What is semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?

• Semaglutide/Tirzepatide is a once-a-week injectable medication FDA-approved to treat obesity that belongs to the class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Tirzepatide is NOW FDA approved for weight loss!
• It is so popular that it’s on backorder at most pharmacies!
• As mentioned on the FDA's information page on semaglutides, "When a drug is in shortage, compounders may be able to prepare a compounded version of that drug if they meet certain requirements in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. As of May 2023, Ozempic and Wegovy are both listed on FDA's Drug Shortages list."

• What are the differences between Semaglutide/Tirzepatide?
• Semaglutide (Wegovy) for Weight Loss: Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy, has garnered significant attention as a promising medication for weight management. Originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, this injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist has shown remarkable results in clinical trials, leading to substantial weight loss. Its ability to reduce appetite and slow digestion makes it an attractive option for individuals seeking effective and sustainable weight management solutions.

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and Its Impact on Weight Loss: Tirzepatide, commonly known as Mounjaro, is a novel medication that combines two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, to enhance its weight loss effects. Clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in promoting significant weight loss, making it an exciting addition to the arsenal of weight management tools. Like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide also acts on appetite regulation and digestion, empowering individuals to address their weight concerns effectively.

• What is compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide weight loss medication?
• Compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide weight loss medication refers to formulations specially compounded by a pharmacy to meet individual patient requirements. The specific formulation and dosage can vary based on the healthcare provider's prescription and the compounding pharmacy's capabilities.

• How does compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide weight loss medication work?
• Compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide weight loss medication is designed to mimic the effects of semaglutide/tirzepatide in reducing appetite and promoting weight loss.
• Delays how quickly our stomachs digest foods, leading to fullness and satisfaction with smaller meal sizes.
• Slows intestinal motility so you will feel fuller longer after meals.
• Lowers blood sugars, in part by reducing sugar production in the liver.
• Stimulates insulin secretion by the pancreas.

• Is compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide weight loss medication FDA-approved?
• Strive Pharmacy's mission is to make personalized medications available to everyone and to provide patients with a seamless experience. To ensure the quality of their formulated products, they only use the best ingredients and work with FDA- registered suppliers who subject all chemicals to third-party testing. They stand by their expertise and product quality after over 40 years in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Who is eligible to take Semaglutide/Tirzepatide for weight loss?
• Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m² or greater.
• No history of diabetes Type 1.
• No history of thyroid or pancreatic disorders.
• Not pregnant or breastfeeding
  
  
• What are the potential side effects of compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide weight loss medication?
• As with any medication, there can be potential side effects associated with compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide weight loss medication.
• The most common side effects are nausea and constipation.
• Some patients also reported vision changes, acid reflux, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and hair loss.
• The risk of serious side effects (**see below) increases in patients with hypoglycemia, kidney problems, and the risk of allergic reactions.

RECOMMEND that patients who are using oral hormonal contraceptives switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception, for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation. GLP-1 medications delay gastric emptying, so it may make oral contraceptives less effective.

• How is Semaglutide/B12 medication prescribed?
• Medication is prescribed by the vial (200 units) and includes direct shipping to you from the pharmacy and 10 syringes per order. This medication takes time to build up in your system, so we start at low dosing to help mitigate side effects and build up to higher doses as tolerated.
• Example of dosing schedule (will be tailored for each patient):
• Weeks 1-4 (5/1 mg/ml - 0.5 ml vial )= Inject 0.05 ml (5 units) Subcutaneously weekly
• Weeks 5-8 (5/1 mg/ml - 0.5 ml vial )= Inject 0.1 ml (10 units) Subcutaneously weekly
• Weeks 9-12  (5/1 mg/ml - 1 ml vial ) =Inject 0.2 ml (20 units) Subcutaneously weekly
• Weeks 13-16 (5/1 mg/ml - 2 ml vial )= Inject 0.35 ml (35 units) Subcutaneously weekly
• Weeks 16+ (5/1 mg/ml - 2 ml vial )= Inject 0.5 ml (50 units) Subcutaneously weekly
• Dosing, side effects, and weight loss are different for everyone; the length of time on medication depends on your response to medication and goal weight.

• How is Tirzepatide/B12 medication prescribed?
• Medication is prescribed by the vial 10 mg/500 mcg/ml-2ml vial (20 mg Tirzepatide per vial), and includes direct shipping to you from the pharmacy and 10 syringes per order. This medication takes time to build up in your system, so we start at low dosing to help mitigate side effects and build up to higher doses as tolerated.
• Example of dosing schedule (will be tailored for each patient):
• Weeks 1-6 (25 units /2.5 mg for 4 weeks then 50 units/5 mg for 2 weeks), 1 x 2ml vial
• Weeks 7-12 (50 units/ 5mg for 2 weeks then 75 units/7.5 mg for 4 weeks), 2 x 2ml vials
• Weeks 13-18 (100 units/10 mg for 4 weeks) 2 x 2ml vials
• Weeks 19-24 (125 units/12.5 mg for 4 weeks then 150 units/15 mg weekly) 3 x 2ml vials
• Weeks 25 and onward (150 units/ 15 mg for 4 weeks and thereafter) 3 x 2ml vials
• Dosing, side effects, and weight loss are different for everyone; the length of time on medication depends on your response to medication and goal weight.
  
  
• How much is the medication?

• Compounded Semaglutide/B12:
• Initial Telehealth consult ($50.00) applied to first order.
• Initial: $400/ Vial
• Refills: $350/Vial
• 2 Vials: $600.00

• Compounded Tirzepatide/B12:
• Initial Telehealth consult ($50.00) applied to first order.
• Initial: $600/Vial
• Refills: $550/Vial
• 2 Vials: $1000
• 3 Vials: $1500

• What do I need to start?
• Smartphone or computer (video/audio)
• Scale for monthly weigh-ins
• Sharps disposal container  (https://www.fda.gov/search?s=sharps)
• Labs- will discuss this further at consultation if needed.
• Zelle and credit card payments accepted.

• Can you prescribe and ship anywhere?
• You must be in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, or Washington for the Telehealth consultation.

• How is compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide loss medication administered?
• Semaglutide/Tirzepatide compounded weight loss medication is administered through self-subcutaneous injections (video provided on our website).

• Does insurance cover compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide weight loss medication?
• Insurance is not accepted; self-pay only.

• Can compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide weight loss medication be obtained without a prescription?
• Semaglutide/Tirzepatide compounded medications require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. They cannot be obtained without a valid prescription.

• Can compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide weight loss medication be combined with other weight loss medications?
• Compounded semaglutide/Tirzepatide and other weight loss medications should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Depending on the specific medications involved, potential interactions or contraindications may exist.

• What is Cyanocobalamin?
• Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12. It is a water-soluble vitamin involved in metabolism that helps the body use fat & carbohydrates for energy & to make new proteins. It is widely used as a supplement to help promote weight loss and can help reduce nausea side effects too!
  
  

Common Questions:

• Why is my not filled all the way?
• The vial can hold up to 5 ml
• The vial contains 2 ml (200 units) of medication, which is the equivalent to:
• 2/5ths of a teaspoon
• 2 blueberries
• 4-(50 units) syringes of medication
• We use a high concentration of medication, so a little goes a long way.
• The pharmacy uses an auto-fill system assuring that you get the same amount every time; additionally, they use a large-sized vial ( 5ml), which allows for better control for holding while drawing up your medication.

• How do I travel with my Semaglutide/Tirzepatide?
• Pre-fill your syringes and place them into a toothbrush holder if you do not want to take your whole vial.
• It’s stable at room temperature for up to 7 days; refrigerate when you reach your destination.

**RECOMMEND that patients who are using oral hormonal contraceptives switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception, for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation. GLP-1 medications delay gastric emptying, so it may make oral contraceptives less effective.**

**This medication is not insulin and should not be used if you have type 1 diabetes or develop diabetic ketoacidosis.  Semaglutide/Tirzepatide  should not be used with any other GLP-1 medications.**

** Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors. If you or any family members have been diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN-2) or Medullary thyroid cancer, you should not take  Semaglutide/Tirzepatide. If you have ever had pancreatitis, consult your medical provider, as using  Semaglutide/Tirzepatide can increase the risk of developing pancreatitis.**

**Semaglutide/Tirzepatide may cause serious side effects, including:

Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Semaglutide/Tirzepatide and call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.

Vision changes.  The link between Semaglutide/Tirzepatitde and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which could cause blindness, is unknown and currently being studied. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Semaglutide/Tirzepatide.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).  Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Semaglutide/Tirzepatide with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.

Kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.

Serious allergic reactions. Stop using Semaglutide/Tirzepatide and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.

Gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take Semaglutide/Tirzepatide. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.

Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery, or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Semaglutide/Tirzepatide may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Semaglutide/Tirzepatide before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.