Monthly Vial at a SET dose
What are GLP-1 Agonists?
Originally approved by the FDA in 2008 to treat Type 2 Diabetes, GLP-1 medications have made great strides in the treatment of insulin-resistant metabolisms & obesity, as well.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. GLP1 is an intestinal hormone that your body releases after eating to increase insulin secretion. GLP-1 meds, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1 Inhibitors, stimulate the release of insulin, which keeps blood sugar levels normal. A notable side effect of GLP-1s is weight loss, which led to GLP-1s being tested as an anti-obesity drug.
Why do GLP-1s lead to weight loss?
GLP-1s control appetite and weight through a complex series of brain-gut reactions. GLP-1s work by activating GLP-1 receptors, which leads to the following effects:
- Increased insulin production
- Reduced glucagon release
- Reduced appetite
- Delayed gastric emptying
The increase in GLP-1 receptor activity makes the stomach empty slower and assists in regulating the brain’s hunger signals. This helps you feel more satisfied with fewer calories consumed, resulting in weight loss. While taking GLP-1s, it is still recommended and encouraged to keep a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine.
The FDA approved two long-acting GLP-1s as anti-obesity medications:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda™)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy™)
- Tirzepatide (Zepound™)
Even though these GLP-1s treat type 2 diabetes, additional studies found that they can also reduce weight, regardless if you have type 2 diabetes or not!
1/3 of Americans are overweight, according to the body mass index (BMI). Overweight individuals are those with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25, while obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. Obesity increases the risk of nerve and kidney damage due to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, and more.
You can reduce your risk of heart disease by losing 5% to 10% of your body weight if you are overweight.
In addition to promoting weight loss, both of these long-acting GLP-1s improved A1C test results more than short-acting GLP-1s.
Are GLP-1s covered by my insurance?
Some insurance companies do offer coverage for GLP-1s. We encourage every new patient to call their insurance company and inquire if they cover any GLP-1s & under what criteria are those medications covered. Some insurances do require a PA (prior authorization).
Some companies have resources available to check coverage:
Compounding Options
(subject to changes & unpublished updates)
Semaglutide/Saline
12.5 mg of compounded medication
Patient receives 5 ml vial with syringes & alcohol wipes. The vial can last up to 3.5 months, depending on patient’s current dosing. For example, a patient taking 1 mg (40 units), can expect their vial to last around 12~ weeks.
- .25 mg dose = 10 units
- .5 mg dose = 20 units
- 1 mg dose = 40 units
- 1.7 mg dose = 68 units
- 2.4 mg dose = 96 units
Tirzepatide/NAD
34 mg of compounded medication
Patient receives 2 ml vial with syringes & alcohol wipes. The vial can last up to 3 months, depending on patient’s current dosing. For example, a patient taking 5 mg (29 units), can expect their vial to last around 7~ weeks.
- 2.5 mg dose = 15 units
- 5 mg dose = 29 units
- 7.5 mg dose = 44 units
- 10 mg dose = 58 units
- 12.5 mg dose = 74 units
- 15 mg dose = 88 units
Semaglutide/B12
12.5 mg of compounded medication
Patient receives 2.5 ml vial with syringes & alcohol wipes. The vial can last up to 3.5 months, depending on patient’s current dosing. For example, a patient taking 1 mg (20 units), can expect their vial to last around 12~ weeks.
- .25 mg dose = 5 units
- .5 mg dose = 10 units
- 1 mg dose = 20 units
- 1.7 mg dose = 34 units
- 2.4 mg dose = 48 units
Additional Compounding Options
(Monthly Set Doses)
| Tirzepatide/B12 | Semaglutide/B12 |
|---|---|
| 2.5 mg – 15 mg | .5 mg – 2 mg |
| Monthly Pricing $175 – $550* | Monthly Pricing $150 – $250* |
| Monthly Vial at a SET dose | Monthly Vial at a SET dose |
