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Weight Loss Medication – FAQ

Weight Loss Medication – FAQ

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How do GLP-1 medications work for weight loss?These medications work for weight loss by curbing hunger, helping control eating habits, and reducing cravings. They help the pancreas release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. These medications also slow down the movement of food from the stomach, which makes you feel satisfied for longer periods of time, decreases appetite, and results in weight loss.
Why compounded GLP-1 medication?Compounded GLP-1s offer a personalized and cost-effective alternative to branded products for weight management, with the added benefit of B vitamins to support decreasing nausea, enhancing patient comfort, and medication adherence. The inclusion of B vitamins in the compounded medication is intended to enhance and expedite weight loss.
What are the most common side effects?The most frequently reported side effects are related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system and include mild nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, and vomiting. These side effects may be more noticeable when starting the medication and during the dose escalation period. They may also occur if a dose is administered higher than prescribed. Many people do not have any side effects at all.
What is the protocol for taking this medication?Renew MedSpa’s protocol involves starting with a low initiation dose and gradually increasing it to minimize the occurrence of side effects. For best results, patients should follow our prescribed dosing and avoid self-diagnosing. Deviations may cause negative side effects and decrease effectiveness of the medication.
How do I get my medication?Your medication will be shipped from the pharmacy to you via overnight delivery. The pharmacy turnaround time from the date of order can be up to 7 business days. We do not have control over pharmacy processing time or shipping, and we don’t have access to order status until we receive the shipping confirmation. When you receive your medication, please note the dosing instructions on the medication label, and do this with every order as dosing instructions may have changed since your last fulfillment.
How to store my medication?Keep product refrigerated. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
What else is provided with the medication?Syringes and alcohol pads for sterilization are included with each injection medication order. Liquid droppers are included with sublingual medication orders.
How do I administer my medication?Refer to our Injection Guide for details on how to prepare a syringe and complete an injection. Refer to our Sublingual Guide for taking sublingual medication.
Where should I inject the medication?Refer to our Injection Guide for details on how to prepare a syringe and complete an injection.
Can I use an auto-injector when using this medication?No, compounded medications come in a vial and cannot be put into auto-injectors.
Will my insurance cover the cost of this medication?Renew MedSpa does not work with insurance. We recommend that you work with your primary care provider if you are looking to see if your insurance will cover weight loss medication.
What if I miss a dose?If four or less days have passed since the missed dose, take the missed dose as soon as you think about it, then resume your normal dosing schedule. If four or more days have passed since the missed dose, skip the missed dose, then resume your normal dosing schedule.
Is it common to have low energy levels after taking the medication? What should I do if I experience this?If you’re feeling low on energy, try drinking a glass of water when you wake up and doing some exercise or movement for 10-15 minutes. Yoga, walking or your favorite exercise can help to boost your metabolism. Additionally, taking a daily multivitamin and B-complex supplement has been known to help with energy levels.
Since my last dose increased, I’ve been experiencing more heartburn and indigestion. How can I modify my diet to help stop this?Avoid eating greasy, fried, and fatty foods. Avoid sugar/candy, chips, and snacks. Eat healthy, unprocessed foods and drink 64 ounces of water every day to get the most out of your weight loss medication experience and to achieve optimal results.
How long will I need to take medication?The duration of treatment varies depending on the medication you are taking and your individual circumstances. The average seen at Renew MedSpa is about 6 months to reach weight loss goal and then maintenance for patients wanting to ensure they do not regain weight .
What do I do once I reach my weight loss goal?Consider maintenance dosing when you reach your weight loss goal to avoid weight regain. Read our Maintenance Guide.
How do I get a refill?When you’re due for a refill, we recommend starting the refill process when you still have one to two weeks remaining in your current supply. This way you won’t run out of medication in between orders. To get a refill: 1) complete a weight loss medication online check-in here; 2) send an email to julie.davis@renewmedspamn.com requesting a refill. A check-in is required before we can order more medication for you.
What is compounded medication?Renew MedSpa offers compounded tirzepatide injection, tirzepatide sublingual, semaglutide injection, and semaglutide sublingual. These medications are prepared by a licensed pharmacist or physician in a state-licensed pharmacy in a manner that meets the requirements of Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and applicable state laws. A compounded drug is prepared for a specific individual based on an individual prescription from a licensed health care professional. Our pharmacies are licensed in the following states: AK, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, HI, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MN, MS, MO, MT, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. Compounded drugs are not FDA approved, but they are prepared in accordance with federal requirements in facilities licensed by the patient’s state board of pharmacy. Compounded versions of tirzepatide injection and tirzepatide sublingual are not associated with Eli Lilly & Company and/or its genuine Mounjaro® and/or Zepbound® products. Lilly’s genuine Mounjaro® and Zepbound® products are the only FDA approved tirzepatide injection products that the FDA has reviewed for safety, quality, or efficacy. Compounded versions of semaglutide injection and semaglutide sublingual are not associated with Novo Nordisk and its products Wagovy or Ozempic.
What does sublingual mean?This dosing liquid is held under your tongue for 60-90 seconds and is rapidly absorbed into your system through your mucus membranes, directly passing into the bloodstream. The medication is taken on a daily basis and is more effective than swallowing the medicine into your stomach. This delivery method of the medication is not subjected to the FDA shortage issue.

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