Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I prescribing compounded medications? 

Cost. If your insurance does not cover these medications, it costs between $400 to $1,000 per month. I provide compounded Semaglutide starting at approximately $160 per month and compounded Tirzepatide starting at approximately $190 per month. Cost varies based on the dose and the amount of medication ordered at one time.

What is a compound pharmacy?

A compound pharmacy buys the raw ingredients in bulk and combines them into customized medications.  

Which compound pharmacy do I use? 

Strive Pharmacy. They have high quality standards, test their products, and their headquarters is located in Gilbert, Arizona. 

Are compound pharmacies safe? 

Yes, they are a safe alternative and have been around for hundreds of years. My patients have experienced significant weight loss with minimal side effects using these compounded medications.

Does compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have the same ingredients as in Wegovy and Zepbound? 

Yes. It even includes additional benefits. The compounded medications include the supplement b12 to reduce nausea and the amino acid glycine to reduce loss of muscle mass.

What about Ozempic or Mounjaro? 

Ozempic and Mounjaro are only indicated for individuals with diabetes. Wegovy and Zepbound are prescribed for weight loss, but many insurance plans do not cover the medication. 

What is the typical Semaglutide dose?

The dose is gradually increased every 4 weeks from 0.25mg to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and then up to the target dose of 2.4 mg once per week.

What is the typical Tirzepatide dose?

The starting dose is 2.5 mg once per week, increasing gradually every 4 weeks to 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, and then up to the target dose of 15 mg once a week.

Do I have to follow the typical dosing schedule?

A benefit of compounded medication is flexibility. We can adjust your dose for gradual, healthy weight loss. Gradual weight loss reduces loss of muscle mass and the risk of skin laxity. 

What are visits like?

During the initial consultation, I will review your history, discuss your goals, and create a plan. I want you to feel comfortable, understand the medication, and agree on a plan.

What do consults cost? 

The initial consultation is $75. Follow-up visits are $50.

What kind of weight loss can I expect?

Semaglutide typically results in a 15% weight loss. Tirzepatide typically results in 15% total body weight loss, which can increase to 20% at higher doses. This can be increased with lifestyle changes, including Mediterranean style high protein diet, reducing portion sizes, and regular exercise. 

Does obesity have risks?

Obesity increases your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and 13 types of cancer.

So, how does it work?

Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide work four ways: 

1. Increases insulin secretion in response to high blood glucose levels. This means you have a lower average glucose level, which reduces inflammation and suppresses your appetite. 

2. Decreases inappropriate glucagon secretion from the liver, which reduces your blood glucose. 

3. Slows stomach emptying, which makes you feel full for longer. 

4. Sends signals to your brain that you are full.

What are the risks?

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. These side effects can be reduced with diet changes, supplements, and increasing fluid intake. 

Less than 1% of users have reported gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or acute kidney injury. The majority of reported kidney injuries are not related to the medication. They are due to dehydration from nausea, vomiting, or low fluid intake. 

Is there a cancer risk?

In rodents, tirzepatide caused thyroid C-cell tumors with higher doses and longer treatments. It is unknown whether tirzepatide may cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in humans. 

Tirzepatide is NOT recommended for patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. It is important to check for any family history of medullary thyroid cancer. 

I also recommend patients continually monitor for any mass in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or persistent hoarse voice.

I’m interested, now what? 

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