GLP-1 FAQs

How do GLP-1s work? GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide 1) is a hormone naturally produced by your small intestine. The GLP-1 medications work on the same receptors as your natural GLP-1 hormone to control feelings of hunger and fullness and regulate blood sugar. Mechanistically, GLP-1s address biology in a way that helps lower your weight set point.

Why use an injectable?

Injectable GLP-1s are preferred since they’ve been around for years and their use is supported by many clinical trials. They are more effective than oral GLP-1s for weight loss in clinical studies. An injectable also offers a lot of flexibility, as it can be done with or without food at any time of day.

Is it painful?

While an injectable seems scary and sounds painful to many individuals, it’s actually easy to use, and our healthcare team will walk you through all the steps. Most patients report after starting that it’s easier than taking a pill and doesn’t hurt. The needle is extremely small so you can barely see it when injecting.

How do I inject?

GLP-1s come in a vial that’s simple to use and easy to draw up. You inject it under the skin in your stomach, thigh, or abdomen. We recommend changing the site each day to minimize the potential of a skin reaction. We’re also happy to answer any questions you have if needed! Message your healthcare team with any questions.

Will I develop any redness around the injection site?

Redness around the injection site is common and will go away. We recommend rotating the injection site and never using the same needle twice in a row. If you choose to inject in the same area (i.e. abdomen), always use a different spot. If the area becomes painful and/or swollen, let us know right away by messaging your healthcare team.

What if I forgot to take it on the day I’m supposed to or I want to change the day I inject?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible within 5 days after you missed the dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take it again on your regularly scheduled day.

How long does it take for the medication to work?

It usually takes a couple of weeks of tapering up on the medication before you start losing weight, but you should notice appetite suppression within the first week.

Is there a risk for developing thyroid cancer?

We do not recommend GLP-1s if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN syndrome. But for everyone else, there are no human studies that show an increased risk of thyroid cancer.

SIDE NOTE: PLEASE TELL YOUR ANESTHESIA PROVIDER THAT YOU ARE TAKING SEMAGLUTIDE

Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
*Gastrointestinal: Nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, Diarrhea/constipation, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, eructation, flatulence, gastroenteritis, GERD, gastritis, lipase increase, amylase increase
* Neurological: Headache, dizziness
* Cardiac: Heart rate increase, Hypotension
* Endocrine: Fatigue, hypoglycemia (diabetic patients), alopecia
* Ophthalmic: Retinal disorder (diabetic patients)
* Skin: redness or pain at injection site
Serious Reactions include, but are not limited to:
* Thyroid C-cell tumor (animal studies)
*Medullary thyroid cancer
* Hypersensitivity reaction
* Anaphylaxis
* Angioedema
* Acute kidney injury
* Chronic renal failure exacerbation
* Pancreatitis
* Cholelithiasis
* Cholecystitis
* Syncope