Compounded Semaglutide

How it Works

Frequently asked Questions

• What is Compounded Semaglutide?

  Compounded Semaglutide is a custom-made version of the medication semaglutide, prepared by a compounding pharmacy. It is often used when the commercially available versions are in short supply or when patients need a specific formulation not available in mass-produced products. For instance, some patients may require a liquid form of medication that is typically available only as a pill. Additionally, pharmacies can compound medications from FDA-approved drugs that are in short supply.

• How does Compounded Semaglutide work?

  Compounded Semaglutide works similarly to FDA-approved semaglutide products by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. It is used for managing type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight loss.

• Is Compounded Semaglutide safe?

  While Compounded Semaglutide can be effective, it is not FDA-approved, meaning it hasn’t undergone the same rigorous testing for safety, quality, and efficacy as commercially available medications. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider².

• What are the common side effects of Compounded Semaglutide?

  Common side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation

  These side effects are similar to those of FDA-approved semaglutide products.

• Are there any serious risks associated with Compounded Semaglutide?

  Yes, there are potential serious risks, including:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Severe gastrointestinal issues
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

  Patients should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider.

• How is compounded semaglutide administered?

  Compounded Semaglutide is typically administered via subcutaneous injection. The specific dosage and administration instructions should be provided by the compounding pharmacy and your healthcare provider¹.

• What should I do if I miss a dose?

  If you miss a dose, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or compounding pharmacy. Generally, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next dose³.

• Can I drink alcohol while taking Compounded Semaglutide?

  It’s best to consult your healthcare provider about alcohol consumption while taking Compounded Semaglutide, as alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia³.

• How should I store Compounded Semaglutide?

  Storage instructions for Compounded Semaglutide may vary. Typically, it should be stored in the refrigerator, but specific instructions should be provided by the compounding pharmacy¹.

• What should I tell my doctor before starting Compounded Semaglutide?

  Inform your doctor if you have any allergies, a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues, or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Also, provide a list of all medications you are currently taking³.

Compounded Semaglutide

• Drawing your medication

  PDF Document

  Step 1. Check the medication label. Make sure your medication matches the dosage prescribed by your provider.

  Step 2. Remove the lid from your vial.

  Step 3. With the syringe cap still on, pull back the plunger to the number (mL or cc) that matches the dose on your medication label and/or after visit summary. This fills the syringe with air.

  Step 4. Remove the syringe cap and insert the needle into the rubber top and push all of the air into the vial.

  Step 5. Turn the vial upside down and pull the plunger back to the number (mL or cc) that matches your dose.

  Step 6. If you see air bubbles in the syringe, keep the tip inserted and tap the syringe with your finger until the bubbles move to the top. Then gently push the plunger to push the air bubbles back into the vial. 

  Injecting your medication

  PDF Document

  Step 1. Remember to rotate your injection site. You should be at least 1 1⁄2 inches away from the last injection site.

  Step 2. Select your injection site and cleanse the area with an alcohol wipe. Wait for the site to dry.

  Step 3. Pinch a 2-inch fold of skin between your thumb and index finger.

  Step 4. Hold the syringe the way you would a pencil or dart. Insert the needle at a 45 to 90 degree angle to the pinched-up skin. The needle should be completely covered by skin.

  Step 5. Hold the syringe with one hand. With the other, pull back the plunger to check for blood. If you see blood in the solution in the syringe, do not inject. Withdraw the needle and start again at a new site. If you do not see blood, slowly push the plunger to inject the medication. Press the plunger all the way down.

  Step 6. Remove the needle from the skin and gently hold an alcohol pad on the injection site. Do not rub.

• How should compounded Semaglutide be stored?

  • You can keep each vial of Semaglutide at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C), for up to 21 days.

  • Important: Do not freeze Semaglutide. If it has been frozen, do not use it.

  • Always store Semaglutide in its original box to keep it safe from light.

• Additional Information

  Please note that in clinical studies, the average Semaglutide user lost 13lbs of their body weight over 40 weeks, in addition to a 7% reduction of A1C levels by week 30.

  RISKS: 

  There are reports that GLP-1s could contribute to gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), but the extent to whether this is a cause of this condition or whether it just worsens it (for example, in diabetics) is yet to be fully determined. Medicines like Semaglutide have caused thyroid tumors in lab mice. It is not yet known if Semaglutide will cause thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. No studies have confirmed a linkage between Semaglutide and thyroid tumors in humans, but if you have a history of family thyroid cancer, you may want to discuss taking Semaglutide with your primary care doctor.

  BENEFITS:

   14.9% weight loss in the first 40 weeks of treatment during clinical trials, for an average weight loss of 11lbs after 30 weeks. Your weight loss can be higher if you exercise and reduce your caloric intake while on Semaglutide. Users of GLP-1s like Semaglutide have experienced a weight loss of 35lb after remaining on treatment for 52 weeks, with weight loss sustained after 68 weeks. In addition, users of Semaglutide have experienced a 7% reduction in A1C levels.

  WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE Semaglutide? 

  Patients to whom the following apply are not eligible for Semaglutide Treatment:

  · Eating Disorder

  · Gallbladder Disease

  · Drug Abuse

  · Alcohol Abuse

  · Recent Bariatric Surgery

  · Pancreatitis

  · Medullary Thyroid Cancer

  · Currently Pregnant

  · Currently Breastfeeding

  · Planning to Become Pregnant

  · Diabetic Retinopathy

  · Type 1 Diabetes

  · Family/personal history of MEN2 syndrome· Serious gastrointestinal disorders

• SIDE EFFECTS

  This medication may have several common side effects.

  For Constipation: The constipation is a result of these medications which slows gastric emptying time. There are a few things that you can do to reduce your chances of developing constipation including:

  • Increase your fiber intake to 30 g/day, including vegetables, whole grains.
  • Increase your water intake to at least 64 oz of water daily.
  • You may need to add over-the-counter fiber supplements such as Metamucil or Benefiber.

  If your constipation is severe, you can also consider taking over-the-counter medications such as Colace or senna which help to soften the stool and make it easier to pass or you could consider MiraLAX as a way to stimulate bowel movements.

  If your constipation continues after the use of the above suggestions, please discontinue the use of the medication and notify your provider for the next steps.

  Please seek in-person care if at any time you develop severe abdominal pain or nausea that is a result of the constipation.

  For Nausea/heartburn

  • Avoid fried, greasy, or fatty foods and foods high in sugar.
  • Eat slowly, and eat smaller meals. If needed, move to 6 small meals a day spaced 6-8 hours apart.
  • Eat foods that are light and bland.
  • Drink clear or ice-cold drinks
  • You can try to inhale deeply an alcohol pad holding a minimum of a centimeter from your nose. Some patients find this as effective as medications such as Zofran used for nausea.
  • Try moving your injection site to the thigh region; this has been noted to decrease side effects.

  For belching, you can try over-the-counter GasX. Nausea tends to improve over time as your body gets used to taking the medication.

  For Diarrhea :

  • Keep up with hydration, make sure to hydrate throughout the day.
  • Pepto Bismol – take as directed, please note it will turn stool dark/black.
  • After about 2 days of diarrhea, if still persistent, Imodium (OTC also) and just take it as directed on the packaging.

  For fatigue, you can try adding in over-the-counter vitamin B12.

  For Localized skin reaction:

  • Use over-the-counter Cortaid and if needed, take your injection out of the refrigerator 10 minutes prior to injection.

• WHEN SHOULD I STOP TAKING Semaglutide?

  When beginning the program, you communicate your goal weight to Next Medical. If you achieve your goal weight and reduced A1C level after 12 months, you should stop taking Semaglutide. Maintaining healthy habits after completing the program is essential in preserving the weight loss you achieve.

  LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION:

  While we do not expect you to follow a specific diet, it is imperative that you begin and continue a low-calorie diet. “Intermittent fasting” is also highly suggested. We recommend seeing a dietitian if you need assistance in choosing a specific diet that will meet your goals. An exercise plan should also be created and adhered to during your weight loss program. Both of these should become permanent lifestyle modifications, which will continue long after your pharmaceutical weight loss treatment is complete.

  You should not expect to see significant weight loss with any pharmacological therapy unless you combine it with permanent lifestyle modification of both diet and exercise.

  Next Steps:

  I have sent your prescription to our at-home delivery service pharmacy, and you should receive your medication within the delivery time mentioned above.

  If you experience emergent symptoms, please seek in-person care.

  Please do not send any non-medical questions to me as I will not be able to answer them for you. For questions regarding your account, please contact customer service directly.

  WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO NOTIFY YOUR PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM AND LAB RESULTS.

  **WHAT IS A GLP-1 COMPOUND?**

  Drug compounding is often regarded as the process of combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the needs of an individual patient.

  • Compounding includes the combining of two or more drugs.

  • Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved.

  • The ingredients used in the prescribed GLP-1 compounds are pharmaceutical grade and NOT research grade.

  • The GLP-1 medication is compounded using its base form and NOT its salt form.
  • The compounding pharmacy conducts third-party quality testing to check for potency, sterility and the presence of toxins.
  • We ensure complete due diligence of the compounding pharmacy, including but not limited to accreditations, licensures, and manufacturing/storage/tracking processes.

  **INJECTION GUIDE:**

  Watch this video to learn how to inject your medication using the vial and insulin needles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXjQHAxopzk