higher doses for effectiveness.
Tirzepatide often yields quicker results, though outcomes vary.
Dosing Adjustment Recommendations
Signs Your Current Dose is Effective:
Good appetite suppression, cravings, and portion control.
Steady weight loss (1–1.5 pounds per week).
Manageable or absent side effects.
When to Consider Increasing the Dose:
Weight loss plateaus for 2+ weeks.
Hunger returns a few days after injection (note: some hunger before the next dose is normal).
Prior use of GLP-1 may result in lower doses being less effective. Increasing the dose might help.
Important Notes:
Only increase doses in small increments if needed.
Avoid dose increases if:
Side effects persist.
You are forcing yourself to eat due to an overly strong dose.
Weight loss exceeds 2 pounds per week.
Who Should Avoid GLP-1 Medications
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
Those with insulin-dependent diabetes or using certain blood sugar-lowering medications.
Patients with personal or family history of:
Medullary thyroid cancer.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN).
Interactions with Other Medications
GLP-1s may affect absorption of Tylenol, Digoxin, Warfarin, oral contraceptives, Metformin, Statins, ACE inhibitors, and Griseofulvin.
Take these medications at least 1 hour before your GLP-1 dose.
Storage Guidelines
Store in a refrigerator.
Medications can remain at room temperature for up to 21 days but refrigeration is preferred.
For travel, pre-load syringes for easy transport.
How to Inject GLP-1 Medications
Drawing Up the Dose:
Follow dosage instructions on your prescription.
Use an alcohol wipe on the vial’s stopper before inserting the needle.
Draw the prescribed amount of medication and store the vial in the refrigerator.
Administering the Injection:
Clean the injection site (stomach, thigh, or back of the arm) with alcohol.
Pinch the fatty area, insert the needle, and inject the medication.
Disposal:
Dispose of used needles in a sharps container.
Maintenance and Plateaus
Reaching Maintenance:
Space injections 10–14 days apart as you near your goal weight.
Gradually decrease the dose while maintaining appetite control.
Overcoming Plateaus:
Switch to a different GLP-1 (e.g., Semaglutide to Tirzepatide) if progress stalls at the maximum dose.
Restarting After a Break
Less than 2 weeks: Resume at your current dose.
More than 2 weeks: Consult your provider.
Over 1 month: Restart from the beginning dose and adjust as needed.
Who to Contact
For order, shipping, payment, or refill issues: Contact Customer Support via the patient portal.
For medical questions or side effects: Contact your provider.
For emergencies: Dial 911.