Information on Semaglutides

There are several brands of semaglutide medications that have FDA-approval for weight loss, including weekly injections like Ozempic, Trulicity, and Wegovy. Dr. Dudney can determine if this semaglutides might help with your weight loss goals.

The prefilled weekly plastic injection pens are typically expensive, averaging $800-$1200 for 4 doses (a month’s supply). In many cases, insurance will not cover their cost when used for cosmetic weight loss, and prior authorizations often fail.

 

Semaglutide Medication Now available

We are now able to offer Semaglutide from our office, for take-home use, at more than a 50% discount compared to brand name medications like Ozempic. Instead of pre-filled pens, we dispense individual vials (5mg per 2ml) for weekly use, and provide an injection kit and instructions on how to administer.

By using individualized dosing and withdrawing the medication from a vial with a syringe, savings of over 50% plus flexible dosing are available, directly dispensed from our office. The costs may vary depending what the factory prices are, but we try to offer 4-6 weeks of Injectable Semaglutide for under $90 a week. 

Weekly doses are very small in volume with a tiny needle. Dosing varies by effectiveness and side effects. One vial (200 Units) could last 5-6 weeks at 0.025 mg per Unit. One full 100 Unit insulin syringe has 2.5mg, one-half vial.

Week 1:        20 Units
Week 2:        30 Units
Week 3:        50 Units
Week 4:        50 Units
Week 5:        50 Units

Dosages vary depending upon side effects, primarily nausea when starting. Once we are comfortable with your dosing, we can dispense up to 2-3 months of Semaglutide between follow-up appointments.

 

Oral Semaglutides

Rybelsus is an example of a semaglutide in tablet form. Some reports indicate this medication is poorly absorbed in the body when taken as a tablet. However, converting the FDA-approved Rybelsus tablet to an orally-dissolving tablet under the tongue typically helps increase absorption. Dr. Dudney can discuss this option with you.

 

Reasons for Use of Semaglutide:

  • Weight Loss;

  • Decreases future risk of cardiac events by 20%;

  • Improved kidney function;

  • Decreased alcohol use. 

 

Regulatory Updates:

FDA regulatory changes in December 2023 now allow us to dispense directly from the office. This REAL Semaglutide is on the FDA shortage list, not the  -salt,  -acetate, bootleg or counterfeit forms which has been found at some “MedSpas” and certain internet sites. 

Be Aware: many internet-ordered and “medical spa”-dispensed Semaglutide options are not brand name and thus not FDA approved.

  • Even when described as “compounded Semaglutide,” many of these products are not manufactured in the USA and not FDA approved. There is a risk these glass vials are from China and are contaminated and not sterile. Some have even been found to contain insulin and vitamin solutions.

  • Pharmacies who purchase these vials are often required to pay cash and sign non-disclosure agreements about the source.

 

Important Things to Remember        

Always use medications as prescribed. If you have any questions, contact our office.

A follow up appointment will be required within one month for your first vial refill. Then, Dr. Dudney may be able to dose up to three additional months before the next visit.

Most patients will want to stay on the Semaglutide medication for approximately 6 months. Dr. Dudney may then recommend you reduce or spread the doses out, or switch to cheaper oral appetite suppressants. If you are already on appetite suppressants, be sure to let us know.

The use of Semaglutide in Dr. Dudney’s office is primarily for weight loss. We do not treat diabetes, so do not use Metformin, Insulin or any medications to control blood sugar. Semaglutide cannot be used with certain thyroid problems. 

Weight loss with Semaglutide is hormonal, and may not require behavior modification, a special diet or exercise routines. The hormone causes “fullness” in the gut and less craving in the brain.

If you feel much nausea after advancing a dose, wait one week or drop back a dose. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office for any questions or concerns.

Store the medication in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

If you experience constipation while on Semaglutide prescribed by Dr. Dudney, try increasing the fiber in your diet or take stool softeners,

Continue to exercise and eat healthy. Keep in mind the serving sizes needed for you to experience a full feeling will be much smaller. Multivitamins are acceptable but likely not necessary. Remember: exercise helps retain muscle as you lose fat.

Even when you feel full and lose interest in eating, it’s important to continue to eat small meals during the day to avoid low blood sugar.

The injections are given under a pinch of skin. Tiny bubbles in the syringe are not harmful.

Remember to wipe the top of the vial and your skin with an alcohol swab to keep everything clean and sanitary.

The needle is so small the shots are typically not painful. It is best to alter the injection site from right to left or abdomen and thigh, for example.

You should weigh yourself at least weekly. The vial will last 4-6 weeks. 

Save your pink receipt from Dr. Dudney; that is the legal copy of your prescription.

Click here to read more about medical weight management services offered by Dr. Dudney.