Sustainable Weight Loss with Semaglutide & Tirzepatide in Salida, Colorado

The two medications have been used for control of Type II Diabetes, semaglutide since 2017, and tirzepatide since 2022. They were always known to have the added benefit of weight loss, but only recently have they been approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity and overweight patients with added health risk such as hypertension and high cholesterol.

As part of the weight loss program, specific laboratory tests are mandatory, including a Complete Blood Count, Complete Metabolic Panal (liver and kindey function), Lipid Panel, and Thyroid Panel. This will allow us to determine if you qualify and if you are a candidate for treatment and allow us to monitor your progress.

Like medications for diabetes, you will draw up the prescribed units from a vial with an insulin syringe then inject the dose under you skin once a week. It is important to choose an area with a good “pinchable” amount available and rotate the injection site week to week. The day you choose is not important, only that it is the same day of the week and try to inject within the same time period, plus or minus 6 hours. It is okay if you miss a day or two. However if you wait too long you may have a recurrence of the side-effects you felt initially. If you take it too soon you run the risk of overdosing the medication.

Remember, you must also modify your diet and exercise routine. This will result in faster observed body changes, and crucial for maintaining your weight loss.

There is no limit to how long you can take these medications as they are used indefinitely for diabetes. The studies of semaglutide for weight loss were reported at 12 weeks(6% of weight at start of study), 28 weeks (12%), and at 68 weeks(15%). Studies for Tirzepatide showed results at 72 weeks of 21% loss of body weight from start of study. The longer you are on the medications the more weight you will lose, which may become unhealthy beyond a certain point. You and your healthcare provider should set a target for your weight loss. When you hit that target you can either stop the medication all together, continue the medication at the same dose, or at a reduced dose.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are the generic names of the name brands Ozempic/Wegovy and Mounjaro/Zepbound. Our clinic uses the generic of these medications, provided to us through a compounding pharmacy for each patient/client. They will be dispensed to you through our clinic/spa.

The cost varies by dose, increasing as the dose increases.

Tirzepatide is more expensive than semaglutide per dose.

Not through this clinic. You are responsible for all costs.

Smoking, NO.

Alcohol can lower your blood sugar and blood pressure which will compound the effects of low blood sugar if you are prone.

Since the amount you will eat per meal will be significantly decreased, it is important to make each meal much more nutritionally packed. Higher protein, more fiber per bite, and avoid high fat and empty carb foods.

Also extremely important is to make sure you are taking in enough water, as this and the high fiber will help decrease some of the unwanted GI effects.

Engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week. Strength training at least two days a week can enhance muscle mass and aid in weight loss.

You should not take this medication if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (Thyroid Cancer) or a personal history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). You should not take this medication if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. You should not take this medication if you are allergic to Semaglutide or any other GLP-1 agonist such as: Adlyxin®, Byetta®, Bydureon®, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, Trulicity®, Victoza®, Wegovy® Mounjaro®

Be careful if you are prescribed other diabetic medications because the combination may increase your risk of low blood sugar. Your primary care provider may need to adjust your other medications.

As you lose wight your blood pressure may also be affected. You may develop low blood pressure. Please make your primary care provider aware that you are using this medication. They may need to adjust the dose of your antihypertensive medications.

The two main areas to be cautious of are related to your blood sugar, and your GI system. Starting with a lower dose, gradual increments, smaller meals, and hydration can minimize side effects.

Remember these medications were developed to treat diabetes so they will affect your blood sugar. Symptoms such as fatigue, lightheadedness and headache may occur but usually resolve as your body adjusts to the dose.

Another set of systems are related to how these medications affect your GI system. Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dyspepsia, belching, flatulence, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are reported. Perhaps more frequently are symptoms of constipation, abdominal pain and abdominal distension

These symptoms should improve or resolve with time. If they do not resolve or worsen a more serious condition may be developing and you should immediately contact this clinic/spa or your healthcare provider for further instruction.

Any subcutaneous injection may cause localized burning or itching, or more seriously – infection if not following proper technique. Serious allergic reactions are rare. If you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including severe rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, get medical help immediately.

Tell your healthcare provider if you notice a new a lump or swelling in your neck, or develop hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. Semaglutide caused thyroid tumors in rat studies. It is not known if Semaglutide/ GLP-1 RA can cause thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer in people.

Report adverse side effects to your clinician. In the event of any emergency, call 911 immediately.