Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are weekly injections used to help you lose weight. They are designed for individuals with a BMI greater than 30 or for individuals with a BMI of at least 27 who also have comorbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, or heart disease.
The injection is administered once a week with the option to go up on the dose every 4 weeks until you reach the max dose. Once you reach your goal weight, you can then switch over to a maintenance dose which will not require weekly injections.
THINGS NOT TO DO WHILE ON THE INJECTIONS
*DO NOT SKIP SHOTS UNLESS ADVISED TO DO SO
*DO NOT TAKE ANYONE ELSE’S MEDICATION
*DO NOT STOP AND THE RE-START WITHOUT DISCUSSING WITH NP FIRST
*DO NOT GO UP ON THE DOSE TOO QUICKLY
*DO NOT GIVE UP JUST BECAUSE THE SCALE DOES NOT MOVE WHEN YOU WANT IT TO MOVE
*DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BECOME CONSTIPATED; NOTIFY THE NP SO SOLUTIONS CAN BE OFFERED
SIDE EFFECTS
· Nausea
· Diarrhea
· Reflux
· Heartburn
· Constipation
· Abdominal Pain
· Belching
· Vomiting
· Gas
· Gallbladder Problem
· Pancreatitis
· Hypoglycemia
· Changes in Vision in Patients with Type II DM
· Depression or Thoughts of Suicide
· ****Kidney Problems due to severe diarrhea, and vomiting which may lead to dehydration****
WAYS TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
· Drink 1 gallon of water a day (if tolerated and not contraindicated)
· Add a fiber supplement
· Increase your green leafy veggies
· Eat healthy fats
· Take a daily multivitamin, omega 3 caps, and consider a hair, nail, skin vitamin
· Avoid fried and fatty foods
· Lower your carbohydrate intake