What is Semaglutide (Wegovy)?
Semaglutide (Wegovy) is an injectable medication prescribed to control blood sugar for people that have type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide “activates” the Glucagon Like Peptide-1 Receptor, also known as GLP-1RA.
This allows you to eat less. Semaglutide benefits include weight loss, blood lipid control, reduction of body fat, and a decrease in appetite.
Key Benefits of taking Semaglutide (Wegovy) for weight loss
- Weight Loss
- Decreased Appetite
- Decreased Cravings
- Feeling Fuller Faster
- Non-Habit Forming
- Lowers Blood Sugar
Who can take Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injections for weight loss?
Semaglutide is an alternative to other weight loss medications, like Qsymia, Contrave and Xenical which can have severe side-effects if you are taking medications for hypertension or other heart issues. You do not have to be diabetic to take Semaglutide for weight loss.
Who should not take Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injections for weight loss?
Semaglutide is not appropriate for someone who has Medullary Thyroid Cancer, Chronic Pancreatitis, Chronic Kidney Failure, Stomach outlet problems, or Diabetic Retinopathy.
Do not start Semaglutide if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, if you are breast feeding, or if you had a previous anaphylactic reaction to Semaglutide.
Medical conditions that are precautions to using Semaglutide
Key Semaglutide Drug Interactions & Safety Warnings
Semaglutide works by slowing stomach emptying. Consequently, this delayed digestion changes how quickly your body absorbs other oral medications.
Do not take semaglutide if you have pre-existing gastric emptying disorders, such as gastroparesis or pyloric stenosis.
Before starting treatment, review these vital medication interactions with your physician:
- Insulin & Diabetes Drugs: Pairing semaglutide with insulin or sulfonylureas significantly increases your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). As a result, your doctor may need to lower your existing diabetes medication doses.
- Levothyroxine (Thyroid Medication): Slower digestion can shift how your body absorbs thyroid hormones, which directly impacts glycemic stability. Therefore, test your blood sugar frequently to ensure your thyroid and metabolic medications remain balanced.
- Beta-Blockers for High Blood Pressure: Beta-blockers frequently mask key warning signs of low blood sugar, such as tremors and a racing heartbeat. Consequently, regular glucose monitoring is essential to catch undetected drops early.
Always review your full medication list with your doctor.
Common side effects that can occur using Semaglutide for weight loss?
How do I take Semaglutide? What is the Semaglutide dosage?
Dr. Fortino’s protocol for weight reduction using Semaglutide is simple. He will instruct you on how to inject the Semaglutide properly. There are 2 phases of treatment. Phase 1 starts with 0.25mg subcutaneous injection on a weekly schedule for 4 weeks in a row.
This allows you to adjust to the Semaglutide. In Phase 2 the dose is increased to 0.50mg given subcutaneously weekly as in Phase 1. This dose is usually maintained for longer periods of time until you feel like stopping.
What do I do if I missed my Semaglutide Injection.
If you miss your day of dosing, you may take your injection at any time you are able within 5 days. If it is longer than 5 days, simply skip the missed dose. You can start over on your regular day.
Where do I give myself a Semaglutide shot?
You can administer Semaglutide subcutaneously at the abdomen, inner thigh, or upper arm areas. It is permissible to use a different injection site every week.
How long can I take Semaglutide?
The length of time that you use Semaglutide is dependent on your desired results. You may choose to stay with the Phase 2 dose of 0.50mg weekly. Some patients use Semaglutide with longer periods in-between injections.
Adhering to the proper diet as discussed with Dr. Fortino will provide better results and minimal side-effects. Please discuss any side-effects with Dr. Fortino as soon as possible. If a side-effect is intolerable, the Semaglutide can be stopped.
The Semaglutide can be re-started at a lower dose. This generally allows for better tolerance of the medication. Any dose can be maintained weekly for continued appetite and weight control.
Is there an Ozempic or Semaglutide weight loss clinic near me?
Both Dr. Fortino’s South Philadelphia weight loss office and his Turnersville, NJ weight loss office offer Semaglutide appointments.
Dr. Fortino is available for Semaglutide appointments at his Philadelphia Semaglutide weight loss clinic on Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday mornings.
Dr. Fortino’s Turnersville, NJ Semaglutide weight loss clinic offers Semaglutide appointments on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday for your convenience.
How do I get Semaglutide, Ozempic, or Wegovy injections for weight loss?
Call our South Philadelphia weight loss clinic @ 215-336-8000 or call our Turnersville, NJ weight loss clinic @ 856-318-4100. Email both our South Jersey and Philadelphia weight loss offices @ info@drfortino.com.
