FAQ

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist that has been used in helping patients with Type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar for many years. The FDA recently added an additional indication to the drug, allowing it to help patients battling chronic weight management. Semaglutide works by mimicking the incretin hormones that your body naturally produces when you eat food. It signals to the brain that food has been consumed and is ready to be metabolized by the body. It also helps to manage blood sugar levels for those who are living with impaired glucose tolerance, prediabetes, or diabetes. Semaglutide is a medication that helps you lose weight and stick to healthy habits, but it does not create weight loss on its own. It must be used in combination with modifications to your diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.

Semaglutide is injected once a week at home into the subcutaneous fat using an insulin needed. It does not matter what time of day you administer the medication and you can take it with or without food. The medication will be picked up at the OneDirection office at your monthly appointment and then stored in the refrigerator at home. For the subcutaneous injection, we will provide the injection supplies you will need for each month. We recommend injecting your weekly dose into the subcutaneous fat of your abdomen, at least one inch away from your naval. Rotate injection sites each week. The injection supplies that we will provide are 31G 5/16” long insulin syringes that are measured in units. Each insulin syringe is safe to use for one injection. Do not use the same syringe for multiple injections. Dispose of your used syringe into a stiff/hard plastic resealable container, such as a detergent container.

Semaglutide works by helping to boost your metabolism and suppress your appetite. It is important that you are focusing on your diet and light exercise while on semaglutide so that when you are weaned off, there is no rebound weight gain.

The most common side effects include gastrointestinal related symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and/or diarrhea. These side effects can be more common after initiation and during dose escalation. Extreme sensitivity reactions such as rash, trouble breathing, swelling of the mouth, face, and/or throat should be reported to your pharmacist and physician. Low blood sugar can occur and is marked by signs of dizziness, headache, feeling sleepy or weak, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, change in eyesight, and/or sweating. Discontinue the use of the medication should these reactions occur.

YES! We would like you to have a healthy lifestyle while on semaglutide so that you are better able to manage your weight once you are weaned off. It is important to start off with light exercise to see how your body tolerates it and then increase as you feel comfortable.

It is important to eat more whole foods and fewer fast-digesting carbohydrates. Foods with a more sustainable energy source such as foods rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats are encouraged. Eat slowly and eat smaller meals. Eat foods that are light and bland. Drink clear or ice-cold drinks and avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.

Email questions to sarahkathryn.hannah@vespermedicalcare.com and we will try our best to answer you within 24-48 hours. If response is needed sooner, call 254.433.8430 and leave a message if it is after 5pm M-F or anytime during the weekend.