A few months ago we announced that we started compounding sublingual Semaglutide. Semaglutide (which you may know by the brand name Ozempic) was originally used to treat type 2 diabetes in an injectable form, and is now being used for weight loss. The sublingual format is still very new, so we wanted to provide you with an update.
In March, we started compounding Semaglutide at a strength of 1mg/ml. Not having a lot of data on this new, compounded solution, we started follow-up calls with every patient that picked up compounded Semaglutide at our store. In just a few months, we have already called well over 100 patients. Based on feedback from those patients, and from other professional compounding groups that we participate with, we made the decision last month to change the strength of our compounded sublingual Semaglutide to 2mg/ml.
Not only does the new strength allow practitioners to easily titrate to a higher dose (which may be necessary to achieve the desired results), it also limits the amount of medication the patient is required to hold in their mouth, making it easier to take. We are finding that the longer patients can hold the medication under their tongue, the better it works.
We are happy to report that 99% of the patients we called are experiencing no side effects. This is a big difference from the injectable version that causes nausea, fatigue, vomiting, stomach pain, and more. The sublingual format does seem to help avoid most, if not all, of the side effects of the commercial product.
We have developed a list of tips for patients taking Semaglutide:
1. Drink lots of water! It is recommended that you drink 30ml/kg or 15ml/lb of weight. For example, a 200lb patient should drink 3000ml of water per day or 12.5 eight-ounce glasses of water. This will help decrease side effects like nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
2. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is proven to help with weight loss and overall quality of life.
3. Avoid high fat foods, high glycemic index foods, and foods that slow down the gut. GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide slow down the gut, so it is best to avoid foods that also slow down gut motility. Examples of these types of foods include fried chicken, hamburgers an other red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages like juice, carbonated beverages, oil, butter, nuts, peanut butter, wine, beer, cheese, and broccoli. Moderation is key!
4. Exercise. Take time to exercise. A walk after a meal is a great way to get steps in and helps with digestion.
5. Follow all instructions. Use your medication exactly as it is prescribed.
If you would like a prescription sheet for compounded sublingual Semaglutide to take to your practitioner, please visit NorlandRx.com and click on Compounding. To learn more, visit www.subsema.com or give us a call anytime and ask for our compounding pharmacist, Tony.
*These statements are culmination of the knowledge and experience of the team at Norland Pharmacy. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition or treatment. No compounded medication is reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Comments