Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to get bloodwork done to get the medication?
If your bloodwork has been down within a year and all normal, then no need to repeat labs. If over one year, we recommend updating them either through your Primary Physician or we can order them for you. If your labs were abnormal and being monitored by your Primary Physician or Specialist, then we do not need to repeat those labs. We do ask you for copies of recent bloodwork to be uploaded into your patient portal. Each of the branded medication (Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro) insert packaging does not mention any prerequisite of labs or monitoring of labs while on medication. We recommend labs to check on liver and kidney function, blood sugar, electrolytes, blood cells as well as vitamin markers and hormones if need to.
- How do I get my medication?
We send your prescription to a compounding pharmacy in the United States that will be directly shipped to you from them. No middle person drawing up syringes and no need to spend the time going into an office for a weekly injection.
- Is it better to do the injection in the morning or at night?
The medication is best injected when you are well hydrated. Injection time depends on your schedule that you can maintain. I recommend the first injection at night a couple hours before bed, so if nausea does occur you are sleeping through it. Many people will take the injection first thing in the morning and have no issues. Make sure you are well hydrated.
- How long can the peptide medication vial stay at room temperature?
The vial arrives to your home with ice packs and be stored in the fridge. The vial if left out or going on a trip can stay at room temperature (<70 degrees) for less than a day. It can’t be in the sun either. If traveling a short distance that is fine to keep in a cooler travel case. Unused syringes are also okay to travel with.
- How long is the treatment and what does it include?
This varies person to person – the length of treatment depends on the amount of weight you desire to lose. The medication is tapered up monthly to a dose specific to you that you maintain weight loss at and once you hit your goal weight then the medication is tapered back down. The taper length is also person specific. Some people prefer to be off the medication entirely and others will want a low maintenance dose lifelong.
- How are the peptide medications administered?
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are administered as an insulin injection into subcutaneous tissue (fat underneath the skin) which is typically given in the abdomen, batwing (fat part under the arm), or thigh once a week. Recommend rotating sites weekly. You may take the injection in the morning, afternoon, or evening; but we do recommend taking on an empty stomach and hydrated.
- Can I take these weight loss medications if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is limited information available about the safety of semaglutide and tirzepatide during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should generally refrain from taking them.
- Is Semaglutide a type of insulin?
No, semaglutide is not a type of insulin or a substitute for insulin.
- Is the injectable weight loss medications a stimulant? Are the same as phentermine?
No, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are not stimulants. While other weight loss medications, like phentermine, have stimulating effects that help curb your appetite, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide work differently. This means that it is safe for more people, especially those with high blood pressure, sleep issues, anxiety and more.
- Is semaglutide or tirzepatide covered by my insurance?
Semaglutide and Tirzeaptide are most likely not covered by insurance under the branded names. The coupons are unfortunately are going away as well. When not covered by insurance, the branded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can cost between $1,000 to $1,400 for a one month supply.
- Can I use my HSA card?
ABSOLUTELY! Upload your HSA card to the portal for payment.
- How are my refills handled?
When you only have 1-2 doses left, reach out through our website for a refill or send us a message text through the portal. You are responsible for calling in to request your refill. We recommend the 3 month bundle so you have the 12 weeks of medication in your fridge so less risk of having a medication delay.
- Who cannot use Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections?
Semaglutide is not recommended for those with a history of thyroid cancer, type-1 diabetes, history or pancreatitis, MEN2(tumors on the thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, lips, mouth, eyes and digestive tract), and not for people who are pregnant.