Semaglutide (Wegovy™, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®)
FDA-approved weight loss!
*Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy are all names for Semaglutide.
Why should I use Semaglutide (Ozempic) for weight loss?
Semaglutide (Ozempic) was previously a drug normally used to treat diabetes. In 2021 it was approved to also help non-diabetic obese people lose weight when combined with diet and exercise. Of interest, a consistent finding in large clinical studies is that hemoglobin A1C levels (measured for diabetes control) declined but then plateaued while weight loss continued. Indicating that it is safe to use for continued weight loss with low risks of hypoglycemia. I offer an enhanced version of semaglutide that includes Vitamin B12 with it!
How do you take Semaglutide (Ozempic)?
Inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, usually once a week.
To start it’s recommended to try 0.25mg once weekly and titrate up slowly as tolerated. Therapeutic dosages are .5mg weekly and 1mg weekly if needed. Administer OZEMPIC once weekly, on the same day each week, at any time of the day, with or without meals.
What are the possible side effects of Semaglutide (Ozempic)?
The most common side effects of Ozempic® may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation. This is why it’s good to start at a low dosage and titrate slowly.
Ozempic® may cause serious side effects. You should notify your healthcare practitioner if you get changes in vision, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, pancreatitis, or any serious allergic reactions.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. Raisins, honey, or jelly can work well too.
Who should not take Semaglutide (Ozempic)?
You should not take Semaglutide (Ozempic) if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. You should not take Ozempic if you or any of your family has ever had MTC or MEN 2. Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is an aggressive form of thyroid cancer. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is a rare genetic polyglandular cancer syndrome, characterized by the 100% prevalence of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
What else do I need to know about Semaglutide (Ozempic)?
You should stop using Ozempic 2 months before you plan to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. It is not known if Ozempic will harm an unborn baby or if it passes into breast milk. It is also not known if Ozempic can be used in people who have had pancreatitis. Ozempic is not a substitute for insulin and is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes or people with diabetic ketoacidosis. It has not been studied in children under 18 years of age. Let me know if you have ever had pancreas or kidney trouble.
Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar.
What other dosing guidelines should I know if i plan to take Semaglutide (Ozempic)?
Administer OZEMPIC subcutaneously to the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It may help to use different injection sites each week. Also, you should inspect OZEMPIC visually before use. It should appear clear and colorless. Do not use OZEMPIC if particulate matter and coloration is seen. When using OZEMPIC with insulin, administer as separate injections and never mix the products. It is acceptable to inject OZEMPIC and insulin in the same body region, but the injections should not be adjacent to each other.
Reviews (found online)
I just started Ozempic to help with weight loss. My first injection (0.25mg) was 4 days ago. I was nervous at first but the needle doesn’t hurt at all. I was also nervous about side effects after reading reviews. I went through with it anyway and have had zero side effects. I’m pretty sure i’ve been eating less and haven’t been as hungry. I think it has been curbing hunger! Here’s hoping for some decent help with weight loss when used with eating better (and less) as well as some exercise. Make sure you refrigerate it. I didn’t think to put it in the fridge until the next day and apparently some of my supplies will have to be tossed, which is sad given how pricey it is.”
-I.N. in miami
I started taking this medication for weight loss. I am not diabetic. First 2 weeks i had some mild nausea. Nothing terrible, and some mild dizziness. The past 2 weeks I have had no symptoms. I definitely can not eat what i used to or you will feel sick. I am doing weekly injections at 0.25mg along with weight watchers and in the past 26 days i have lost 10.5 pounds. My sweet tooth cravings are pretty much gone. Really happy so far. I am increasing to 0.5mg next week.
-Dana
What do I need to do before getting on Semaglutide (Ozempic)?
Contact Barbara Grubbs for an appointment to discuss the medication and your goals. We will review your medical history and order lab work. Once your lab work comes back we can arrange to get you started on Semaglutide (Ozempic).
How much is just Semaglutide (Ozempic) at a local pharmacy?
You can look this up yourself or call your local pharmacist. For me, when I look it up on GoodRx, the prices are around $850-$950.00 for a month.
So, what is the bottom line cost of Semaglutide (Ozempic) at Telemedicine Practitioners with Barbara Grubbs, NP?
First, you need labwork ($100) as noted above.
Semaglutide (Ozempic) .5mg for 4 weeks (once weekly injection). $395 (or 8 weeks at .25mg weekly). I offer Semaglutide with vitamin B12 so you get that power boost included!
Semaglutide (Ozempic) 1mg for 4 weeks (once weekly injection). $545 (or 8 weeks of .5mg weekly). Again, this has vitamin B12 mixed in also!
*I send you the syringes you need as well.
If you just want a prescription for this medication - your insurance will want pre authorization. Which means you need to figure out which drugs they want you to try and fail first before going on this and then we need to do paperwork. I'm willing to do this process with you but please find out what you need to try first and get the paperwork to me. $110/visit.
How can I save money or get a bigger discount or promo code?
Combine this service with most of my other services and save 10%! (Excludes Lab Work Costs)
I have Oxytocin, Lipo-C, GOAL injections, Glutathione Injections, Vitamin D Injections, Fat Loss Cream, and more!
How do I get an appointment?
Schedule online yourself easily. I’m also available at barbaragrubbs@telemedicinepractitioners.com and via text at 803.900.5758. Text me for a work-in if you can’t find the right availability on my online calendar.
How do I self-administer a subcutaneous injection? (Click here)