January 23, 2023

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. Semaglutide can help diabetics and non-diabetics lose weight. Semaglutide causes the stomach to empty slower and gives you a “full feeling”. This allows you to eat less. Semaglutide (generic Wegovy) is now FDA approved for weight loss. 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
  • Safe & Effective

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. Do not start Semaglutide if you are breast feeding. Do not use Semaglutide if you had a previous anaphylactic reaction to Semaglutide.

Are there medical conditions that are precautions to using Semaglutide?
Semaglutide causes your stomach to empty slowly. Do not take Semaglutide if you have any condition that causes your stomach to empty slowly like a gastric outlet obstruction or pyloric stenosis. These conditions can cause a difference in how you metabolize your other oral medications. Be aware of any side-effects and caution should be employed.

If you are prescribed medications for diabetes, you may need to adjust your medication dose to avoid any sudden decrease in blood sugar and hypoglycemia. Please inform your treating doctor if you need to adjust any medication dose. You should monitor your blood sugar more frequently if you are using insulin for diabetes treatment.

If you are prescribed Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism and you also are prescribed diabetic medications, Semaglutide may interfere with your blood glucose control. This can reduce the effectiveness of Semaglutide and other diabetic medications. It is recommended that you check your blood sugar levels closely. Consult with your treating physician if you think a dose change is needed.

If you are prescribed a Beta Blockers for hypertension, this medication can potentially reduce your ability to detect periods of low blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar frequently to avoid hypoglycemia.

Common side effects that can occur using Semaglutide for weight loss?
Common side-effects of Semaglutide are mostly gastrointestinal related. You may experience nausea, vomiting, loose bowel movements or constipation, belly pain, low blood sugar, and/or an injection site reaction. Most side-effects pertaining to your stomach will decrease over time.

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 safely. 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 miss my dose of Semaglutide?
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 administer my Semaglutide injection?
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 use 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? How do I get Semaglutide, Ozempic, or Wegovy injections for weight loss?
Both Dr. Fortino’s weight loss offices are offering Semaglutide appointments. Dr. Fortino is available for Semaglutide appointments at his Philadelphia Semaglutide weight loss clinic on Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday mornings. Dr. Fortino’s South Jersey Semaglutide weight loss clinic offers Semaglutide appointments on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday for your convenience.

Call our Philadelphia weight loss clinic @215.336.8000 or call our New Jersey weight loss clinic @856.318.4100. Email both our New Jersey and Pennsylvania weight loss offices @ info@drfortino.com.